claude install doesn't persist ~/.local/bin to PATH in shell config
Resolved 💬 4 comments Opened Jan 26, 2026 by initmaks Closed Feb 28, 2026
Bug Description
Running claude install installs the binary to ~/.local/bin/claude but does not add ~/.local/bin to the user's PATH in any shell configuration file (.zshrc, .zprofile, .bashrc, etc.).
Expected Behavior
The installer should add something like:
export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"
to the user's shell config file (e.g., ~/.zshrc for zsh users).
Actual Behavior
- The installer sets
~/.local/binin the current session's PATH only - No changes are made to shell configuration files
- Result:
claudeworks in the terminal where install was run, but fails after: - Opening a new terminal window
- Restarting the computer
- Opening terminal from Spotlight/Finder
Reproduction Steps
- Start with a clean environment (no
~/.local/binin PATH) - Run
claude install - Observe that
claudeworks in current terminal - Open a new terminal window (not a tab)
- Run
which claude→ command not found
Environment
- macOS (Darwin 25.2.0)
- zsh shell
- Claude Code 2.1.19 (installed via website/binary)
Workaround
Manually add to ~/.zshrc:
export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"This issue has 4 comments on GitHub. Read the full discussion on GitHub ↗