Put Claude to work on your computer

2026-03-23 · Source: Claude Blog · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Software Development & Engineering · Depth: Novice, quick

Summary

Anthropic has introduced a new feature for Claude Pro and Max subscribers, enabling Claude to directly control a user's computer to complete tasks. Available in research preview for macOS, this capability allows Claude to point, click, navigate, open files, use browsers, and run developer tools without prior setup. It prioritizes direct connectors like Slack or Google Calendar, but defaults to screen control when connectors are unavailable, always requiring explicit user permission. This feature integrates with Dispatch, allowing users to assign tasks to Claude from their phone and have the AI execute them on their desktop, even while they are away. Anthropic emphasizes safeguards against risks like prompt injection, but advises users to start with trusted applications and avoid sensitive data due to the feature's early stage and potential for errors.

Key takeaway

For AI Product Managers evaluating automation solutions, Claude's new computer control feature offers a compelling option for automating desktop workflows. You can assign complex tasks via Dispatch from your phone, allowing Claude to execute them on your macOS machine. However, given its research preview status and potential for errors, you should initially deploy it with non-sensitive data and trusted applications, continuously monitoring its performance and adherence to security protocols.

Key insights

Claude can now directly control your computer, performing tasks via screen interaction when direct integrations are absent.

Principles

• Explicit user permission is required for new application access.
• Prioritize direct API connectors before resorting to screen control.

Method

Claude attempts direct service connectors first. If unavailable, it uses browser, mouse, keyboard, and screen control, always seeking explicit user permission for new application access.

In practice

• Automate morning briefings or metric pulls.
• Execute code changes, run tests, and create pull requests.
• Manage 3D printing projects remotely.

Topics

• Claude AI
• AI Automation
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Task Delegation
• AI Safety

Best for: AI Product Manager, Entrepreneur, Software Engineer, Automation Engineer, AI Engineer

Related on AIssential

• Claude Code Computer Use Can Control Your ENTIRE Computer! Automate Your Life! — Claude Code's new "Computer Use" feature enables GUI interaction for building, testing, and debugging applications directly.
• Claude Code MASSIVE Update! Claude Code OS, Computer Use, /Schedule, & More! — Claude Code now offers autonomous computer control and remote task scheduling, enhancing AI agent capabilities.
• Let Claude handle work in your browser — Claude for Chrome enables AI to directly interact with web pages for workflow automation.
• Claude Code — Routines, Remote Control, Scheduled Tasks and Channels: The Four Ways Claude Code… — Claude Code's five trigger surfaces enable autonomous task execution, removing human presence as a bottleneck.
• 99% of People Still Don’t Know What Claude Can Actually Do — Claude AI offers advanced, underutilized features for automation and complex tasks.
• Claude Co-Work can now Control Your Computer — Anthropic's Claude Co-Work and Dispatch enable AI to control computers for task automation.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Claude Blog.