# Claude Cowork Claude Cowork is [[Anthropic]]'s general-purpose agent tool, launched in January 2026. Extends [[Claude Code]]'s agentic capabilities to non-developers. Accessible as a dedicated tab in Claude Desktop alongside Chat and Code. Described as "Claude Code for the rest of your work." ## Key features - File access: read, edit, create, and organize files within user-approved folders - Web searching via built-in search tool - Terminal command execution and code running - Artifact generation (interactive HTML, visualizations) - Multi-step task execution with progress tracking - Task queuing and parallel processing - Compatible with Claude connectors and [[Claude in Chrome]] ## How it works Claude develops and executes plans autonomously while keeping users informed. Unlike standard chat, users don't need to manually provide context or convert outputs. Tasks run locally in a sandboxed environment. Under the hood, uses Apple's VZVirtualMachine framework running a custom Linux root filesystem. ## Example use cases - Reorganizing and renaming files in downloads - Creating spreadsheets from scattered screenshots - Drafting reports from unorganized notes - Reviewing and analyzing document collections - Web research with multi-step verification ## Safety and control - Filesystem sandbox: Claude can only access user-approved folders - Permission prompts before significant actions - Containerized file access with default sandbox isolation - Summarization layers to reduce prompt injection risk - Agent safety remains an active area of development ## Dispatch (mobile-to-desktop task assignment) Dispatch gives a single persistent conversation with Claude that syncs across phone and desktop. Assign Claude a task from mobile, go do something else, and come back to the finished work. Claude runs on the desktop computer with access to local files, connectors, and plugins, and messages the result when done. ### How it works - One continuous thread that doesn't reset; Claude retains context from previous tasks - Message from phone on the way to work, follow up from desktop when you sit down - Claude works on the desktop using files, connectors, and plugins already configured in Cowork - Claude messages the outcome (spreadsheet, memo, comparison table) rather than showing every step ### Requirements - Claude Desktop app (macOS or Windows x64) installed and running (computer must be awake) - Claude mobile app (iOS/Android), latest version - Pro or Max plan - Active internet connection on both devices ### Setup 1. Open Cowork on phone or desktop 2. Click "Dispatch" in the left side panel 3. Follow the setup flow; optionally grant file access and keep-awake ### Example use cases - Pull data from a local spreadsheet and compile a summary report - Search Slack messages and email, then draft a briefing document - Build a formatted presentation from Google Drive files - Organize or process files in a specific folder on the computer ### Security considerations Mobile agent remotely controls a desktop agent. Instructions from the phone can trigger real actions on the computer: reading, moving, or deleting local files, interacting with connected services, controlling the browser. Manipulated instructions or phishing content encountered along the way could cascade into irreversible actions. ### Current limitations (research preview) - Desktop must be active (computer awake, app open) - Claude responds only to messages; no proactive outreach - Single continuous thread only; no multiple threads - No notifications when tasks complete - No scheduled tasks within the Dispatch thread (managed separately) ## Availability - macOS and Windows x64 - Pro ($20/month) and Max ($100-$200/month) plans; Team/Enterprise plans - Research preview status ## References - Announcement: https://claude.com/blog/cowork-research-preview - Simon Willison's analysis: https://simonwillison.net/2026/Jan/12/claude-cowork - Dispatch (mobile task assignment): https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13947068-assign-tasks-to-claude-from-anywhere-in-cowork - Safe usage: https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13364135-use-cowork-safely - Scheduled tasks: https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13854387-schedule-recurring-tasks-in-cowork ## Related - [[Claude Code]] - [[Claude in Chrome]] - [[Anthropic]] - [[AI Agents]] - [[AI Assistants]]