[BUG] launching a new Claude Code for VS code tab repeatedly kills the Extension host "Extension host terminated unexpectedly"

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?

launching a new Claude Code for VS code tab repeatedly kills the Extension host I repeatedly see this pop up on the screen "Extension host terminated unexpectedly"

What Should Happen?

In the past I was able to start a new chat immediately

Error Messages/Logs

"Extension host terminated unexpectedly"

Steps to Reproduce

create a new Claude Code for VS code tab buy pressing the [ + ] button or the orange splat or "Cmd+Shift+esc"

Claude Model

Opus

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.19

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

_No response_