After struggling for hours with WSL and Node.js configuration on my Windows machine, I’m starting to think my decision to get a Mac wasn’t just about the ecosystem - it might have been prophetic.
The Problem
Getting Claude Code to install on Windows through WSL has been an absolute nightmare. The compatibility issues between WSL, Node.js, and various dependencies have created a perfect storm of configuration hell.
Despite multiple attempts:
- Different Node versions
- Various WSL distributions
- Multiple configuration approaches
- Clean installs and environment resets
I still can’t get it to work properly. At this point, I’m considering wiping all installations and starting fresh.
The Irony of Resources
Here’s what makes this particularly frustrating - I’ve allocated serious resources to WSL:
- 24 cores: More than most dedicated servers
- 64GB of RAM: Like it was nothing
Yet all this computational power can’t overcome fundamental compatibility issues. It’s like having a Ferrari stuck in traffic.
Windows vs. Mac Development
This experience has highlighted why many developers eventually migrate to Mac:
- Native Unix environment: No translation layers needed
- Consistent tooling: Everything just works together
- Less configuration overhead: More time coding, less time configuring
What would have been a simple npm install on Mac has turned into a multi-day debugging session on Windows.
The Path Forward
My options at this point:
- Complete WSL reset: Wipe everything and start fresh
- Native Windows development: Give up on WSL for this tool
- Just use the Mac: The path of least resistance
Lessons Learned
This experience reinforced several things:
- WSL is powerful but not perfect
- Cross-platform development tools still have compatibility gaps
- Sometimes the “it just works” tax of macOS is worth paying
- Having fallback options (like a Mac) isn’t luxury - it’s insurance
Looking back, maybe my subconscious knew something I didn’t when I decided to get that Mac. Some battles aren’t worth fighting, especially when there’s code to write.