Fix Claude Code: Command Not Found

Match the symptom

• `zsh: command not found: claude` or `bash: claude: command not found`.
• PowerShell says `claude` is not recognized as a cmdlet.
• The installer completed, but an old Claude version or the desktop app opens.

First checks

Collect evidence before changing configuration

which -a claude
ls -la ~/.local/bin/claude

where.exe claude
Test-Path "$env:USERPROFILE\.local\bin\claude.exe"

claude --version
claude doctor

Diagnosis 1

Start with a fresh terminal

Installers update PATH for new sessions. The terminal that ran the installer can retain its older environment.

1. Close every terminal window, open a new one, and run `claude --version`.
2. Confirm you are testing in the same environment where you installed Claude Code: native Windows, WSL, macOS, or Linux.

Decision: If a version prints, PATH is fixed. If not, locate the binary before changing anything else.

Diagnosis 2

Check whether the native binary exists

The native installer uses a predictable user-level location. A VS Code extension alone does not install a terminal command.

ls -la ~/.local/bin/claude

Test-Path "$env:USERPROFILE\.local\bin\claude.exe"

Decision: A missing file means the standalone installation did not complete in this environment. Re-run the official installer for the shell you are using.

Diagnosis 3

Add the install directory to PATH

Change the user PATH only after confirming the binary location. Restart the terminal after the change.

echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc

echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

$currentPath = [Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariable('PATH', 'User')
[Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable('PATH', "$currentPath;$env:USERPROFILE\.local\bin", 'User')

Decision: Open a new terminal and run `claude --version`. Do not repeatedly append the directory if it is already present.

Diagnosis 4

Resolve multiple installations

An npm, Homebrew, WinGet, legacy local, or desktop executable can take precedence over the native CLI.

# macOS or Linux
which -a claude

# Windows PowerShell
where.exe claude

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

Decision: Keep one intended installation, reopen the terminal, and confirm both the executable location and version.

If it still fails, send this evidence

A useful support request is reproducible and does not expose credentials.

• Output of `claude --version` and `claude doctor`.
• Output of `which -a claude` or `where.exe claude`.
• Operating system, shell, installation method, and whether the repository is native Windows or WSL.
• The exact error text, with tokens and personal paths redacted.