Anthropic previews Cowork as Claude expands beyond coding tasks
Anthropic has taken to LinkedIn to announce Cowork, a new research preview tool designed to let non-developers work with Claude in a more task-driven, autonomous way.
Anthropic develops large language models and AI tools, including Claude, which is used across software development, research, and workplace productivity. According to the company, Cowork was created after it became clear that Claude Code was being used for far more than coding.
Nicole Sim, Product Marketing at Anthropic, wrote that the shift was intentional, saying, “Creating a Claude Code moment for everyone, not just developers, isn't easy.”
Cowork is now available as a research preview to Claude Max subscribers via Anthropic’s macOS app.
Moving from conversation to execution
Rather than operating as a chat-based assistant, Cowork allows users to give Claude access to a specific folder on their computer. Within that space, Claude can read, edit, and create files directly.
Anthropic says this enables Claude to carry out multi-step work such as organizing files, generating spreadsheets from screenshots, or drafting documents from unstructured notes, with less back-and-forth than a standard conversation.
Sim described the goal on LinkedIn as accessibility rather than raw power, writing, “It takes what makes Claude Code powerful and puts it in a form anyone can use... for everyday tasks (no terminal required).”
Once a task is set, Claude creates a plan and works through it while keeping the user informed, a model Anthropic frames as closer to asynchronous collaboration than prompt-response interaction.
Built on Claude Code foundations
Cowork is built on the same underlying systems as Claude Code, according to Anthropic, but presented in a way that removes the need for technical setup or command-line tools.
Users can extend Cowork by enabling existing connectors that link Claude to external information sources. Anthropic has also added early skills focused on document and presentation creation. When paired with Claude in Chrome, Cowork can complete tasks that require browser access.
Sim emphasized the early-stage nature of the release, noting that experimentation is encouraged: “We don't have it all figured out yet — that's why it's a research preview.”
Control, risk, and what comes next
Anthropic says users remain in control of what Claude can access, with explicit permissions required for folders and connectors. Claude also asks before taking significant actions, though the company acknowledges the risk of unintended or destructive outcomes if instructions are unclear.
The company has flagged agent safety and prompt injection as ongoing challenges, stating that securing AI systems capable of real-world actions remains an active area of development.
Future updates are expected to include Windows support and cross-device sync, but no timelines have been confirmed.
Sim summed up the motivation behind the release in her LinkedIn post, writing, “There's a lot to figure out. But if anyone's going to crack it, it's this team.”
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