The Claude desktop app is the recommended setup for Cowork and Code, which are built to work with files on your computer. On Windows, the installer turns on Virtual Machine Platform - a Windows feature the sandbox behind Cowork and Code relies on - but it does not take effect until you reboot, so restarting before first launch is a required one-time step. If you skip the restart the app still opens, but Cowork and Code stop with a "Virtual Machine Platform not available" message that a restart clears; Macs are not affected. Always sign in with your Syracuse email address, and reach out to aihelp@syr.edu if you need help getting started.
Install the Claude desktop app
Overview
Chat works in any browser, but Cowork and Code are designed around the Claude desktop app, which can work with files on your computer. On a University-managed computer you can install it yourself with no ticket and no administrator rights: on Windows open Company Portal, and on macOS open Jamf Self Service, then search for Claude and select Install. On Windows, restart your computer before launching the app for the first time. On a personal computer, download it from claude.ai/download and sign in with your Syracuse email address.
Steps
Windows (managed): open Company Portal from the Start menu, search for Claude, and select Install.
macOS (managed): open Jamf Self Service from Applications, search for Claude, and select Install.
Windows only: after the install finishes, restart your computer before opening Claude for the first time.
Personal computer: download the app from https://claude.ai/download.
Sign in with your Syracuse email address so your work stays under University protections.
Still stuck? Email aihelp@syr.edu.
Official links
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