How to Use Claude Code for Free (2026): Free Claude Code GitHub Setup

You opened Claude Code. You hit the paywall. You closed the tab. You opened Reddit. Someone mentioned a GitHub repo with 40,000 stars and the words "free Claude Code" in the title.

That repo is real. It is also not what most people think it is.

This is not a leaked Anthropic key. It is not a cracked installer. It is free-claude-code, an open-source local proxy (often called FCC) that lets you run the Claude Code CLI, Codex, and Pi through providers you control. Free tiers from NVIDIA NIM, OpenRouter, local Ollama, and dozens of others.

The catch? You still need to install something, configure something, and accept that "free" usually means "free provider quota," not "unlimited Opus forever."

This guide walks through the full setup: install, provider config, first fcc-claude session, VS Code wiring, and the login prompt fix nobody warns you about until it is 11 PM and you are staring at an Anthropic sign-in screen.

Quick answer: To use Claude Code for free in 2026, install free-claude-code from GitHub, start fcc-server, add a free API key (NVIDIA NIM is the easiest starting point), then run fcc-claude. The software is free and MIT-licensed. Claude Code itself normally requires a Claude Pro plan; FCC routes requests to your chosen model provider instead. This is not an official Anthropic product. Read the repo README before you run any install script.

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In this guide

1. What is Free Claude Code on GitHub?
2. Is Claude Code actually free with FCC?
3. What you need before installing
4. Install on Mac and Linux
5. Install on Windows
6. Configure a free provider (NVIDIA NIM)
7. Run your first Claude Code session
8. Use Claude Code in VS Code for free
9. Fix the login prompt
10. Other free providers worth trying
11. Free Claude Code vs official Claude Code
12. Troubleshooting common errors
13. Frequently asked questions

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What is Free Claude Code on GitHub?

free-claude-code is a Python-based local proxy maintained by Alishahryar1. It sits between your coding agent and the model provider you pick.

Think of it like a universal adapter. Claude Code expects Anthropic's API. FCC translates that traffic to whatever backend you configure: NVIDIA, OpenRouter, Gemini, Groq, your own Ollama instance, and 31 providers total at the time of writing.

What you get out of the box:

If you have been following our Claude Opus 5 for coding guide or comparing models in ChatGPT vs Claude 2026, FCC is the "I want the Claude Code workflow without the Claude Pro invoice" path. Different tradeoffs. Same terminal vibes.

Official Anthropic docs for the real product live at code.claude.com. Keep that bookmark. You will need it to understand what FCC is replacing, not duplicating.

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Is Claude Code actually free with FCC?

Short answer: the FCC installer is free. Using Claude Code through it is free only as far as your chosen provider allows.

Long answer, because this is where most "free Claude Code" tutorials lie by omission:

Anthropic's own docs state that Claude Code requires Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise on the standard path. FCC bypasses that billing gate by pointing Claude Code at localhost instead of Anthropic's servers.

That is powerful. It is also a gray area. Anthropic's terms may not love third-party proxies. Providers have their own acceptable-use rules. If you are building a business on top of this stack, read both. If you are a solo dev experimenting on a side project, most people accept the tradeoff. We are not lawyers. We are the people who write setup guides so you know what you are clicking.

For founders counting every dollar, pair this with our Micro SaaS launch playbook. Tool cost only matters when it buys back shipping time.

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What you need before installing

You do not need Claude Pro. You do need:

1. A Mac, Windows, or Linux machine with admin access for the installer
2. A terminal (or PowerShell on Windows)
3. A free API key from at least one provider (we start with NVIDIA NIM below)
4. Roughly 15 to 60 minutes, depending on how many rabbit holes you fall into

Optional but useful:

• Claude Code installed (FCC can install it for you via its script)
• VS Code with the Claude Code extension if you want GUI coding
• Patience for one login prompt workaround (covered later)

New to terminal workflows? Our how to start freelancing as a software engineer guide covers the mindset shift from "I only use GUI tools" to "I run three commands and things happen."

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Install Free Claude Code on Mac and Linux

The repo recommends a one-line installer. Review the script first if you are security-conscious. The source is public: scripts/install.sh.

Step 1: Run the installer

curl -fsSL "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Alishahryar1/free-claude-code/main/scripts/install.sh" | sh

Re-run the same command anytime you want to update.

Homebrew users can also install via:

brew install --cask claude-code

That installs Anthropic's CLI separately. FCC's installer handles its own stack.

Step 2: Launch FCC

On macOS, open Free Claude Code from Applications or your desktop shortcut. It runs in the menu bar.

On Linux, start the server manually:

fcc-server

Keep that terminal open. When healthy, the log prints something like:

INFO:     Admin UI: http://127.0.0.1:8082/admin (local-only)

Your port might differ. Use whatever the log shows.

Step 3: Open the Admin UI

Click the tray/menu bar icon on Mac or Windows, or visit the URL from the terminal log. You should see provider fields, model dropdowns, and Validate / Apply buttons.

