[BUG] Claude Desktop for Windows 11 (fresh install): Chat tab non-functional until config wipe and reinstall
Preflight Checklist
- [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
- [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
- [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code
What's Wrong?
Environment
- OS: Windows 11 (fresh install)
- Claude Desktop version: 2.42304.0
- Same account works correctly on claude.ai (browser), Claude Desktop on macOS, and Claude Desktop on Linux (beta)
What's wrong
After a fresh installation on a new Windows 11 machine and signing in, the app only offered an environment selection screen (Code tab). The Chat tab did not work, so Projects and chat history were not accessible. All projects and conversations are present and visible on the other platforms with the same account.
Workaround found
Uninstalling the app, deleting all of its configuration/data files, then reinstalling made the Chat tab work.
Additional notes
- The in-app feedback button does nothing on this install, so I could not report this from within the app.
- Similar reports exist: #50587 (Windows: missing Projects and Chat History) and #70912 (Projects missing in Claude Desktop).
What Should Happen?
After a clean install and sign-in, the Chat tab should load Projects and conversation history without having to wipe configuration files and reinstall.
Error Messages/Logs
Steps to Reproduce
Install claude desktop on a fresh windows 11
Claude Model
Sonnet (default)
Is this a regression?
Yes, this worked in a previous version
Last Working Version
_No response_
Claude Code Version
2.423040
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
Windows
Terminal/Shell
Other
Additional Information
_No response_