Claude Pro and Max users have a change to check before starting their next Cowork task. From 6 October 2026, Anthropic says new tasks run in the cloud, and the setting that kept new work only on your computer is being removed.
What you need to know
Cloud work can continue after you close your laptop. Access to files on that laptop still needs Claude Desktop open, and is limited to folders you have connected. Existing local tasks stay local. Review your folders and recurring tasks before relying on the new arrangement.
What happens to work already under way?
Existing local tasks remain on your computer. Anthropic provides transcript downloads for continuing work in Claude Code; projects and scheduled tasks do not transfer.
The interface is changing too: Anthropic is gradually combining chat and Cowork for Pro and Max users. Some accounts may still show a Cowork selector while others do not. A different message box is not, by itself, evidence that your task failed.
Source: Anthropic: Cowork and chat merge
Source: Anthropic: Cowork on web, desktop and mobile
Where do your files go?
Anthropic describes cloud sessions as work performed on its servers. When a task opens a connected local file through the desktop app, that material is processed there. Keeping the original folder on your computer does not mean everything the agent reads stays on that computer.
Device access goes through Claude Desktop and the connected-folder permissions. For local-file access from web or mobile, Anthropic says the session must have started on desktop and the app must remain open. A running cloud task can lose access to local resources if the desktop app goes offline.
Source: Anthropic: Cowork architecture
For Pro and Max users, the separate preference for helping improve Anthropic models governs training use. Check that preference alongside file permissions; they answer different questions.
Source: Anthropic: Cowork on web, desktop and mobile
Our Mac permissions explainer covers another way an AI app can gain broad access to personal files.
A useful check before your next task
Put the files needed for a trial task in a dedicated working folder, keeping important originals backed up.
Review which folders and services you have connected, and remove access you no longer need.
Check recurring tasks for local-file dependencies. Keep Claude Desktop open when those files are needed.
Review the results of scheduled work and stop tasks that start accessing material outside your intended scope.
Anthropic recommends beginning with low-risk scheduled work and avoiding sensitive data or actions that are difficult to undo. A short summary task is a better first check than an unattended workflow that sends messages or makes purchases.
Source: Anthropic: use Cowork safely
Compare these access boundaries with the controls described in our OpenAI Dots report.
Our Anthropic–Akamai report explains the separate infrastructure behind cloud AI services.
Sources and further reading
Anthropic: Cowork on web, desktop and mobile6 October Pro/Max change, existing local tasks, desktop access requirements and privacy preference.support.claude.com
Anthropic: Cowork and chat mergeGradual Pro/Max rollout of the combined interface, announced in September.claude.com
Michel Elijah covers technology, streaming and online security for Tech X Telco. He writes practical how-to guides on everything from email troubleshooting to spotting the latest scams doing the rounds in Australia, with a focus on clear steps anyone can follow.
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