> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mossx.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Prepare your environment

> Set up Node.js 20+, the Claude / Codex SDKs, and optional local CLIs for CC GUI.

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.

<Tip>
  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.
</Tip>

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/mossx-docs/kz4nt5KFSKzkAZwe/images/vscode/setup-wizard.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=kz4nt5KFSKzkAZwe&q=85&s=2f5437ae84d0c9fa81b5ce31f2e28bd6" alt="Setup wizard welcome dialog" width="100%" data-path="images/vscode/setup-wizard.png" />

## 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.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install a separate Node 20+">
    Use the official installer, nvm, fnm, or your system package manager. Then run this in that environment:

    ```bash theme={null}
    node -p "process.execPath"
    ```

    Copy the full path. On Windows it must point to `node.exe`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/mossx-docs/kz4nt5KFSKzkAZwe/images/vscode/settings-environment.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=kz4nt5KFSKzkAZwe&q=85&s=7f40026f538fcd4cd7f072dec615bcdb" alt="Node path in Settings" width="100%" data-path="images/vscode/settings-environment.png" />

Common cases:

| Symptom                     | What to do                                                            |
| --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Node not detected           | Install Node 20+ and enter the full path                              |
| Detected version is too old | Install a separate Node 20+. Do not change the project's default Node |
| Windows path is invalid     | It must point to `node.exe`, not a directory                          |

## 2. Install the Claude / Codex SDKs

Claude Code and Codex need their SDKs. The extension installs them under your user directory:

```text theme={null}
~/.codemoss/dependencies/claude-sdk
~/.codemoss/dependencies/codex-sdk
```

The npm packages are:

* Claude: `@anthropic-ai/claude-agent-sdk`
* Codex: `@openai/codex-sdk`

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open SDK dependencies">
    In CC GUI, click **Settings** → **SDK dependencies**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install what is missing">
    Click **Install** for each missing SDK. You can also select them in the setup wizard and let it install them.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/mossx-docs/kz4nt5KFSKzkAZwe/images/vscode/settings-dependencies.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=kz4nt5KFSKzkAZwe&q=85&s=7f8c066c65c87eea02e80b1c672c748f" alt="SDK dependencies page" width="100%" data-path="images/vscode/settings-dependencies.png" />

<Note>
  If the chat area says the SDK is not installed, click **Go to install** to jump to this page.
</Note>

## 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:

| Engine   | Install guide                                                                 |
| -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Kimi     | [Install](/en/vscode/providers/kimi#install)                                  |
| Grok     | [Install](/en/vscode/providers/grok#install) (use WSL or Git Bash on Windows) |
| OpenCode | [Install](/en/vscode/providers/opencode#install)                              |
| Pi       | [Install](/en/vscode/providers/pi#install)                                    |

Skip this step if you only want Claude or Codex first. For detection and PATH troubleshooting, see [Detect and install](/en/vscode/providers/cli).

## 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](/en/vscode/start/first-task).