[UX] Windows native installer needs fundamental improvements before deprecating npm

Summary

The native Windows installer (install.ps1) has significant UX issues that make it harder to use than the deprecated npm installation, contradicting the goal of expanding to non-developer users.

Current Problems

1. PATH setup instructions are incorrect

• Shows Windows GUI steps instead of PowerShell command
• GUI instructions ("Edit User PATH → New") are inaccurate
• Non-English Windows users see localized menus, making English instructions confusing

1. No uninstall information in post-install message

• Users who encounter issues cannot easily find how to uninstall
• claude uninstall requires authentication (#11789)
• Manual deletion requires finding documentation

1. Regression from npm experience

| Aspect | npm | Native |
|--------|-----|--------|
| Install | One command, done | Manual PATH setup |
| Uninstall | npm uninstall -g | Manual file deletion |
| Stability | Mature ecosystem | 0-byte exe issues (#16041) |

Strategic Inconsistency

Anthropic's stated goals:

• Expand beyond developers (native installer removes Node.js requirement)
• Focus on business/enterprise use cases

Reality:

• Business/enterprise users are predominantly on Windows
• Windows experience is the weakest
• Non-developers are most likely to fail at PATH setup

Recommended Improvements

Short-term (install.ps1 fixes):

# Show this instead of GUI instructions:
[Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("Path", $env:Path + ";$HOME\.local\bin", "User")

• Add uninstall documentation link
• Add troubleshooting link

Medium-term:

• Provide proper Windows installer (.msi)
• Automatic PATH configuration
• "Add/Remove Programs" integration
• One-click uninstall
• Standard Windows UX

Process:

• Do not deprecate npm until native installer achieves feature parity
• Test with actual non-developer users before recommending as primary method

Related Issues

• #19983 - Same problem for fish shell (bash-style PATH instructions)
• #11789 - Cannot uninstall without authentication
• #16041 - 0-byte exe installation failures

Environment

• Windows 10/11
• PowerShell
• Claude Code 2.0.67+