Anthropic Launches Claude Computer Control for macOS and Windows

Anthropic PBC released a research preview of computer use capabilities for its Claude AI, enabling the agent to operate a user's desktop by controlling the mouse, keyboard, and screen. Available through Claude Code and Claude Cowork, the system allows the AI to open applications, navigate web browsers, and edit files. While initially exclusive to macOS, the functionality expanded to Windows x64 computers, requiring the Claude Desktop app to be installed and active.

As part of this rollout, the company introduced Dispatch, a tool that allows Pro and Max subscribers to assign tasks to their computer from a mobile device, such as exporting pitch decks or organizing receipts into spreadsheets. The AI prioritizes existing service connectors like Slack and Calendar but falls back to direct screen interaction for non-integrated apps. To enhance security, Anthropic implemented a permission-first approach and blocked sensitive actions like banking logins, though the company warned that the AI can still make mistakes and advised against using it with sensitive data.

The company integrated automation technology from the acquired startup USept to support these features. Anthropic is now developing a new capability called Orbit, which aims to extend Claude's autonomous control from desktop environments to smartphones, enabling the assistant to manage phone calls, messages, and calendar entries.