Anthropic has released Cowork, a new desktop agent that allows users to assign real-world tasks to Claude by granting access to selected folders on their computers. The feature is available as a research preview for Claude Max subscribers on macOS and is designed to extend Claude’s usefulness beyond software development into general productivity work.
Cowork builds on the foundation of Claude Code, which was initially designed for developers but was quickly adopted for a wider range of tasks. With Cowork, users can allow Claude to read, edit, and create files within a designated folder. The agent can reorganize files, extract structured data from images, generate spreadsheets, and draft documents based on unstructured notes. Unlike a standard chat interface, Cowork executes tasks with higher autonomy, creating a plan and completing work step by step while keeping users informed of progress.
Automation, Control, and Safety Features
Cowork supports connectors that link Claude to external information sources and includes early skills for creating documents, presentations, and structured files. When paired with the Claude browser extension, Cowork can also complete tasks that require limited web interaction. Users can queue multiple tasks and allow the agent to process them in parallel, reducing the need for continuous manual input and repeated context sharing.
Anthropic emphasized user control and safety as core design principles. Users choose which folders and connectors Cowork can access, and the agent requests confirmation before performing significant actions. However, the company cautioned that the agent can take potentially destructive actions, such as deleting files, if instructed. Clear task definitions are recommended to reduce the risk of unintended outcomes.
The company also highlighted ongoing risks related to prompt injection attacks, where malicious content could attempt to influence an AI agent’s behavior. While Anthropic has implemented safeguards, securing autonomous agent behavior remains an active area of development across the AI industry. The research preview is intended to gather feedback and improve reliability, usability, and safety controls.
Looking ahead, Anthropic plans to expand Cowork with additional features, including cross-device synchronization and Windows support. Broader availability is expected after the preview phase, depending on user feedback and technical performance. Cowork is currently accessible through the Claude macOS application for Max subscribers, while other users can register interest for future access.
The launch follows Anthropic’s recent expansion of Claude into healthcare and life sciences, where the company introduced HIPAA-ready connectors and tools to support clinical research, regulatory operations, and medical workflows.
