Does Claude Code computer use work on Windows?

Not yet. Computer use is currently macOS only. It's a research preview feature.

What are Claude Code channels?

Channels are plugins that push messages into a running Claude Code session from Telegram, Discord, or iMessage. You install a plugin, configure your bot token, restart Claude Code with the --channels flag, and pair your account. Then you can message your bot from your phone and Claude responds in the same session.

What are Claude Code cloud scheduled tasks?

Cloud scheduled tasks run a prompt on a recurring cadence using Anthropic's servers. They keep working even when your computer is off. Create them at claude.ai/code/scheduled or with /schedule in the CLI. Available on Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans. Minimum interval is 1 hour.

Free Guide

How to Set Up Computer Use in Claude Code

Enable Claude to control your entire desktop, message it from your phone via Telegram, and schedule tasks to run on autopilot.

What you need

Claude Desktop (macOS) Pro or Max plan

Three Claude Code features shipped in the same week that change what it can do. Channels let you message a running session from Telegram, Discord, or iMessage. Scheduled tasks run prompts on a recurring schedule without you being there. And computer use gives Claude full control of your macOS desktop: clicking, typing, opening apps, navigating GUIs. Here's the setup for all three, starting with computer use.

Computer use

Enable computer use in settings

Open Claude Code Desktop. Go to Settings > Desktop app > General. Toggle Computer Use on.

Grant the two macOS permissions

Accessibility: lets Claude click, type, and scroll. macOS prompts you, or grant it in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility
Screen Recording: lets Claude see your screen. Grant in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording

The Settings page shows the status of each. If either says denied, click the badge to open the right System Settings pane.

Approve apps as Claude requests them

The first time Claude needs to use an app, a prompt appears in your session. Click Allow for this session. Approvals last for the current session.

Access tiers (you can't change these)

View only: browsers, trading platforms (Claude can see but not click). Click only: terminals, IDEs (click and scroll, no typing). Full control: everything else (click, type, drag, keyboard shortcuts). Claude uses the Chrome extension for browser work instead of computer use.

Ask Claude to do something on your desktop

Tell it to open an app, interact with a native tool that has no CLI, test something in the iOS simulator, or automate a GUI-only workflow. Claude takes screenshots, clicks, types, and navigates the way you would.

Channels (talk from your phone)

Set up a Telegram channel

Open BotFather in Telegram, send /newbot, name it, and copy the token
In Claude Code, run /plugin install telegram@claude-plugins-official
Run /telegram:configure <your-token>
Restart Claude Code with: claude --channels plugin:telegram@claude-plugins-official
Message your bot in Telegram. It replies with a pairing code.
Back in Claude Code, run /telegram:access pair <code> then /telegram:access policy allowlist

Now you can message your bot from your phone and Claude responds in the same session, working against your real files on your machine. Discord and iMessage channels work the same way with their own plugins.

Scheduled tasks (autopilot)

Create a cloud scheduled task

These run on Anthropic's servers. Your machine doesn't need to be on.

Go to claude.ai/code/scheduled and click New scheduled task
Name it and write the prompt (make it self-contained since it runs autonomously)
Select a GitHub repo for Claude to work in
Pick a frequency (hourly, daily, weekly). Minimum interval is 1 hour.

You can also create one from the CLI with /schedule daily PR review at 9am. Available on Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise.

Before you start

Computer use requires a Pro or Max plan. Not available on free, Team, or Enterprise.

macOS only. Computer use is not available on Windows or Linux.

Research preview. Anthropic says it's trained to avoid stock trading, sensitive data, and facial image gathering. But they also say don't give it access to sensitive stuff. The trust boundary is different from normal Claude Code.

Channels require Bun and Claude Code v2.1.80+. Check with bun --version and claude --version.

Start here

Open Settings > Desktop app > General. Toggle Computer Use on. Grant the two permissions. Ask Claude to open Finder for you. If it opens, everything is working.

Sources

Computer Use docs

Official setup guide. Covers enabling, permissions, app access tiers, and safety considerations.

code.claude.com/docs/en/desktop

Channels docs

Telegram, Discord, and iMessage setup. Plugin install, token config, pairing, and security.

code.claude.com/docs/en/channels

Scheduled Tasks docs

Three scheduling options compared: cloud tasks, Desktop tasks, and /loop. Intervals, limitations, and cron syntax.

code.claude.com/docs/en/scheduled-tasks

FAQ

Is Claude Code computer use free?

No. Requires a Pro or Max plan. The Claude Desktop app itself is free to download.

Does computer use work on Windows?

Not yet. macOS only. It's a research preview.

What can Claude actually control on my screen?

Most apps get full control (click, type, drag, keyboard shortcuts). Browsers are view-only. Terminals and IDEs are click-only. Claude uses the Chrome extension for browser work instead.

Can I use channels without computer use?

Yes. Channels, scheduled tasks, and computer use are independent features. You can set up any combination.