aaddrick / claude-desktop-debian

Claude Desktop for Linux This project provides build scripts to run Claude Desktop natively on Linux systems. It repackages the official Windows application for Linux distributions, producing packages (Debian/Ubuntu), packages (Fedora/RHEL), distribution-agnostic AppImages, an AUR package for Arch Linux, and a Nix flake for NixOS. **Note:** This is an unofficial build script. For official support, please visit Anthropic's website. For issues with the build script or Linux implementation, please open an issue in this repository. --- > **⚠️ EXPERIMENTAL: Cowork Mode Support** > Cowork mode is **enabled by default** in this build. It uses Anthropic's native VM images with a pluggable isolation backend: > > | Backend | Isolation | Requirements | > |---------|-----------|-------------| > | **bubblewrap** (default) | Namespace sandbox | installed and functional | > | **KVM** (opt-in) | Full VM via QEMU/KVM | , , , , | > | **host** (last resort) | None — runs directly on host | No additional requirements | > > The best available backend is auto-detected at startup. Run to check which backend will be used and which dependencies are missing. For full VM-level isolation matching the upstream Windows (Hyper-V) behavior, set . > > **Note:** The bubblewrap backend mounts your home directory as read-only (only the project working directory is writable). The host backend provides no isolation — use it only if you understand the security implications. --- Features • **Native Linux Support**: Run Claude Desktop without virtualization or Wine • **MCP Support**: Full Model Context Protocol integration Configuration file location: • **System Integration**: • Global hotkey support (Ctrl+Alt+Space) - works on X11 and Wayland (via XWayland) • System tray integration • Desktop environment integration Screenshots Installation Using APT Repository (Debian/Ubuntu - Recommended) Add the repository for automatic updates via : Future updates will be installed automatically with your regular system updates ( ). Using DNF Repository (Fedora/RHEL - Recommended) Add the repository for automatic updates via : Future updates will be installed automatically with your regular system updates ( ). Using AUR (Arch Linux) The package is available on the AUR and is automatically updated with each release. The AUR package installs the AppImage build of Claude Desktop. Using Nix Flake (NixOS) Install directly from the flake: Or add to your NixOS configuration: Using Pre-built Releases Download the latest , , or from the Releases page. Building from Source See docs/BUILDING.md for detailed build instructions. Configuration Model Context Protocol settings are stored in: For additional configuration options including environment variables and Wayland support, see docs/CONFIGURATION.md. Troubleshooting Run for built-in diagnostics that check common issues (display server, sandbox permissions, MCP config, stale locks, and more). It also reports cowork mode readiness — which isolation backend will be used, and which dependencies (KVM, QEMU, vsock, socat, virtiofsd, bubblewrap) are installed or missing. For additional troubleshooting, uninstallation instructions, and log locations, see docs/TROUBLESHOOTING.md. Acknowledgments This project was inspired by k3d3's claude-desktop-linux-flake and their Reddit post about running Claude Desktop natively on Linux. Special thanks to: • **k3d3** for the original NixOS implementation and native bindings insights • **emsi** for the title bar fix and alternative implementation approach • **leobuskin** for the Playwright-based URL resolution approach • **yarikoptic** for codespell support and shellcheck compliance • **IamGianluca** for build dependency check improvements • **ing03201** for IBus/Fcitx5 input method support • **ajescudero** for pinning @electron/asar for Node compatibility • **delorenj** for Wayland compatibility support • **Regen-forest** for suggesting Gear Lever as AppImageLauncher replacement • **niekvugteveen** for fixing Debian packaging permissions • **speleoalex** for native window decorations support • **imaginalnika** for moving logs to • **richardspicer** for the menu bar visibility fix on Linux • **jacobfrantz1** for Claude Desktop code preview support and quick window submit fix • **janfrederik** for the flag to use a local installer • **MrEdwards007** for discovering the OAuth token cache fix • **lizthegrey** for version update contributions • **mathys-lopinto** for the AUR package and automated deployment • **pkuijpers** for root cause analysis of the RPM repo GPG signing issue • **dlepold** for identifying the tray icon variable name bug with a working fix • **Voork1144** for detailed analysis of the tray icon minifier bug, root-cause analysis of the Chromium layout cache bug, and the direct child fix approach • **sabiut** for the diagnostic command and SHA-256 checksum validation for downloads • **milog1994** for Linux UX improvements including popup detection, functional stubs, and Wayland compositor support • **jarrodcolburn** for passwordless sudo support in container/CI environments, identifying the gh-pages 4GB bloat fix, and identifying the virtiofsd PATH detection issue on Debian • **chukfinley** for experimental Cowork mode support on Linux • **CyPack** for orphaned cowork daemon cleanup on startup • **IliyaBrook** for fixing the platform patch for Claude Desktop >= 1.1.3541 arm64 refactor • **MichaelMKenny** for diagnosing the -prefixed electron variable bug with root cause analysis and workaround • **daa25209** for detailed root cause analysis of the cowork platform gate crash and patch script • **noctuum** for the env var with configurable menu bar visibility and boolean alias support • **typedrat** for the NixOS flake integration with build.sh, node-pty derivation, and CI auto-update • **cbonnissent** for reverse-engineering the Cowork VM guest RPC protocol, fixing the KVM startup blocker, and fixing RPC response id echoing f…