Anthropic has introduced Claude Cowork, an AI-powered workspace designed to complete complex, multi-step tasks with limited user involvement. The new tool allows users to assign projects such as research, document creation, spreadsheet preparation, and file management while Claude continues working in the background.
Unlike a traditional chatbot that responds to individual prompts, Claude Cowork works more like a digital collaborator. Users can assign a task, step away from the session, and return later to review the completed work. The feature is being rolled out for paid subscribers.
Claude Cowork can create formatted reports, prepare PowerPoint presentations, build Excel spreadsheets with working formulas, analyse large datasets, and organise files. It can also conduct research by combining information from multiple sources. Users can divide larger assignments into smaller tasks and allow Claude to handle multiple steps together.
The feature is designed for projects that require planning, execution, and repeated digital actions. For desktop users, Claude can access local folders, edit files directly, and interact with Google Chrome for web-based activities such as filling forms or navigating websites.
Anthropic has introduced scheduled tasks that allow users to automate recurring activities without keeping their computers online during the entire process. The company is also adding project-based workspaces where users can store files, instructions, and memory for ongoing assignments.
These workspaces are designed to help Claude maintain context across longer projects. Plugins will allow organisations to connect the AI chatbot with custom tools, external services, and internal workflows, expanding its use in professional environments.
Claude Cowork is available for Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise subscribers through Claude Desktop on Windows and macOS, the Claude web app, and the latest Android and iOS applications. The feature is currently available in beta on web and mobile platforms. Anthropic said the rollout will begin with Max subscribers before expanding to other paid plans.
Users can access the feature by updating the Claude application and selecting ‘Chat > Cowork’ from the options above the message box. They can then provide instructions for tasks such as organising files, preparing presentations, or researching topics. Tasks involving local files or browser actions require users to keep Claude Desktop open and provide the necessary permissions.
Claude Cowork reflects a wider shift in artificial intelligence development, where companies are moving from simple chat-based assistance to tools that can complete entire workflows.
As businesses adopt AI for research, documentation, and daily operations, the ability to manage multi-step tasks independently is becoming a major focus. Anthropic’s latest feature places Claude in competition with other AI platforms working towards more autonomous digital assistants.
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