/add-dir doesn't update sandbox path validation for existing shell session
Resolved 💬 3 comments Opened Dec 30, 2025 by mv2a Closed Feb 14, 2026
Description
When adding a new working directory mid-conversation using /add-dir, the sandbox's path validation doesn't update for the existing shell session. Commands continue to fail with "Path does not exist" errors even after the directory is added.
Steps to Reproduce
- Start a conversation in
/path/to/project-a - Move
project-ato a new location (e.g.,/path/to/monorepo/project-a) - Use
/add-dir /path/to/monorepoto add the new parent directory - Try to run any bash command
Expected Behavior
After /add-dir, bash commands should work in the newly added directory.
Actual Behavior
Bash commands fail with:
Path "/path/to/project-a" does not exist
The sandbox continues to validate against the original working directory path, even though:
- That path no longer exists
- A new valid path was added via
/add-dir
Workarounds
- Start a new conversation in the correct directory
- Use the Task tool to spawn subagents (they get fresh sandbox contexts)
Environment
- Claude Code CLI
- macOS
Additional Context
This commonly happens when reorganizing projects (e.g., moving repos into a monorepo structure). The shell session becomes unusable, requiring a new conversation to be started.
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