Getting Started with Cowork

Cowork is a research preview that brings the agentic capabilities of Claude Code to Claude Desktop. It enables Claude to perform complex, multi-step tasks across your local files for knowledge work that goes far beyond coding.

The Philosophy of "Tasks" Mode

Unlike traditional "Chat" mode where Claude responds to prompts one at a time, Cowork operates in a "Tasks" mode. In this mode, Claude acts as an agent: you describe the desired outcome, and Claude takes on the responsibility of planning and executing all necessary steps to achieve it.

Key Capabilities

  • Local File Access: Read and write directly to your local system without manual uploads.
  • Sub-agent Coordination: Automatically breaks complex tasks into parallel workstreams.
  • Long-running Execution: Surpasses conversation timeouts for work that takes time.
  • Professional Outputs: Delivers polished files like Excel with formulas and slide decks.

Requirements

  • Platform: Claude Desktop app for macOS.
  • Plan: Active Max plan subscription.
  • Environment: Secure Virtual Machine (VM) execution.
  • Connection: Active internet connection required.

How Cowork Executes Your Work

When you start a task, Claude follows a sophisticated agentic workflow:

  1. Planning: Analyzes the request and constructs a multi-step execution strategy.
  2. Task Breakdown: Identifies subtasks that can be handled by sub-agents.
  3. VM Execution: Code runs safely in an isolated virtual machine environment on your computer.
  4. Delivery: Finished outputs are delivered directly to your file system.

Security and Permissions

Cowork runs in a Virtual Machine (VM) on your computer. This provides a controlled and isolated environment separate from your main operating system.

You maintain full visibility and control: Claude surfaces its reasoning throughout the process, and you must grant permission for file and network access.

Outcome-Based Working

"Organize my Downloads folder by type and date" — Claude can sort hundreds of files into categorized folders autonomously while you focus on other work.