Anthropic Adds a Built-In Browser to Claude for Web Tasks

Anthropic has added a built-in web browser to Claude Cowork desktop app. The new feature allows Claude to browse websites directly without relying on the Chrome extension for many tasks.

The browser is now rolling out to paid Claude Pro, Max, and Team subscribers on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It is based on Chromium and works inside Cowork, allowing users to ask Claude to perform web-based tasks while staying within the desktop app.

Anthropic Adds a Built-In Browser to Claude for Web Tasks

Until now, users who wanted Claude to browse the web had to install the Claude in Chrome extension. The extension allowed Claude to interact with pages that were already open in the user’s browser.

Anthropic says the new built-in browser is designed for tasks that do not require access to the user’s existing browser session. For example, Claude can open websites and research information without needing to use the same browser window as the user.

The change also brings Claude closer to competitors that are adding browser capabilities directly to their AI applications. A built-in browser can make workflows easier because users do not have to switch between multiple apps or install an additional extension.

The Chrome extension will not disappear, however. It remains useful when users want Claude to work with a page they already have open or interact with websites where they are already signed in.

Built-In Browser vs Chrome Extension

Anthropic describes the new browser as “Claude’s browser, not yours.” This means it is separate from the browser users normally use every day.

The distinction is important. The built-in browser does not automatically have access to accounts or login sessions stored in the user’s regular browser. This can provide an additional layer of separation when Claude is browsing the web.

The Chrome extension still has an advantage for tasks that involve existing accounts. It can work with websites where the user is already signed in, such as email services, customer relationship management platforms, and online documents.

Users who already have the extension installed will also continue to have it as Claude’s default web browser unless they change the preferred browser in Claude’s desktop settings.

Users Can Bring Some Logins

Anthropic also allows users to transfer certain login information into Claude’s built-in browser. The company supports importing logins from Chrome, Edge, and Firefox on macOS, while Firefox is supported on Windows and Linux.

However, Anthropic has placed restrictions around sensitive accounts. Banking, email, and single sign-on websites are excluded by default. Users would need to deliberately choose to provide access to such accounts.

This approach is meant to reduce the potential impact if something goes wrong while Claude is browsing the internet.

Prompt Injection Remains a Risk

Giving an AI agent access to the open web also creates security concerns. Websites can contain instructions designed to manipulate an AI system, a technique commonly known as prompt injection.

Anthropic says it has built safeguards into both the Chrome extension and the new built-in browser. However, the company acknowledges that these protections cannot completely eliminate the risk.

Because the built-in browser is separate from the user’s normal browser and is unlikely to contain access to many sensitive accounts, Anthropic expects the potential damage from a security issue to be limited.

The new browser gives Claude more independence when handling online tasks. At the same time, users will still need to be careful about what accounts and information they allow the AI to access.

See Also: Anthropic Tests More Capable Model 2 Internally, But Has No Public Release Plans