How to Install Claude AI on Your Computer (Mac & Windows)

If you've heard about AI tools that can pull comps, analyze deals, build quotes, and write follow-up sequences — and you're wondering how to actually get them running on your computer — this is the post for you.

I'm going to walk you through installing Claude AI (by Anthropic) on your Mac terminal or Windows command prompt. No fluff. No "unlock your potential" talk. Just the actual steps.

Why Claude specifically? Because the free AI skill packs I've built for wholesalers, realtors, HVAC contractors, and residential cleaners all run on Claude. Once you've got it installed, you've got access to a full toolkit built specifically for your business.

What You Actually Need

Before we start, here's what you need:

• A computer running macOS or Windows 10/11
• A Claude account (free to start — sign up here — the Pro plan at $20/mo is worth it)
• About 15 minutes

Step 1 — Get a Claude Account

Create your Claude account here. A free account works to start. If you're going to be using this for actual business tasks, the Pro plan ($20/mo) removes the usage limits and is worth every dollar.

Once you have an account, you're ready to install Claude Code.

Step 2 — Install Node.js First (Required)

Claude Code runs on Node.js. If you don't have it installed, do this first.

Mac:

Open your Terminal (search "Terminal" in Spotlight) and paste this:

Then close and reopen Terminal, and run:

Windows:

Go to nodejs.org, download the LTS installer, and run it. Default settings are fine. Once installed, open Command Prompt (search "cmd" in the Start menu).

Verify Node is installed by running:

You should see a version number like v20.x.x. If you do, you're good.

Step 3 — Install Claude Code

Now the actual install. In your Terminal (Mac) or Command Prompt (Windows), run:

This installs Claude Code globally on your machine. It'll take about 30 seconds.

Once it's done, verify it installed correctly:

If you see a version number, you're installed.

Create a folder where your Claude projects will live

Before you log in, create a dedicated folder on your computer for Claude projects. This is where you'll download skill packs and run Claude from. You can name it anything — most people use Claude on their Desktop or home directory.

Mac:

Windows: Open File Explorer, navigate to where you want it (Desktop or Documents is fine), right-click → New Folder → name it Claude. Then in Command Prompt, navigate to it:

From now on, this is where you'll run Claude and keep your skill pack folders.

Step 4 — Log In

Run this command to log in with your Anthropic account:

The first time you run it, it'll open a browser window and ask you to authorize. Log in with the same account you created on claude.ai. Once authorized, you'll be back in the terminal ready to go.

Step 5 — Test It

Type this and hit Enter:

If you get a response back, Claude Code is working. You're done with setup.

Now What? — Use It for Your Business

Here's where it gets useful. I've built free AI skill packs specifically designed for business owners in these industries:

• Wholesalers: Property recon, comp analysis, rehab estimates, deal stacking — get free access
• Realtors: Listing arsenal, comp crushing, market intel, neighborhood dominator — coming soon
• HVAC Contractors: Lead recon, quote builder, job stacker, review engine — coming soon
• Residential Cleaners: Quote builder, sales coach, review engine, CRM connect — coming soon

Each one is a folder of skill files you download and run with Claude Code. They're built for specific workflows — not generic prompts you have to tweak forever. You download the folder, open it in Claude Code, and you're running real AI workflows in your actual business.

Common Issues

"Permission denied" on Mac: Run the install command with sudo in front of it. It'll ask for your Mac password.

"npm is not recognized" on Windows: Node didn't install correctly. Restart your computer and try the Node install again.

Login isn't working: Make sure you're using the same email on claude.ai and in the terminal login. If the browser window doesn't open automatically, copy the URL it gives you and paste it manually.

That's it. You're set up. Go download one of the skill packs and actually use it.