Claude Code Setup: Windows, macOS & Linux Fast Start
Start with installation, then choose your billing
The quickest Claude Code setup has three parts: install the CLI, configure authentication, and test it inside a repository. Keep installation separate from billing: you can use an eligible Claude account or configure a compatible gateway. The native installer avoids the extra Node.js setup associated with npm installation. ([code.claude.com](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/setup))
Before starting, check your machine: supported systems include macOS 13+, Windows 10 version 1809+, Ubuntu 20.04+, and Debian 10+. You need an internet connection and at least 4 GB RAM. ([code.claude.com](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/setup))
1. Install Claude Code on your operating system
Windows: Open PowerShell as your normal user, not Administrator, and run:
irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex
Git for Windows is recommended for Bash-based tools. Alternatively, use WSL 2 for a Linux toolchain; install and launch Claude Code inside your WSL terminal using the Linux command below. Do not mix PowerShell installation commands with Bash commands. ([code.claude.com](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/setup))
macOS: Open Terminal and run:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
If you already manage tools with Homebrew, the alternative is brew install --cask claude-code. Choose one installation method rather than installing duplicate copies. ([code.claude.com](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview))
Linux: In Bash, run the same native installer:
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
Ensure curl and Bash are installed first. Alpine requires additional runtime packages, so follow its distribution-specific instructions rather than assuming an Ubuntu setup applies. ([code.claude.com](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/setup))
After installation, open a new terminal and run claude --version. A version number confirms that your shell can find the executable. ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/14554922-claude-code-user-faq?trk=public_post_comment-text&utm_source=openai))
2. Choose a low-cost API connection
59API is a practical low-cost option for developers who prefer pay-as-you-go usage over another recurring subscription. It supports Claude and GPT access across Claude Code, Codex, and OpenAI-compatible SDKs, and advertises native, official-quality models without downgrades. Check the current price for your chosen model rather than assuming every model costs the same. Its referral rebate offers another potential saving. ([59api.com](https://59api.com/blog/custom-ai-cli-base-urls-claude-code-and-codex-fixes-4161?utm_source=openai))
For this setup, have a 59API key and sufficient prepaid balance ready. Select a Claude model for Claude Code; GPT support in other clients does not make GPT models interchangeable with Claude Code's supported models. ([59api.com](https://59api.com/))
3. Configure 59API before launching Claude Code
59API's homepage demonstrates bearer-token authentication. Replace YOUR_59API_KEY below with your private key. Run each command separately in the terminal where you will start Claude Code. ([59api.com](https://59api.com/))
macOS, Linux, or WSL:
export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL='https://api.59api.com'
export ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN='YOUR_59API_KEY'
Windows PowerShell:
$env:ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL = 'https://api.59api.com'
$env:ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN = 'YOUR_59API_KEY'
Use the endpoint root shown here, not an OpenAI-style URL ending in /v1. These assignments affect only the current terminal and processes launched from it. After testing, persist them through your shell profile or private user-level Claude settings. Never commit credentials to shared project settings. ([59api.com](https://59api.com/blog/custom-ai-cli-base-urls-claude-code-and-codex-fixes-4161?utm_source=openai))
4. Run a small, useful first task
Navigate into your repository with cd followed by its path, then run claude. Inside the session, run /status to confirm the custom base URL and credential source. Send a short prompt to verify that requests actually succeed. ([code.claude.com](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/quickstart))
Try: “Explain this repository's entry point and test command. Do not modify files.” Once that works, request one focused change with a test. Review proposed actions and inspect the resulting diff before committing. Starting with a bounded task makes unexpected behavior easier to spot. ([code.claude.com](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/quickstart))
5. Fix common setup problems quickly
- Command not found: Check that ~/.local/bin on macOS/Linux, or %USERPROFILE%\.local\bin on Windows, is on PATH. Restart your terminal afterward. ([support.claude.com](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/14554922-claude-code-user-faq?trk=public_post_comment-text&utm_source=openai))
- Authentication failure: Check for stale ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN values. Use the credential method your provider documents rather than leaving competing credentials configured. ([code.claude.com](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/llm-gateway-connect))
- Wrong model or endpoint: Verify the exact supported model ID and base URL before reinstalling. Restart Claude Code after changing environment variables. ([59api.com](https://59api.com/blog/claude-code-auth-and-connection-errors-a-practical-guide-4162?utm_source=openai))
If flexible spending fits your workflow, consider signing up for 59API and testing one small task before increasing usage.
शुरू करने के लिए तैयार?
कुछ ही मिनटों में Claude और GPT जोड़ें, सबसे कम कीमत पर। साइन अप करें और API key पाएं।
मुफ़्त साइन अप