Claude now performs web tasks in the Cowork app with its own built-in browser, which Anthropic introduced on August 26. Instead of controlling the users’ private browser, Claude opens web pages in a separate window, fills out forms, and collects invoices from supplier portals. Corporate customers with an Enterprise plan are already using the feature, while Pro, Max, and Team subscriptions will receive it within a week.
Claude now handles web tasks all by itself
Until now, Claude had to either access the users’ own Chrome browser for internet tasks or completely forgo the web interface. According to the official announcement from Anthropic, a separate browser window will now open directly in the sidebar of the Cowork app whenever a task involves a web page. Claude navigates independently, reads page content, clicks buttons, and fills out forms while employees can continue working elsewhere.
The new browser does not have access to saved tabs, bookmarks, or passwords from the private browser profile. Those who already use the Chrome extension for Cowork can continue to do so – the two variants can be switched in the settings at any time. For risky actions like submitting a form, Claude automatically asks for confirmation before execution, a protective mechanism it already knows from the previous Chrome integration.
The browser collects invoices and maintains customer data
In office life, the usefulness becomes apparent at the end of the month: A clerk asks Claude to gather the current invoices from five different supplier portals. Instead of logging into each portal individually, Claude opens the pages one after the other in its own browser window, logs in with previously imported access data, downloads the latest invoices, and organizes them in a shared folder.
According to Anthropic, the feature is also suitable for research work or maintaining customer data in the company’s own CRM system: Claude searches multiple web pages for information for a report or enters new contact data into existing systems. Existing login data from Chrome, Edge, or Firefox can be imported in one step at the first start using the “Import cookies” button, eliminating the need for manual re-login for recurring tasks.
The browser is initially only available in the paid subscription
The feature is already available for Enterprise accounts, and administrators enable it in the organization settings. For individual accounts with the Pro, Max, and Team plans, Anthropic is gradually rolling out the browser according to their own statements in the week starting August 26. A free Claude account is not sufficient; the cheapest Pro subscription costs around 18 euros per month in Germany. The browser can be used in the desktop app for Mac and Windows, while it is still running as a test version on Linux.
Here is how to activate the built-in browser in Cowork:
- Open the Cowork app on the desktop.
- Go to the “Cowork” section in the settings.
- Select the “Built-in Browser” option under “Preferred Browser.”
- Import existing logins using the “Import cookies” button, if desired.
- Submit a task with a web reference – the browser will automatically open in the sidebar.
It will be crucial how reliably the separate browser can defend against so-called prompt injection attacks, where hidden instructions on prepared web pages mislead the AI – Anthropic admits that this risk fundamentally exists with any browser-controlled AI assistant. For banking transactions, health data, or personal data of third parties, the company explicitly advises against use; for customer or contract data, it is worth taking a look at the own privacy policy and the data processing agreement with Anthropic in advance. It remains to be seen when the Linux version will exit the testing phase.
