[BUG] Context limit reached · /compact or /clear to continue

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 immediately shows “Context limit reached · /compact or /clear to continue” even in a fresh session, before performing any action. This happens right after starting Claude Code and attempting the first command. The issue prevents any meaningful use because the context appears full from the start.

What Should Happen?

Claude Code should start with an empty or minimal context and allow normal execution of commands.
For example, Claude should be able to create or modify files (such as generating a Python script) without triggering a context limit error at the very beginning.

Error Messages/Logs

`Context limit reached · /compact or /clear to continue
`
This appears immediately, even in a new session, before any substantial interaction.

Steps to Reproduce

Steps to Reproduce

Start a fresh Claude Code session (no prior context or after restarting).

Run a simple command, for example:

claude "create a simple python hello world script"

The error appears immediately:

Context limit reached · /compact or /clear to continue

Running /clear or /compact may temporarily remove the message, but it often returns again without significant usage.

Claude Model

Opus

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.36

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

Terminal.app (macOS)

Additional Information

_No response_