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Anthropicfeature

September 2, 2026·Source

Background Computer Use in Claude Cowork and Claude Code

Claude can operate your desktop in the background while you keep working on something else.

Details

Claude clicks, types, and opens applications the way a person would, and now does it in the background instead of taking over your screen
Works in Claude Cowork and in the Claude Code desktop app
In beta on Pro and Max plans, in the desktop app on macOS only
Turned on under Settings, General, Computer use

Best for

handing off a desktop task that needs real clicking and typing across apps, then getting on with your own work

When to use it

a job runs through apps with no API or shared workflow, and you don't want to sit and watch it happen

Who benefits

Pro and Max subscribers on a Mac who already run Cowork or the Claude Code desktop app

More from Anthropic

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Claude Code Diff Panel

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Background Computer Use in Claude Cowork and Claude Code | Anthropic | Chasing Next