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Installing the extension is not enough to chat. CC GUI starts AI runtimes through local Node.js: Claude and Codex use SDKs; Grok / Kimi / OpenCode / Pi use CLIs you already installed.
The first time you open CC GUI, run CC GUI: Run Setup Wizard from the Command Palette. The wizard checks Node, prompts you to install missing SDKs, and walks you to the sidebar to configure providers.
Setup wizard welcome dialog

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1. Install Node.js 20+

CC GUI requires Node.js major version ≥ 20. This path is only for the extension. It does not change the Node version in your project terminal. Your project can keep using Node 16 or 18. Install a separate Node 20+, then paste the executable path into CC GUI.
1

Install a separate Node 20+

Use the official installer, nvm, fnm, or your system package manager. Then run this in that environment:
Copy the full path. On Windows it must point to node.exe.
2

Add it to CC GUI

Open CC GUI → Settings → General → Environment, paste the path into Extension-only Node.js path, then click Save.You can also search ccGui.nodePath in VS Code settings. If you leave it empty, the extension tries to detect node on your PATH.
Node path in Settings Common cases:

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2. Install the Claude / Codex SDKs

Claude Code and Codex need their SDKs. The extension installs them under your user directory:
The npm packages are:
  • Claude: @anthropic-ai/claude-agent-sdk
  • Codex: @openai/codex-sdk
1

Open SDK dependencies

In CC GUI, click Settings → SDK dependencies.
2

Install what is missing

Click Install for each missing SDK. You can also select them in the setup wizard and let it install them.
3

Confirm the version

After install you should see the current version. Codex also checks CLI integrity. If that check fails, the status stays Not installed.
SDK dependencies page
If the chat area says the SDK is not installed, click Go to install to jump to this page.

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3. Install local CLIs as needed

The extension does not install Grok, Kimi, OpenCode, or Pi for you. Install each one in a system terminal, confirm the command works, then go to Settings → Provider management → CLI and click Detect again. Install commands live on each engine page: Skip this step if you only want Claude or Codex first. For detection and PATH troubleshooting, see Detect and install.

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4. Finish the wizard

At the end, the wizard tells you to configure a Claude or Codex provider in the sidebar. Click Open Side Panel, or open CC GUI yourself. Next: Send the first message.