If the page does not load, jump to Troubleshooting.

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Install Free Claude Code on Windows

Windows gets its own PowerShell installer. Same advice: read install.ps1 before piping remote code into your shell.

Step 1: Run PowerShell as your normal user

& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Alishahryar1/free-claude-code/main/scripts/install.ps1")))

Step 2: Launch from Start menu

Open Free Claude Code from the desktop or Start menu. FCC runs in the system tray. Left-click the tray icon to open Admin on Windows.

Step 3: Confirm the Admin UI

Look for http://127.0.0.1:8082/admin in the startup output or open it from the tray menu.

WinGet alternative for Claude Code itself:

winget install Anthropic.ClaudeCode

That is Anthropic's CLI, not FCC. You need both pieces: FCC as proxy, Claude Code as the agent front end.

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Configure a free provider (NVIDIA NIM)

The repo's Quick Start defaults to NVIDIA NIM. Good first choice: generous free tier for developers, fast models, straightforward key flow.

Step 1: Create an API key

1. Go to build.nvidia.com/settings/api-keys
2. Sign in or create an account
3. Generate a new API key and copy it

Step 2: Paste into FCC Admin UI

1. Open Admin at http://127.0.0.1:8082/admin
2. Find NVIDIA_NIM_API_KEY
3. Paste your key
4. Leave MODEL on the default nvidia_nim/nvidia/nemotron-3-super-120b-a12b or pick another model from the dropdown
5. Click Validate, then Apply

If validation fails, the key may need a minute to propagate. Refresh and retry before assuming the repo is broken.

Step 3: Optional tier routing

FCC lets you map Claude Code's internal tiers (Fable, Opus, Sonnet, Haiku) to different models. MODEL is the fallback for everything else.

Example from the repo: route Sonnet to a free OpenRouter model, keep Opus on a heavier NIM model, run Haiku on local Ollama. Power user stuff. Skip it on day one.

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Run your first Claude Code session with fcc-claude

With fcc-server running and a validated provider:

fcc-claude

That wrapper sets the proxy env vars and launches Claude Code against your local FCC instance. Normal Claude Code arguments still work.

You should see the familiar Claude Code terminal UI. The model answering you is whatever you configured in Admin, not necessarily Anthropic's latest flagship.

Quick sanity check prompt:

Explain what project folder I am in and list the top-level files.

If tools fire and you get a coherent answer, the stack works. Celebrate quietly. Then read the next section before you open VS Code and wonder why login is back.

Building something real with this setup? Our best new AI tools for founders (July 2026) roundup shows how other solo builders stack coding agents with research and ops tools.

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Use Claude Code in VS Code for free

Terminal sessions are fine. Most people want the extension.

Step 1: Install the extension

Install Claude Code for VS Code from the marketplace.

Step 2: Add user settings JSON

Open VS Code user settings as JSON and add (match port and token to your Admin UI):

"claudeCode.disableLoginPrompt": true,
"claudeCode.environmentVariables": [
  { "name": "ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL", "value": "http://localhost:8082" },
  { "name": "ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN", "value": "freecc" },
  { "name": "CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_GATEWAY_MODEL_DISCOVERY", "value": "1" },
  { "name": "CLAUDE_CODE_AUTO_COMPACT_WINDOW", "value": "190000" },
  { "name": "DISABLE_AUTOUPDATER", "value": "1" },
  { "name": "DISABLE_FEEDBACK_COMMAND", "value": "1" },
  { "name": "DISABLE_ERROR_REPORTING", "value": "1" }
]

These values come straight from the repo's VS Code section. If you enabled token auth in Admin, swap freecc for your token.

Step 3: Reload VS Code

Restart VS Code or reload the window. Open the Claude Code panel. If it still nags you to sign into Anthropic, the next section fixes that.

JetBrains users: the repo includes ACP config paths for Claude Code in JetBrains. Same env vars, different JSON file location.

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Fix Claude Code still asking you to log in

This is the step every tutorial skips. You did everything right. Claude Code still wants an Anthropic account.

Fix: edit Claude Code's state file and mark onboarding complete.

Windows: %USERPROFILE%\.claude.json

macOS / Linux / WSL: ~/.claude.json

Merge this property into the existing JSON without deleting other fields:

"hasCompletedOnboarding": true

If the file does not exist, create it:

{
  "hasCompletedOnboarding": true
}

Save. Restart Claude Code or your IDE.

This workaround is documented in the repo. It tells Claude Code you finished setup so it stops blocking on Anthropic OAuth. FCC handles the actual model traffic.

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Other free providers worth trying

NVIDIA NIM is the default for a reason. It is not the only path.

Local Ollama setup from the repo:

ollama pull llama3.1
ollama serve

Then point FCC at ollama/llama3.1. Pick tool-capable models. Small local models struggle with Claude Code's system prompt and tool definitions.

