Anthropic announced on March 24 that its AI assistant Claude has added the "Computer Use" feature, now available as a research preview to Pro and Max users.
This feature is integrated into two desktop products: Claude Cowork for knowledge workers and Claude Code for developers. After users describe their tasks, Claude will autonomously plan the steps, opening applications, operating browsers, and handling files— including mouse clicks and keyboard inputs. Before each execution, the interface will display the operation plan and wait for user confirmation, which can be interrupted at any time.
Dispatch: Order from your phone, execute on the computer
The most notable part of this update is a feature called Dispatch. Users input tasks in the Claude App on their phones, such as "Export the pitch deck and attach it to the meeting invitation at 2 p.m." or "Start the development server and take a screenshot of the library page." Claude will automatically complete these tasks on the desktop and send a notification upon completion.
Dispatch also supports scheduled and recurring tasks, such as "Scan emails every morning" or "Pull a report every Friday."
In terms of operational logic, Claude prioritizes using connected third-party integrations, such as Slack, Calendar, Notion, GitHub, etc.; if no corresponding connector is available, it will request screen access permissions to directly control the application interface.
Currently only supports macOS, starting with Pro
At this stage, screen control is limited to macOS; the Windows version is not yet supported. The function requires the desktop app to be updated to the latest version and paired with the mobile app. The computer must remain running and awake.
In terms of subscription requirements, both Claude Pro (annual payment $17/month, monthly payment $20) and Max plans can use the feature. Anthropic notes that complex tasks consume usage quotas quickly, so users with heavy usage needs may consider upgrading to Max ($100 to $200 per month).
Access point: After updating the desktop app, visit claude.com/product/cowork to activate it.
Privacy and limitations
Anthropic states that users have full control: they can choose which folders and connectors Claude can access, and there are additional prompts before key operations. History records are stored locally and not synchronized to the server. This feature is not suitable for regulated industries, such as HIPAA-compliant scenarios.
Background
This is not the first time Anthropic has introduced Computer Use. In October 2024, the API version of Computer Use based on Claude 3.5 Sonnet entered public testing. Earlier this year, the Cowork preview version added desktop file processing capabilities. Integrating the mobile Dispatch with screen control marks a milestone in the product line's iteration to a usable stage.
Technology media outlets such as Engadget and 9to5Mac reported shortly after the release, and Anthropic said it would continue to update based on user feedback. The support timeline for the Windows version has not been announced yet.
