[BUG] Error: Git is required but was not found. Install git and try again.

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 attempting to open a local Git directory in the Claude desktop app (claude-code / local sessions), the session fails to start with the error:

"Git is required but was not found. Install git and try again."

The app is invoking a remote method for LocalSessions_start, but even though Git is installed on the system, it is not being detected correctly, preventing any local session from launching.

What Should Happen?

The Claude desktop app should successfully detect the installed Git binary, launch a local session for the specified Git directory, and allow the user to interact with their project.

Error Messages/Logs

Error invoking remote method '$eipc_message$_61a9f65f-1ad1-4154-b2da-52d6d0694886_$_claude.web_$_LocalSessions_$_start': Error: Git is required but was not found. Install git and try again.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open the Claude desktop app on macOS
2. Attempt to start a local session by pointing the app to an existing Git repository directory
3. The app tries to invoke LocalSessions_start via IPC
4. The session fails immediately with: Error: Git is required but was not found. Install git and try again.
5. No local session is created; the user is blocked from using the feature entirely

Claude Model

Sonnet (default)

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.51

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

Terminal.app (macOS)

Additional Information

The error originates from the IPC layer ($eipc_message$) during the LocalSessions_$_start call. The specific method identifier in the error is:

$eipc_message$_61a9f65f-1ad1-4154-b2da-52d6d0694886_$_claude.web_$_LocalSessions_$_start

This suggests the Git detection happens server-side within the local session bootstrap process, and the app is not falling back gracefully or providing guidance on where/how it looks for the Git binary (e.g., PATH issues, sandboxing restrictions, or missing symlink at the expected location).