Claude computer use in 2026
Anthropic offers computer use in four places. Which one you want depends on whether you want Claude to do tasks for you, or you're building something with it.
Independent guide, not affiliated with Anthropic. Last checked 25 Oct 2026; details change often, so confirm in Anthropic's own docs.
| Where | Best for | Platforms | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowork | Knowledge work across your desktop apps and browser | Claude desktop app, Mac and Windows | Cowork GA on paid plans since Apr 2026; computer use in research preview |
| Claude Code | Developers who want Claude to test and operate apps it builds | Mac and Windows | Computer use in research preview |
| Claude in Chrome | Browser tasks | Chrome only; not other Chromium browsers or mobile | Extension in beta; side panel opens a Cowork session since Aug 2026 |
| API computer-use tool | Building your own agent or product | Any environment you provide | Beta |
Cowork and Claude Code
Cowork launched as a research preview in January 2026, reached Windows in February and became generally available on all paid plans on 9 April 2026. Computer use, where Claude opens apps and controls the mouse and keyboard, arrived on Mac in late March and on Windows on 3 April 2026 in both Cowork and Claude Code. It is a research preview and needs a Pro or Max plan. Anthropic advises trying it on non-sensitive apps first.
Sources: Let's Data Science, Clickforest, Claude blog.
Claude in Chrome
Claude in Chrome is available on all paid plans (Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise). It is generally available inside Cowork and Claude Code and still beta as a standalone extension. Since about 12 August 2026 the Chrome side panel opens a Cowork session, rolled out first to Max and Team, then Pro. On Enterprise it is off by default, and admins can restrict it to approved domains.
Sources: Claude Help Center, Claude blog.
The API computer-use tool
Developers can give Claude a computer-use tool through the API. Claude asks for screenshots and returns mouse and keyboard actions, and your code carries them out in an environment you control: a VM, container or cloud desktop from the infrastructure directory. The tool is in beta and needs a beta header that depends on the model version, so check the current docs. It is eligible for zero data retention for organisations with that arrangement.
Source: Claude Platform docs.
Before you turn it on
- Use a separate browser profile or machine without your personal logins.
- Limit the sites it can visit. On Enterprise, use the domain allowlist.
- Note that Cowork activity is not yet in the Compliance API, so plan your own logging if you need an audit trail.
- Read the full security checklist.
Comparing options? See all computer-use agents side by side.