Claude Cowork can now browse, research and finish your work while you are away: Here is how

Anthropic has introduced the Claude Cowork, a new AI powered workspace that can independently complete complex, multi-step tasks. It will be available for paid Claude subscribers and will allow users to assign long-running projects, ranging from research and document creation to spreadsheet generation and file management, while the AI continues working in the background.

Unlike the traditional chatbot, Claude Cowork is designed to function more like a digital collaborator. Users can assign a task, leave the session, and return later to completed work. Check out the features, capabilities and how to set it up.

Features and capabilities

The Claude Cowork can make formatted reports, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets with working formulas, analyse large datasets, organise files and conduct research by combining information from multiple sources. The users can also split large assignments into smaller subtasks and process them at the same time.

For desktop users, the AI can access local folders, edit files directly and even interact with Google Chrome for web-based tasks such as filling forms or navigating websites. Anthropic has also introduced scheduled tasks, allowing users to automate recurring work without keeping their computer online.

The company is also adding project based workspaces where users can organise files, instructions and memory for ongoing assignments. In addition, plugins will let organisations extend Claude’s capabilities by integrating custom tools, connectors and workflows.

Availability

Claude Cowork is available for Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise subscribers through Claude Desktop for Windows and macOS, the Claude web app, and the latest Android and iOS applications. The feature is currently in beta on web and mobile, with the rollout beginning for Max subscribers before expanding to other paid plans over the coming weeks.

How to set up Claude Cowork

If you have the paid Claude subscription, here are the steps that you should follow.

1. Download the latest version of the Claude app on Windows, macOS, Android, or iPhone.
2. Open the chat interface and select Chat > Cowork from the options above the message box.
3. Now, write down the task that you want Claude to complete. It may include organising files, researching a topic, preparing a presentation, and so on.
4. Now review the chatbot’s approach and let it begin to work.
5. If your task requires access to local files or browser actions, keep the Claude Desktop app open and grant the appropriate permissions.

You can monitor progress, provide additional instructions, or approve actions from desktop, web, or mobile while the task continues to run remotely.