Back up and share with GitHub
Git keeps a history of your workspace on your computer. GitHub keeps a copy of that history online, in a private space only you can see. That gives you an off-machine backup, a full version history you can browse from anywhere, and the one thing Claude Code cloud sessions require.
This builds on See changes with Git. If you've installed GitHub Desktop already, you're most of the way there.
What you get
- A backup off your machine. If your laptop dies, your workspace and its history are safe.
- Version history you can browse and restore from any device.
- Cloud agent sessions. Claude Code's cloud runs on the copy in GitHub, not your laptop — so your workspace has to be there first.
Keep it private. Your workspace holds personal notes, memory, and life-system files. Always create the repository as Private. The steps below do this for you — just don't switch it to Public.
Set it up
Create a free GitHub account
If you don't have one, sign up at GitHub. The free plan includes unlimited private repositories, which is all you need.
Sign up for GitHubSign in to GitHub Desktop
Open GitHub Desktop and sign in with the account you just created, from File → Options → Accounts. This is the easiest path — no command line, no keys to manage.
Add your workspace and commit
If your workspace isn't open yet, choose File → Add local repository and pick your agent's folder. Make sure any pending changes are committed first — type a short summary and click Commit to main so the snapshot is ready to upload.
Publish as a private repository
Click Publish repository. In the dialog, leave Keep this code private checked, then confirm. GitHub Desktop uploads your workspace and its history to your private repo.
Keep it current
From now on, after you commit, click Push origin to send the latest snapshots up. Or just ask your agent: "commit and push my workspace."
About cloud sessions
Once your workspace is on GitHub, you can start a Claude Code session from the cloud — handy when you're away from your computer. It works on the pushed copy, so push before you leave and pull your agent's changes back down when you return. See Reach your agent from your phone for the full picture.
Stuck or need help?
Send a message and it comes straight to me. Tell me where you got stuck and I'll write back.
Rather have it done for you?
If following the steps yourself isn't how your brain works today, that's fine. On a Zoom call you share your screen and hand me control, and I set it up for you, right there on your own computer. You watch it come together and end the call with a working setup, nothing left on your plate.
Pick a time below. No pitch, no pressure, no homework beforehand.