[BUG] Running `claude` CLI from VS Code terminal opens 3 new VS Code windows

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?

Running claude CLI (v2.1.68) from the VS Code integrated terminal opens 3 new empty VS Code windows every time the CLI starts. This started happening after a recent update — it did not happen before.

The VS Code Claude Code extension is disabled, so it's not caused by the extension. Running claude from an external terminal (Windows Terminal, outside VS Code) does NOT reproduce the issue.

The debug log shows a clean startup with no commands that would trigger VS Code windows. The only errors are 429 rate limits on the client_data endpoint, which are unrelated.

Environment

• Claude Code version: 2.1.68
• OS: Windows 11 Pro 10.0.26200
• Shell: Git Bash (C:\Program Files\Git\bin\bash.exe)
• VS Code Claude Code extension: Disabled (issue persists)
• Install method: Native

Steps to reproduce

1. Open VS Code
2. Open the integrated terminal (Git Bash)
3. Run claude
4. 3 new empty VS Code windows open immediately

What Should Happen?

claude should start normally in the VS Code integrated terminal without opening any additional VS Code windows.

Error Messages/Logs

No errors in CLI debug log related to opening VS Code windows. Only unrelated 429 rate limit errors:

AxiosError: [url=https://api.anthropic.com/api/oauth/claude_cli/client_data,status=429,body=Rate limited. Please try again later.]

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open VS Code on Windows 11
2. Open the integrated terminal (Git Bash)
3. Run claude
4. 3 new empty VS Code windows open immediately

Note: The VS Code Claude Code extension is disabled. Running claude from an external terminal (outside VS Code) does NOT reproduce the issue.

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

Unknown (worked before recent update)

Claude Code Version

2.1.68 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

_No response_