Ep. 40: Claude Has a Desktop App, Here’s What You Need to Know
In this post I cover a very simple, but very helpful (IMO) bit of tech: Claude’s desktop app. I cover what it is (Claude but as a native app on your computer instead of a browser tab), who it’s actually for, system requirements, and how to download it, along with a quick walk-through of the desktop interface, and why it’s become my daily driver.
Cheers to 40!
Today we are talking about Claude’s Desktop app, but first, a moment to celebrate 40 episodes, y’all! Look at us go!
It’s important to me to celebrate all the wins, and while I started this with every intention of continuing it basically forever (my other podcast has over 700 episodes), I’m still gonna celebrate every milestone along the way. So cheers to 40! Thank you for being here!
Quick Update on Mythos
Before we hop into the main topic, a real quick update on Mythos, Anthropic’s newest model.
The update…is that I have no update. It be like that sometimes.
By the time this episode releases there may be an update, but as of the time I’m writing it, there’s nothing new to report. For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, Mythos is Anthropic’s newest model. It’s incredibly powerful and capable, so much so that they didn’t release it to the public, and instead released it to the cybersecurity community under the project name Glasswing, with the hopes that they could…get ahead of things?
What exactly Mythos means for everything and everyone is TBD, but it’s not nothing, and I just want to keep it on your curiosity radar.
So, What Is Claude Desktop?
On to today’s main topic: Claude Desktop. WTF is this thing?
Simply put: Claude Desktop is Claude, but as a native app on your computer instead of a browser tab. Same Claude, different container, and this different container unlocks things the web version can’t do.
Claude Desktop lives in your dock or taskbar (just like any other app) with a quick-entry shortcut so you don’t have to open a browser.
Why Would You Even Want to Use Claude Desktop?
Real talk, I’ve been using the desktop app for quite some time now, and I only downloaded it because I wanted to use Claude Code. Das it.
Claude Desktop is the most user-friendly way to use Claude Code, and realistically, if you’re not doing anything with Claude Code (or Claude Cowork), you’ve likely got no use for Claude Desktop.
But for those of you looking to do a bit more with Claude, like have it work with extensions, or work with files on your computer, or if you’re venturing into vibe coding, you’re going to want Claude Desktop.
A quick ask: I’m strongly toying with the idea of running a workshop for folks who want to get into vibe coding but aren’t sure where to start, and/or just want someone to hold their hand. If this is something you’d be interested in, do me a solid and reply to this email and let me know. I’m thinking it’ll be about 3 hours long and cost somewhere around $150. Hit reply and let me know if you’d be down for something like this, and if there’s enough interest I’ll move forward with next steps.
Who Can Download Claude Desktop?
Anyone can download Claude Desktop, with some system caveats.
Worth noting: in order to use Claude Cowork and Claude Code, you will need a paid plan — Pro (what I use), Max, Team, or Enterprise.
System requirements:
- Mac: macOS 11 (Big Sur) or higher
- Windows: Windows 10 or higher
How to download: Just head to claude.com/download and follow the instructions. Super simple.
Making a Case for Claude Desktop
Allow me to pause for a moment and emphasize the fact that I’m not really making a case for Claude Desktop, which is the entire point of everything I do over here at Prompting Curiosity.
I want you to use things because you’re curious about them and/or you think they might help you in some way, shape, or form. AI continues to be very “here’s a solution, go find a problem,” paired with “this is the greatest thing ever and if you don’t use it you’re going to get left behind.” Immediately no. Immediately fucking no.
If you’re looking to take your Claude usage to the next level, have it work with local files, and want to try your hand at vibe coding, Claude Desktop, and this episode, are for you.
If you’re a casual AI user who’s just using Claude for chatting and the like, the web version works fine.
As per always, take what serves you and leave the rest.
The Interface
Claude desktop app looks like a clean, minimal chat window with three tabs running across the top.
It’s the same look, feel, and branding as the web version, but the top of Claude Desktop has a section where you can toggle between Claude Chat, Claude Cowork, and Claude Code.
You simply click which tab you want to use and the corresponding window opens up inside of the app.
Yes, you can concurrently run tasks inside of each of these three different tabs at the same time. Why would you personally need or want to be performing tasks concurrently in all three tabs? I have no idea. Again, one of those “here’s a solution, go find a problem” kind of things. I just want to let you know that the functionality exists.
I actually never use Cowork, nor do I really understand the utility, hence why I’ve yet to dedicate an entire episode to it. It’s been my experience that I can have Claude (Chat) and Claude Code do everything I need. So, I don’t click that tab, but for those of you who interested in Cowork, it’s there.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that everything you do on the web version of Claude (Claude.ai) carries over to Claude Desktop, and vice versa. All of your projects, and conversations, and settings, etc, they all get pulled over. Like I wrote earlier, same Claude, just a different container.
How I Used AI This Week
Each episode I share a quick example of how I used AI that week.
This week I ran my AI-assisted podcast workflow automation, and it continues to be incredibly helpful. For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, I detailed the buildout of said automation in episode 37.
I’m “re-using” this AI use-case for this week’s ‘How I used AI’ example primarily I read a lot about AI — everything from productivity stats for major businesses to opinions on Threads — and I’ll die on the hill that these “simple” personal tasks are hands-down the best way for individuals to utilize AI.
What problem do you need solved? What thing (that isn’t creative and/or client-facing) do you hate doing that you can outsource to a robot? What repetitive task can you hand off to technology?
Episode 37 is a little techy, but it’s worth a read if you’re looking for some inspiration about how to use AI in a way that can be legitimately productive for you and help you get some time that you can use to do the things you actually want to be doing.
Da Wrap-up
Claude Desktop is simply Claude in a native app container: same Claude, different access point, with some super-dope unlocked capabilities. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re venturing into Claude Code or vibe coding, it’s the move.
Are you using Claude Desktop? Hell, are you using Claude? (No judgement either way!) I’d love to hear from you and also hear how you’re using it. I love sharing what I’m doing, but it’s just as cool to share what you’re doing. We’re in this together!
As always, endlessly grateful for you and your curiosity.
Catch you next Thursday.
Maestro out.