Windows Installation Guide for Claude Code & Doc-Builder

Generated: 2025-07-22 15:15 UTC
Status: Complete
Verified: (for verified information) / (for speculated information)

Overview

This guide helps Windows users install Claude Code, npm, and the doc-builder tool to create AI-generated documentation and websites. Based on real troubleshooting experience, it includes solutions to common Windows-specific issues.

🧪 Understanding the Tool Separation

What You'll Install

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

• Windows 10 or 11
• Administrator access (for PowerShell settings)
• Visual Studio Code installed (recommended)
  • Download: https://code.visualstudio.com/
• A Claude account
  • Sign up: https://claude.ai/
  • Important: Choose the right plan:
    • Pro Plan ($20/month) - For personal use
    • Team Plan ($30/month) - Required for team features
  • Pro plan is sufficient for Claude Code
  • Reference: Claude Code Plan Requirements

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Install Node.js and npm

Common Issue: PowerShell Script Execution

If you see: "Running scripts is disabled on this system"

Why this happens: Windows blocks scripts by default for security

Fix it:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator

   • Press Windows + X
   • Select "Terminal (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)"
   • Must be admin - regular PowerShell won't work!

2. Change Execution Policy

   Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned
   

   • This allows local scripts and signed remote scripts
   • Type Y and press Enter

3. Verify the Change

   Get-ExecutionPolicy
   

   • Should show "RemoteSigned"

Detailed Guide: Resolving npm Execution Policy Error

Step 2: Install Git for Windows

Git is required for Claude Code to work properly.

1. Download Git

   • Go to: https://gitforwindows.org/
   • Alternative: https://git-scm.com/download/win
   • Download the installer

2. Installation Options

   • Default editor: Choose Visual Studio Code (if installed)
   • PATH environment: Git from the command line and also from 3rd-party software
   • Line ending conversions: Checkout Windows-style, commit Unix-style
   • Terminal emulator: Use Windows' default console
   • All other options: Accept defaults

3. Verify Installation

   git --version
   

Step 3: Install Claude Code

1. Install via npm

   npm install -g @anthropic/claude-code
   

2. Launch Claude Code

   claude
   

3. Initial Setup

   • Choose dark/light mode
   • Select: "Claude account with subscription"
   • Authorize in browser
   • Subscribe to Pro if needed

Common Issue: "claude command not found"

Fix it:

1. Close all terminals
2. Open a new PowerShell window
3. Try claude again

Step 4: Set Up Visual Studio Code Integration

1. Open VS Code
2. Open Terminal (Terminal → New Terminal)
3. Test Claude Code

   claude
   

Create a Working Directory

1. Create a folder for your projects:

   mkdir C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\websites
   cd C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\websites
   

2. Open this folder in VS Code:

   • File → Open Folder
   • Select your new folder

Optional: Install Doc-Builder & Vercel

To publish your markdown as websites:

Install Doc-Builder

1. Install the tool

   npm install -g @knowcode/doc-builder
   

   • Package Info: npm - @knowcode/doc-builder

2. Verify Installation

   doc-builder --version
   

3. Understanding Doc-Builder Commands

   • doc-builder build - Converts .md files to HTML
   • doc-builder deploy - Builds AND deploys to Vercel
   • doc-builder serve - Preview locally
   • Creates beautiful documentation sites from markdown

Set Up Vercel (Free Hosting)

1. Create Vercel Account

   • Go to: https://vercel.com/
   • Sign up (free hobby plan)

2. Install Vercel CLI

   npm install -g vercel
   

   • Official Docs: Vercel CLI

3. Login to Vercel

   vercel login
   

   • Opens browser for authentication
   • Follow the prompts

4. Understanding Vercel Commands

   • vercel - Deploy to preview URL
   • vercel --prod - Deploy to production
   • vercel domains - Manage custom domains
   • vercel env - Manage environment variables

Your First Project - Complete Workflow

Step 1: Create Documentation with Claude Code

1. In VS Code Terminal:

   claude
   

2. Ask Claude to create content:

   Create a comprehensive security documentation for my product
   

3. Claude will generate markdown files in your current directory

Step 2: Convert to Website with Doc-Builder

1. Build the website:

   doc-builder build
   

2. Deploy to Vercel:

   doc-builder deploy
   

3. Follow prompts:

   • Project name: my-docs
   • Accept defaults for other options

Step 3: Access Your Live Website

1. Vercel provides URLs:

   • Preview: https://my-docs-[random].vercel.app
   • Production: https://my-docs.vercel.app

2. Make it Public:

   • Go to Vercel Dashboard
   • Project Settings → Deployment Protection
   • Disable "Vercel Authentication"
   • Save changes

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: "npm is not recognized"

Problem: Claude Code Authentication Issues

Problem: Git Bash vs PowerShell Conflicts

Installation Checklist

Use this checklist to track your progress:

• Node.js installed → Test: node -v
• npm working → Test: npm -v
• PowerShell execution policy → Fixed if needed
• Git installed → Test: git --version
• Claude Code installed → Test: claude
• Claude Pro subscription → Active
• VS Code configured → Terminal working
• Working directory created → Ready for projects
• Doc-builder installed → Test: doc-builder --version
• Vercel account → Created and CLI installed

Pro Tips

For Better Performance

1. Use Windows Terminal instead of default PowerShell

   • Download: https://aka.ms/terminal
   • Better Unicode support and performance

2. Keep Everything Updated

   npm update -g
   

3. Create Aliases for common commands in your PowerShell profile

For Claude Code

1. Start conversations with clear intent

   • "Create a landing page for..."
   • "Generate API documentation..."

2. Use project context

   • Keep related files in same directory
   • Claude can read and understand your project

3. Iterate quickly

   • Don't perfect on first try
   • Ask Claude to refine

For Administrator Access

1. Always use Admin PowerShell for:

   • Installing global npm packages
   • Changing execution policies
   • First-time tool installations

2. Regular PowerShell is fine for:

   • Running claude, doc-builder, vercel
   • Creating files and folders
   • Normal development work

Quick Reference Links

🆘 Getting Help

If you're still stuck:

1. Check the terminal output - Error messages usually tell you what's wrong
2. Google the exact error - Someone else has had this problem
3. Try in a fresh terminal - Close everything and start over
4. Run as Administrator - Some installations require elevated permissions

Common Success Path

Most users succeed by:

1. Installing Node.js with default options
2. Fixing PowerShell execution policy
3. Installing Git with VS Code as editor
4. Using PowerShell (not Git Bash) for all commands

Document History