# Anthropic enables background computer use in Claude Cowork and Code

> Claude can click, type and open desktop apps while users keep working. The beta is available on Pro and Max plans, with background windows used by default on macOS 15 and later.

- Publication: Go Big News
- By Go Big News Staff (Staff News)
- Category: AI
- Published: 2026-09-04T00:12:04.24+00:00
- Canonical: https://www.gobignews.com/ai/anthropic-enables-background-computer-use-in-claude-cowork-and-code

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[Anthropic](https://claude.ai) said on Sept. 2, 2026, that Claude can run computer tasks in the background in Claude Cowork and Claude Code. The official Claude account said in a [post on X](https://x.com/claudeai/status/2095226833293685100) that Claude can click, type and open desktop apps while the user works on something else.

Computer use is in beta for Pro and Max plans in the Claude Desktop app. Anthropic’s [help article](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/14128542-let-claude-use-your-computer-in-cowork) lists support for both macOS and Windows. On macOS 15 or later, Claude uses background windows by default.

On those Macs, Claude does not control the user’s pointer or keyboard and generally pauses while the user is typing. It asks permission the first time a task needs the full screen during each session. Users can instead allow screen takeovers by selecting “Full control” under “When Claude requests access to an app” in the desktop app’s general settings.

In Cowork, Claude first uses an available connector, such as Gmail, Google Drive, Microsoft 365 or Slack. Anthropic said retrieving messages through a Slack connection takes seconds, while operating Slack through the screen takes longer and is more prone to errors.

If a connector is unavailable, Claude may use the browser inside Claude Desktop or Chrome through Claude in Chrome. Direct interaction with the screen is its final option.

Documented tasks include compiling a competitive analysis from local files and connected tools, checking a phone simulator for user-experience issues and operating an internal dashboard without a connector. Claude can continue while the user steps away, but the computer must remain awake and the Claude Desktop app must stay open.

Claude requests permission before accessing each application, and some apps are blocked by default. The feature has no sandbox between Claude and approved applications. Claude takes screenshots to identify and operate screen elements in those apps.

Users who are new to computer use can enable it under Settings, General and Computer use. The beta is not available on Team or Enterprise plans.

Anthropic previously released computer use in Cowork and Claude Code as a research preview for Pro and Max subscribers on March 23, 2026. Go Big News also [reported on Sept. 2](https://www.gobignews.com/ai/anthropic-launches-claude-fable-5-1-with-75-cache-read-price-cut) that Anthropic launched Claude Fable 5.1.

Anthropic is a public benefit corporation headquartered in San Francisco. The company raised $65 billion at a $965 billion post-money valuation in a Series H round announced May 28, 2026.

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## Companies in this story

- Claude: https://www.gobignews.com/company/claudeai

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## X profiles in this story

- @claudeai: https://www.gobignews.com/profile/claudeai