Start a session

Before you send your first message, configure four things in the prompt area:

• Environment: choose where Claude runs. Select Local for your machine, Cloud for a cloud session that continues after you close the app, an SSH connection for a remote machine you manage, or on Windows a WSL distribution. See environment configuration.
• Project folder: select the folder or repository Claude works in. For cloud sessions, you can add multiple repositories.
• Model: pick a model from the dropdown next to the send button. You can change this during the session.
• Permission mode: choose how much autonomy Claude has from the mode selector. You can change this during the session.

Type your task and press Enter to start. Each session tracks its own context and changes independently.