Claude Code Installation Guide for Windows: Git, PATH, Environment Variables, PowerShell, WSL, and Full Troubleshooting (2026)

Claude Code Installation Guide for Windows: Git, PATH, Environment Variables, PowerShell, WSL, and Full Troubleshooting (2026) Windows users usually hit a different set of Claude Code problems than macOS users. Not because Claude Code is impossible on Windows, but because Windows has more environment combinations: Command Prompt PowerShell Windows Terminal Git Bash WSL Node installed from MSI Node installed from winget Git installed but not added to PATH environment variables set for one shell but not another That is why this guide goes slower and explains the setup chain from zero. Before You Install Anything: Choose Your Windows Path There are two realistic paths. Option A: Native Windows setup Use: Windows Terminal PowerShell Git for Windows Node.js for Windows npm global install This is easier for most beginners. Option B: WSL setup Use: WSL2 Ubuntu or Debian inside WSL Linux install steps inside WSL This is often cleaner for developers, but it adds an extra layer. If you are compl