[BUG] Frequent "Puzzling..." hangs requiring ESC interruption (Windows / cli/VSCODE)

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?

Claude Code frequently hangs with "Puzzling..." or anothers status message, requiring manual ESC interruption every 2-3 prompts. This happens consistently during normal task execution.

### Actual Behavior

• Hangs with "Puzzling..." message
• Countdown timer shows (40s, sometimes longer)
• Token count shows "↓ 0 tokens"
• Only ESC interruption allows continuation
• Happens every 2-3 prompts consistently

What Should Happen?

Claude Code should complete tasks without hanging. No "Puzzling..." freezes requiring ESC interruption.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Claude Code via npm: npm install -g @anthropics/claude-code 2. Start a new session: claude
2. Execute any basic prompt (e.g., "read file index.html")
3. Wait for response to complete
4. Execute 2-3 more prompts in sequence
5. Observe CLI hanging with "Puzzling… (esc to interrupt · 40s · ↓ 0 tokens)"
6. Press ESC to interrupt
7. Continue working - pattern repeats every 2-3 prompts

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

lasted

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

_No response_