OpenAI's ChatGPT subscription path uses Providers > Connected accounts in Admin instead of a raw API key. Different flow. Same proxy idea.

For writing-heavy side tasks while your agent codes, see best AI writing tools for marketers. Not every job needs a coding agent.

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Free Claude Code vs official Claude Code

Neither replaces the other cleanly. FCC is a hackable on-ramp. Official Claude Code is the supported highway.

If you already pay for Claude Pro and want Fable or Opus without proxy gymnastics, read our how to claim Fable 5 $100 credits guide for the official billing path.

Comparing Claude against ChatGPT for daily work? ChatGPT vs Claude in 2026 has the honest split.

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Troubleshooting common errors

Admin UI will not open

• Confirm fcc-server is still running (Linux) or the tray app is active (Mac/Windows)
• Check the port in the log. Default is 8082 but it can change
• Try http://127.0.0.1:8082/admin directly in the browser

Install script returns 403 or syntax errors

The repo's troubleshoot install docs pattern applies: curl errors often mean network blocks or wrong shell. On Windows, confirm you are in PowerShell, not CMD, when using the PowerShell installer.

Validate fails in Admin UI

• Key copied with extra spaces? Paste again
• Provider account not fully activated? Wait 5 minutes
• Model slug wrong? Use the dropdown instead of typing manually

Claude Code connects but responses are garbage

• Model too small for tool use. Switch to a coding-capable model in Admin
• Context window too tight. Try a larger NIM or OpenRouter model
• Reasoning settings fighting the provider. Open Admin > Model Config > Reasoning and set From client or Off

fcc-claude command not found

Re-run the installer. Confirm ~/.local/bin or the path the installer prints is on your PATH. Restart the terminal.

Still stuck

File an issue on GitHub Issues with your OS, FCC version (fcc-server --version), provider, and the error text. Or contact us if you think our guide has a factual error.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I use Claude Code for free?

Install free-claude-code, start fcc-server, add a free provider API key in the Admin UI, then run fcc-claude. The proxy routes Claude Code to your configured model instead of Anthropic's paid backend.

Is free-claude-code official from Anthropic?

No. It is an MIT-licensed community project by Alishahryar1. Anthropic's official install docs are at code.claude.com.

Do I need Claude Pro to use FCC?

Not for the FCC path. You need a working model provider (free tier or paid API). Claude Pro is required only if you use Claude Code directly against Anthropic without a proxy.

What is the best free provider for Claude Code in 2026?

For most beginners, NVIDIA NIM with the default Nemotron model is the smoothest start documented in the repo. OpenRouter's free models (open_router/openrouter/free) are the easiest way to experiment with multiple backends from one key.

Can I use Claude Code in VS Code for free with FCC?

Yes. Point the Claude Code extension at http://localhost:8082 with the env vars from the repo's VS Code guide. Set hasCompletedOnboarding in .claude.json if login prompts persist.

Is free Claude Code safe?

The repo is open source. You can audit install.sh and install.ps1 before running. Risk comes from third-party providers, local proxy exposure, and terms of service on both Anthropic's tooling and your chosen model host. Do not expose Admin UI to the public internet.

Free Claude Code vs Cursor: which is better?

Different tools. Cursor is a full AI-native IDE with its own billing. FCC keeps Claude Code's CLI workflow and sends models through providers you pick. Our best new AI tools for founders guide compares Cursor with other stacks if you are choosing from scratch.

What is fcc-codex vs fcc-claude?

Both are launchers. fcc-claude starts Claude Code through the proxy. fcc-codex starts OpenAI Codex the same way. fcc-pi does the same for Pi without altering your existing Pi configuration.

How do I update Free Claude Code?

Re-run the same install command for your platform from the Quick Start section of the repo.

How do I uninstall?

Stop all FCC processes first, then run the uninstall script for your OS. That removes FCC and ~/.fcc/ but keeps Claude Code, Codex, and Pi if you installed them separately.

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What to do after setup

You have a working free Claude Code stack. Now make it earn its keep:

1. Ship something small this week. A landing page, a script, a Micro SaaS MVP slice. Our Micro SaaS launch playbook is built for exactly that motion.
2. Track outreach and leads in a real CRM once users show up. Start with best CRM for freelancers.
3. Stay current on model shifts. Bookmark our AI news tab and newsletter for updates that affect your stack.

Free tools do not replace distribution. They buy you time. Spend that time talking to users, not tweaking config files for the fifth night in a row.

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Last updated: August 1, 2026. Sources: free-claude-code GitHub repo, Anthropic Claude Code install docs, NVIDIA NIM API keys. Pricing and provider free tiers change often. Spot an error? Contact us. More founder guides on our playbooks index.

Related reads: ChatGPT vs Claude 2026 · Claude Opus 5 for Coding · How to Claim Fable 5 Credits · Best New AI Tools for Founders · Micro SaaS Launch Playbook