Research Preview Status: Off by Default
Computer use is a research preview feature in Cowork. It’s not enabled by default. You opt in deliberately, in Dispatch settings, after understanding what you’re enabling.
Why it’s off by default
Defaulting to off reflects the seriousness of the capability. Claude operating your mouse and keyboard in desktop applications can:
- Make changes to files you didn’t intend
- Trigger actions in applications with real-world consequences
- Interact with applications that hold sensitive data
- Produce behavior that’s hard to observe and harder to reverse
Research preview status means: this feature is available and functional, but it’s still being refined. Behaviors that work correctly in most cases may not work correctly in all cases. Use it deliberately, with review, and with an understanding that edge cases exist.
What enabling it means
When you enable computer use in Dispatch settings:
- Claude can be given instructions that involve operating desktop applications
- Additional permission dialogs will appear for specific applications before Claude is authorized to operate them
- Screen recording and accessibility permissions are typically required (covered in the next topic)
Enabling computer use doesn’t mean Claude starts operating applications without instruction. It means the capability is available when you explicitly ask for it.
How to enable
In the Cowork Dispatch settings panel, find the Computer Use section and toggle it to enabled. The interface will walk you through any initial permissions required. If you’re on a managed device, IT permissions may be required before the necessary system permissions can be granted.
A note on research preview updates
Because computer use is a research preview, its behavior and interface may change as Anthropic refines it. If you build workflows that depend on computer use, be prepared for occasional updates that require workflow adjustments.
Try this in Claude
Open Dispatch settings and locate the Computer Use toggle. Read the description and any guidance provided there. Decide: based on the applications in your work environment and the workflows you’re considering, is computer use something you want to enable now? If yes, proceed with the permission requirements in the next topic.
Quick summary
Computer use is off by default and requires explicit enablement in Dispatch settings. It’s a research preview feature that works in most cases but has edge cases. Enabling it makes the capability available; it doesn’t trigger automatic use. Additional per-application permissions are required after enabling.