# Claude Code Install Cheat Sheet and Fix-It Table

Everything from the tutorial on one page: the install line for your computer, the checks, and the fixes for the errors beginners hit most. All commands come from Anthropic's official setup and terminal guides. Check the live pages if a command ever stops working:

- Setup: https://code.claude.com/docs/en/setup
- Terminal guide for new users: https://code.claude.com/docs/en/terminal-guide
- Installation troubleshooting: https://code.claude.com/docs/en/troubleshoot-install

---

## Part 1: Before you start (2 minutes)

Tick all three:

- [ ] My computer is a Mac on macOS 13 or newer, or Windows 10 (version 1809 or newer), with 4 GB of memory or more.
- [ ] Claude Code is available in my country (Anthropic's supported countries list).
- [ ] I have a paid Claude plan (Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise) or a Claude Console account. The free Claude plan does not include Claude Code.

---

## Part 2: Open a terminal

| Computer | How to open it |
| --- | --- |
| Mac | Press Cmd + Space, type Terminal, press Enter |
| Windows | Press Win + X, choose Windows PowerShell (or Terminal) |

On Windows, check the start of the line. `PS C:\Users\YourName>` means PowerShell. `C:\Users\YourName>` with no PS means CMD.

---

## Part 3: The install line (pick one)

Mac, Linux, or Windows WSL:

```
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
```

Windows PowerShell:

```
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
```

Windows CMD:

```
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd
```

Package manager options (these do not update themselves):

```
brew install --cask claude-code
winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode
```

The command shows no progress bar. Wait for "Claude Code successfully installed!"

---

## Part 4: Check it worked

Close the terminal, open a new one, and run:

```
claude --version
```

You should see a version number followed by "(Claude Code)". For a fuller health check:

```
claude doctor
```

---

## Part 5: Your first session

```
mkdir claude-hello
cd claude-hello
claude
```

The first time, sign in with your Claude account in the browser window that opens. Then try this prompt:

> Make me a simple webpage that says hello world, with a friendly heading and a blue button.

Press Enter on **Yes** when it asks to create the file, then double-click the new .html file in the folder.

---

## Part 6: Fix-it table

| What you see | What it means | Fix |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `command not found: claude` (Mac) | The install worked but your computer cannot find it yet | Run the two PATH lines below, then open a new terminal |
| `'claude' is not recognized` (Windows) | Same as above | Run the two Windows PATH lines below, close PowerShell, open a new window |
| `'irm' is not recognized` | You are in CMD, not PowerShell | Open PowerShell (Win + X) or use the CMD install line |
| `The token '&&' is not a valid statement separator` | You are in PowerShell, not CMD | Use the PowerShell install line |
| `syntax error near unexpected token '<'` | The install address returned a web page, not the installer | Run the command again. If it keeps happening on a Mac, use `brew install --cask claude-code` |
| `dyld: cannot load` or "built for Mac OS X 13.0" | Your macOS is older than 13 | Update macOS in Software Update |
| Could not create SSL/TLS secure channel (older Windows 10) | Old security setting | Run `[Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = [Net.SecurityProtocolType]::Tls12` and then the PowerShell install line again |
| Claude Code asks you to log in but you have the free plan | Free plan has no Claude Code access | Upgrade your plan or use a Console account |

PATH fix on a Mac (zsh):

```
echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc
```

PATH fix on Windows (PowerShell):

```
$currentPath = [Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariable('PATH', 'User')
[Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable('PATH', "$currentPath;$env:USERPROFILE\.local\bin", 'User')
```

---

## Part 7: Everyday commands

| Command | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| `claude` | Start Claude Code in the current folder |
| `claude -c` | Continue your most recent conversation in this folder |
| `claude update` | Update Claude Code now |
| `claude doctor` | Check your install and settings |
| `/help` | Inside Claude Code: list commands |
| `/login` | Inside Claude Code: switch account |
| `/exit` or Ctrl + D twice | Leave Claude Code |
| Esc | Stop Claude if it is working on something you do not want |
| Shift + Tab | Change how much Claude asks before acting |

---

## Part 8: Safe habits for beginners

- Start in a new, empty folder until you are comfortable. Claude Code works with the files in the folder where you start it.
- Read each permission question before pressing Enter.
- Never paste an install line from a random website. Use only the official lines above.
- Keep API keys and passwords out of your prompts.

Claude Code Install Cheat Sheet and Fix-It Table from https://coding180.com