Anthropic Launches Claude Cowork: AI-Powered Autonomous File Management for macOS Users
Sydney, 14 January 2026 – Anthropic has unveiled Claude Cowork, a groundbreaking feature that extends the capabilities of its Claude AI beyond coding to everyday knowledge work. Available as a research preview for Claude Max subscribers on macOS, Cowork enables users to grant Claude access to specific folders, allowing the AI to autonomously read, edit, create, and organise files through natural language commands.
What is Claude Cowork?
Claude Cowork builds on the foundation of Claude Code, Anthropic’s tool for developers, but adapts it for non-technical users. Instead of requiring terminal commands, Cowork operates through the familiar chat interface of the Claude Desktop app. Users can delegate tasks such as organising cluttered folders, extracting data from receipts into spreadsheets, or drafting reports from scattered notes. The AI works autonomously, providing progress updates and asking for confirmation before significant actions like deleting files.
Key Features and Capabilities
Cowork introduces several innovative features that set it apart from traditional AI assistants. It supports parallel task execution, where multiple sub-agents handle complex workflows simultaneously. Integrations with connectors, such as Google Drive and Slack, allow Cowork to pull data from external sources. Additionally, built-in “skills” enable the creation of professional documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. When paired with Claude in Chrome, it can perform web-based tasks, enhancing its versatility for comprehensive productivity.
Availability and Pricing
Claude Cowork is currently exclusive to macOS users with a Claude Max subscription, priced between A$100 and A$200 per month. Windows support is planned for the future, along with cross-device synchronisation. The feature is in research preview, meaning Anthropic is actively gathering feedback to refine it. Users on other plans can join a waitlist for future access.
Key Facts / Stats
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | 12 January 2026 |
| Platform | macOS only (Windows coming soon) |
| Subscription Required | Claude Max (A$100-A$200/month) |
| Key Use Cases | File organisation, data extraction, document creation |
| Safety Features | Sandboxed access, user confirmation for actions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Claude Cowork free?
No, Claude Cowork requires a Claude Max subscription. It is not available on free or Pro plans at this time.
Can Cowork access all my files?
No, Cowork only accesses folders you explicitly grant permission to. It operates in a sandboxed environment to prevent unauthorised access to system files or sensitive data.
What are the risks of using Cowork?
While designed with safety in mind, Cowork can perform destructive actions like deleting files if instructions are unclear. Users should provide explicit guidance and back up important data. Prompt injection risks exist but are mitigated by Anthropic’s defences.
How does Cowork differ from Claude Code?
Claude Code is tailored for developers with terminal-based interactions, while Cowork uses a chat interface for general productivity tasks, making it accessible to non-technical users.