Powerful out of the box. Also a little reckless.
Claude Code and tools like it can build almost anything. They have also made the news:
- An AI agent deleted a company's live database during a code freeze. OECD
- Claude Code ran one wrong delete command and erased a user's whole home folder. Report
- Public code written with AI help leaks passwords and keys more often than average. GitGuardian
- Anthropic added weekly limits, so wasted sessions now eat into your week. TechCrunch
This setup blocks the worst commands outright, blocks Claude from opening your password and key files directly, stops it writing an API key into a file, makes it check its work before it says done, and makes your plan go further.
Most people never change Claude Code's defaults, because nobody tells them what to change. I use Claude Code every day and keep tuning it. This is that setup, packaged so you can have it in one step.
Industry-leading best practices (including Anthropic's own) · Risky commands blocked outright · Built on open-source projects with over 1 million GitHub stars
Five things change the moment you install it.
- 01
Brakes on the dangerous stuff
It blocks the commands that do the most damage, like wiping whole folders or erasing your saved past versions. It keeps Claude working inside your project folders, away from your personal files in Documents, Downloads and Desktop. A built-in safety check stops other risky moves, so you are not asked about every small step. It never pays for anything or presses a button that can't be undone: it gets everything ready, and you press it.
- 02
Your plan goes further
Leaner instructions, the right model for each job, and habits that avoid wasted work. You get more done before you hit your limits.
- 03
It works like a careful professional
Claude plans before it builds, picks the simplest fix that works, tests what it made, and checks before it says "done". For work that could cost you clients or money, it sends independent checkers to try to break it, round after round, until nothing serious is left. It answers in plain English, short and to the point, and writes your messages to others the same way. It makes sure what it builds also works when you share it with someone else, and keeps heavy jobs from running your laptop hot. Type
end sessionwhen you're done: it saves everything so the next session picks up where you left off. - 04
Your work stays safe and private
Claude offers every project a private online copy (a free GitHub account is all it needs), so a lost or broken laptop doesn't take your work with it. Rules keep passwords and keys out of your code, and personal details off anything public.
- 05
It keeps getting better
I update it as Claude Code changes and as better practices appear. Updates reach you automatically, and an already-open Claude window can never quietly undo them. If one ever needs a step from you, Claude tells you.
Three steps. Claude does the setup.
- Copy the prompt below. One click.
- Paste it into Claude Code (the Claude desktop app or a terminal window) and press Enter.
- Read what Claude says it will change, then say yes. It does the rest and tells you when it's finished. Close Claude Code and open it again so everything switches on. Then type
commandsto see everything you can say.
Set up my Claude Code with https://github.com/Apurv-ed/best-claude-code-setup . First explain in plain words what it will change on my computer and wait for my OK. Then, on Windows, if Git for Windows or Python is missing, install them (winget install --id Git.Git -e --accept-source-agreements --accept-package-agreements, winget install --id Python.Python.3.12 -e --accept-source-agreements --accept-package-agreements), tell me Windows may ask for permission, and ask me to close this window, reopen Claude Code and paste this message again. When nothing is missing, back up my current Claude settings, clone the repo and run its installer (python3 claude-setup.py, or python on Windows), and tell me what changed. Finally, tell me to close and reopen Claude Code so everything switches on.
Nothing changes until you say yes.
- Claude explains every change in plain words first and waits for your OK.
- Your current settings are saved before anything is touched.
- Your own instructions to Claude are left alone. The new rules live in a separate file.
- Changed your mind? Ask Claude to switch any part of it off.
Already installed? See what to type.
Before you paste.
What is Claude Code?
Anthropic's assistant that writes and changes files on your computer when you ask in plain English.
Do I need to be technical?
No. You copy one prompt and answer yes when Claude asks. Claude handles every technical step and tells you what it did.
What do I need first?
Claude Code installed on your computer, with a Claude plan that includes it. On Windows, Claude asks before installing Git for Windows or Python if either is missing. For private online copies of your projects, you'll also need a free GitHub account.
Does it work on Windows?
Yes, on Mac and Windows. On Windows, the safety blocks need a free tool called Git for Windows; if it's missing, the first setup installs it and takes a few minutes longer. Windows support is newer, so if anything looks wrong, tell Claude and it will help.
Does it work in the Claude desktop app?
Yes. The setup works the same in the app and in the terminal, and the command list shows the app way next to each terminal step.
Is it free?
Yes. The setup costs nothing. You still need a Claude plan that includes Claude Code.
How do updates work?
Automatically. New versions download in the background while you work and are active the next time you open Claude Code. There's nothing to click.
Can I trust it?
Every line is public on GitHub, so you or anyone you trust can read it. Every update is automatically checked for passwords and personal details before it goes out. Claude also asks before touching another project's files, and leaves a note for that project's own session instead.
Does Claude remember what it promised?
Yes. When Claude says it will do something by a date, it writes the date down. Each new session starts with what is due or overdue, and Claude either does it, moves the date and tells you why, or drops it. Work with no set date gets a priority instead. Each session also shows what Claude will do next and what is waiting on you. Type sort deadlines once in each folder you work in to set this up.
Can I undo it?
Yes. Your old settings are saved before anything changes. Ask Claude to restore them, or to turn off only the part you don't want.
Apurv.
Operator and company builder. 14 years building, now rebuilding everything with AI. I built this for myself first, then for the people around me. It's what I'd set up for you if I were sitting next to you.
Two minutes from now, your Claude is safer and sharper.
Copy the prompt, paste it into Claude Code, say yes.