---
title: New ways to install Claude Code on macOS
url: https://calvin.my/posts/new-ways-to-install-claude-code-on-macos
published: 2025-11-04
updated: 2026-09-16
category: AI
tags:
- MacOS
- Claude Code
summary: Claude Code on macOS can now be installed through a shell-based installer or Homebrew, in addition to the existing NPM distribution. The new options remove NPM as a prerequisite. Users migrating from the NPM version should first uninstall it, then choose one of the alternative installation methods. Claude Code also supports automatic updates, while Homebrew users can manage updates through Homebrew.
---

# New ways to install Claude Code on macOS

Previously, Anthropic distributed Claude Code via NPM:

```bash
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
```

* * *

## New alternatives

While the method above still works, there are now [2 alternative ways](https://docs.claude.com/en/docs/claude-code/overview) to get Claude Code.

1. Via Bash Script

   ```bash
   curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
   ```

2. Via Homebrew

   ```bash
   brew install --cask claude-code
   ```

These alternatives do not require NPM as a prerequisite. 

* * *

## Switching

1. Before switching, you should uninstall Claude Code via NPM.

   ```bash
   npm uninstall -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
   ```

2. Then install Claude Code via one of the alternatives.

   ```bash
   % curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash
   Setting up Claude Code...
   
   ✔ Claude Code successfully installed!
   
     Version: 2.0.32
   
     Location: ~/.local/bin/claude
   ```

3. Run it!

   ```bash
   claude
   ```

* * *

## Updating
1. Claude now includes auto-update feature, so you don't need to manually update.

2. Or, via Homebrew
   ```bash
   brew upgrade claude-code
   ```