Claude plugins are extension packages that bundle MCP connectors, Agent Skills, or a combination of both. Anthropic opened the submission channel for the plugin directory on 25 September 2026, calling plugins the main way to build third-party extensions for Claude. Before installing, check that you are on a paid plan: plugins are only available on Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise, and the free plan doesn't have them. Anthropic's own plugins are free to add, with no extra charge.
Installing in the Web and Desktop App
Open Claude, click Customize in the left sidebar, open the Plugins tab, then open the Discover tab to browse. Select the plugin you want and click Add. In Cowork, open the Cowork tab first, then go into Customize. After installing, type a slash in a new conversation and you'll see the plugin's skills. Plugins added in the app are saved to your account and follow it across chat, Cowork and Claude Code, where they show up as synced plugins.
Installing in Claude Code
Inside a Claude Code session, run slash-plugin to open the plugin manager and install from the Discover tab; or run slash-plugin install followed by the plugin name and the official marketplace name, for example to install the GitHub plugin from the official marketplace. In the shell you can also use claude plugin install with the plugin name and marketplace. The official marketplace, claude-plugins-official, is added automatically the first time you start an interactive terminal session. Both entry points install the same plugins, so pick whichever suits you — there's no need to install twice in both places.
Check Permissions and Your Account Before Installing
A plugin may include a local MCP server running on your computer, and its permissions are the same as any other program on that computer — so only install plugins from sources you trust. When an Enterprise plan has scanning turned on, installs and updates are checked for malicious content in third-party plugins, but Anthropic states clearly that passing the check does not mean the plugin is safe in every respect. Don't misunderstand that point. Another easy mistake: adding a plugin does not automatically connect the connector to your account, and it doesn't log you into third-party services on your behalf. A remote server bundled with a plugin needs to be connected and authorised separately in the plugin's Connectors tab. After installing, check the authorisation status in the Connectors tab first, then start using it.
