AI at Syracuse University

Getting Access · Reviewed 2026-10

How do I start using Claude Code?

Overview

Claude Code is included in your Syracuse Claude account at no cost. Request it at getclaude.syr.edu/Products; the request includes a short training. The easiest way to use Code is the Claude desktop app, with no commands to type. If you'd rather work in a terminal (a window for typing commands), ITS has a setup script for Windows.

Request Code

If you don't have Claude yet, sign up first. Then request Code at getclaude.syr.edu/Products (opens in a new tab). The request includes a short training.

  1. Install the Claude desktop app (opens in a new tab) and sign in with your Syracuse email address. On a University-managed computer, How do I get Claude? shows how to install it.

  2. Open Code by clicking </> in the top left corner of the app, then give Claude a task, such as writing or editing code, or handling repetitive computer work.

Use Code in a terminal on Windows

Want Claude Code in a terminal instead? ITS's setup script installs it, and the tools it needs, on 64-bit Windows. For a Mac terminal, follow Anthropic's Claude Code quickstart (opens in a new tab).

Install Claude Code

  1. Download the setup script and save it in your Downloads folder. Download Install-DevTools.ps1, 54 KB

  2. Unblock the file. Windows blocks files from the internet until you do: right-click it, choose Properties, check Unblock at the bottom of the General tab and click OK.

  3. Open PowerShell from the Start menu. Type Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser and press Enter. If it asks you to confirm, type Y and press Enter.

  4. In the same window, type cd ~\Downloads and press Enter, then type .\Install-DevTools.ps1 and press Enter. Wait for it to finish.

Sign in

  1. Close PowerShell and open it again, so it finds Claude Code.

  2. Type claude and press Enter.

  3. Choose any text display style, then choose Claude Account with subscription.

  4. In the browser window that opens, sign in with your NetID (netid@syr.edu). If asked, choose the Syracuse University organization, then authorize Claude Code.

  5. Back in PowerShell, press Enter twice to trust the folder you're in.

  6. Ask Claude a question or give it a task.

Troubleshooting

  • On Windows, Code in the desktop app stops with "Virtual Machine Platform not available." You haven't restarted your computer since you installed the app. Restart it to clear the message.
  • PowerShell won't run the setup script. Check that you unblocked the file (step 2). If it still won't run, type Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process, press Enter and run the script again. This allows scripts only until you close the window.

Additional information

  • Chat, Cowork and Code share the same usage limits. See How do I check my Claude usage, and what if I hit my limit?
  • Along with Claude Code, the script installs Git, Node.js, Python, VS Code, GitHub Desktop and PowerShell 7. It skips Python, VS Code and PowerShell 7 if you already have them, and it's safe to run more than once.
  • Claude Code edits real files on your computer, so keep a backup copy and check each change before you keep it. Git, which the script installs, records every change, so you can see what Claude did and undo it. See GitHub at Syracuse University (opens in a new tab).
  • Claude Code also works inside the VS Code and JetBrains code editors.
  • Direct Anthropic API access, for building your own apps, is a separate paid product. You don't need it for Claude Code. See How do I get Claude API access?

Still need help?

If this did not answer your question, submit a request and the ITS Data and AI team will follow up.

Contact ITS AI Support

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