code-claw is a local AI coding assistant for Windows.
It helps you write code, read code, and ask questions about your project without sending your data to a cloud service. You keep your files on your own PC. You also get to choose the AI model you want to use, so you do not depend on one vendor.
Use it when you want:
- Help with coding tasks on your own machine
- A private workflow for source code and notes
- A tool that can work with different model providers
- A simple desktop app for everyday use
Open the project page here and download and run the Windows version from the available files:
If the page shows a release file, download it to your PC and run it. If it shows a zip file, download it, unzip it, then open the app inside the folder.
Go to the project page in your browser:
Look for the latest release or the Windows download file.
Choose the Windows build that fits your PC.
Common file types:
.exefor a direct app file.zipfor a compressed folder.msifor a Windows installer
If you downloaded an .exe file:
- Double-click the file
- Follow the setup window
- Finish the install
- Open code-claw from the Start menu or desktop
If you downloaded a .zip file:
- Right-click the file
- Select Extract All
- Open the extracted folder
- Double-click the app file inside the folder
Windows may ask for permission to open the app.
If that happens:
- Click Yes
- Or choose Run anyway if Windows shows that option
Open code-claw and set up your AI model connection.
You will usually need:
- A model provider
- An API key or local model path
- A project folder to work with
When you open code-claw for the first time, you can set it up in a few steps:
code-claw is built to stay flexible. You can use it with:
- Local models on your PC
- API-based model providers
- OpenAI-compatible endpoints
- Other model services that follow common AI APIs
Depending on your setup, enter:
- An API key
- A local server address
- A model name
- A file path for a local model
Pick the code folder or project folder you want the assistant to read.
This lets the app help with:
- File review
- Code search
- Task planning
- Editing support
code-claw keeps your work on your machine.
That makes it useful for:
- Private codebases
- Personal notes
- Offline or limited-network work
- Projects you do not want sent to a cloud service
You are not locked to one model vendor.
You can switch between supported AI models as your needs change.
The app can help with common coding work such as:
- Explaining code
- Drafting small changes
- Fixing simple bugs
- Summarizing files
- Helping you understand project structure
The app is made for direct use.
You open it, connect a model, choose a folder, and start asking for help.
code-claw is made for Windows desktop use.
A typical setup should include:
- Windows 10 or Windows 11
- A modern CPU
- At least 8 GB RAM
- More RAM for larger local models
- Enough free disk space for the app and model files
- Internet access if you use a cloud model provider
If you use a local model, a stronger PC will give you better speed.
Use code-claw to:
- Read a new project
- Ask what a function does
- Create a first draft of code
- Compare two files
- Find weak spots in a script
Keep your files on your own computer while you work with an AI assistant.
This fits:
- Solo developers
- Students
- Small teams with private code
- Personal tools and scripts
If you want to try different models, code-claw gives you a simple place to do that.
You can test:
- Output quality
- Speed
- Cost
- Fit for your workflow
Before you begin, check these items:
- The app file is fully downloaded
- You have a model provider or local model ready
- You know where your project folder is
- You have your API key if your setup needs one
- Your Windows security settings allow the app to run
If the app does not open, try:
- Running it again
- Checking that the file finished downloading
- Restarting your PC
- Downloading the latest version from the project page
If you want full local work:
- Install or start your local AI model tool
- Copy the local address or endpoint
- Open code-claw
- Enter the model address
- Select your model name
- Choose the folder you want to use
If you want to use a hosted model:
- Open code-claw
- Add your provider details
- Enter your API key
- Select a model
- Start chatting with your code
If your model service supports an OpenAI-style API:
- Enter the base URL
- Add the API key
- Set the model name
- Save the settings
- Start a new task
- Use a small test folder first
- Keep one project open at a time at the start
- Save your settings after setup
- Use short questions when you begin
- Give the assistant clear file names or folder names
If the assistant gives a weak answer, try:
- Asking in simpler words
- Pointing to a single file
- Giving more context
- Breaking the task into smaller parts
Yes, if you connect it to a local model on your own PC.
That is the main design goal of code-claw.
No. You only need to download the file, open it, and follow the setup steps.
Yes. The app is built to avoid lock-in to one model provider.
No. It also helps with code reading, file review, and simple project work.
After setup, try this:
- Open one small folder
- Ask the assistant to explain the main files
- Ask it to summarize what the project does
- Ask it to find one simple change you can make
This gives you a quick check that everything works
Download, open, and use the Windows build from the main project page:
A simple way to start:
- Desktop
- MyProject
- source files
- notes
- config files
- MyProject
Choose that folder in code-claw and begin with one task at a time
- Use a folder with a few files, not a huge codebase
- Keep your model settings simple
- Make sure your internet connection is stable if you use a hosted model
- Update to the newest release when a new version appears
code-claw suits people who want:
- Private AI help
- Control over model choice
- A tool that works on Windows
- A setup that keeps files on their own device