Computer UseAutomationGetting Started

Use Computer Use for Tasks Without a Connector

Use Computer Use for apps without a Cowork connector. Start with read-only tasks, verify results, then expand access as needed.

Last tested Mar 25, 2026

The Problem It Solves

Many apps don't have native Cowork connectors. Computer Use lets Claude interact with any app by controlling your screen — clicking, typing, and navigating like a human would.

Best Use Cases

  • • Accessing legacy tools or apps without APIs
  • • Automating repetitive browser tasks
  • • Filling forms in apps without connectors
  • • Reading data from apps that can't export easily

Required Access

  • ✓ Screen access to the specific app you grant (not full screen)
  • ✓ macOS only (Windows coming soon)
  • ✓ Pro or Max plan

Access Scope

Connected Services

Computer Use (Screen control)

Permitted Actions

read
write
rename
delete

Why these permissions? Computer Use controls your screen to interact with any app. Start with read-only tasks to verify behavior before allowing write operations. Always grant access only to the specific app you need — never your full screen.

Step-by-Step Plan

Workflow Steps

1

Enable Computer Use in Settings

Open Desktop app → Settings → Computer use and toggle it on. Available on Pro and Max plans, macOS only (Windows coming soon).

2

Grant access only to the specific app

When prompted, select the exact app you want Claude to interact with — be specific, not your full screen. This is critical for security.

3

Describe your task clearly to Claude

Include the app name and exactly what you want Claude to do. Example: 'In Salesforce CRM, find the account for Acme Corp and update the last contact date to today.'

4

Start with a read-only task first

For your first run, ask Claude to read data (e.g., 'What's the current status of ticket #1234?'). This verifies Claude can navigate the app correctly.

5

Review Claude's actions before they happen

Watch Claude interact with the app. You can pause or stop at any time by clicking the stop button. Don't leave it unattended on critical operations.

6

Once confident, run the write task

After verifying read-only behavior, expand to write tasks (e.g., 'Add a new entry to the contact log'). Verify the output matches what you expected.

Cowork Prompt Pack

Cowork-ready
You have access to control the screen of [App Name]. Your task is to read and report on [specific information].

Steps:
1. Click on the [App Name] window to focus it
2. Navigate to [specific location in app]
3. Read the information for [specific field or data]
4. Report back exactly what you found

IMPORTANT: Do not make any changes. This is a read-only verification task. Stop if you encounter any errors.
Works best when you limit Cowork to specific folders and verify before destructive actions.

Safety Notes

  • ⚠ Only grant access to specific apps, not your full screen
  • ⚠ Always start with read-only tasks to verify behavior
  • ⚠ Computer Use is in research preview — Anthropic may change behavior
  • ⚠ Never use for sensitive financial or identity operations
  • ⚠ Always watch the first run and verify results before leaving it unattended

Verification Checklist

0 of 5 verified
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