[BUG] VSCode extension doesn't auto-activate when set to sidebar location on startup

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?

When "Preferred Location" is set to Sidebar, Claude Code shows a blank panel on VSCode startup until I click the icon. When set to Panel, it auto-activates correctly.

<img width="1479" height="1436" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/955faae6-d420-4277-bd05-b586eb1213d2" />

What Should Happen?

Claude Code should auto-activate on startup regardless of preferred location.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. Set Claude Code preferred location to "Sidebar" (secondary sidebar)
2. Close VSCode completely
3. Reopen VSCode
4. Observe blank sidebar panel until Claude Code icon is clicked

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.0.75

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

Works correctly when preferred location is set to Panel.