[BUG] Claude Code tab "Failed to load session" on Windows MSIX install — claude.exe exits with code 3221225781 (0xC0000135)

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?

The Code tab in Claude Desktop fails with "Failed to load session" on every session attempt. The claude.exe process exits immediately with code 3221225781 (0xC0000135).

Root cause identified from logs: The Desktop app looks for claude.exe at:
C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Claude\claude-code\2.1.74\claude.exe

But due to MSIX filesystem virtualization, the actual binary is at:
C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Packages\Claude_pzs8sxrjxfjjc\LocalCache\Roaming\Claude\claude-code\2.1.74\claude.exe

The binary works fine when invoked directly. However, when the Desktop app spawns it, the process exits immediately with code 3221225781.

What Should Happen?

The Code tab session should start successfully.

Error Messages/Logs

[error] Session local_xxx query error: Claude Code process exited with code 3221225781
[error] Sentry caught: {
  type: 'Error',
  value: 'Claude Code process exited with code 3221225781',
  stack: 'Error: Claude Code process exited with code 3221225781
      at wpt.getProcessExitError (...index.js:189:6819)
      at ChildProcess._handle.onexit (node:internal/child_process:294:12)'
}

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Windows 11 with Developer Mode enabled
2. Install Claude Desktop (MSIX, version 1.1.6679.0)
3. Launch Claude Desktop — Chat tab works normally
4. Navigate to the Code tab
5. Select any local folder
6. Trust the workspace when prompted
7. Type any message and submit
8. "Failed to load session" error appears immediately

Claude Model

Not sure / Multiple models

Is this a regression?

No, this never worked

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.74 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

Other

Additional Information

• %APPDATA%\Claude does not exist (MSIX virtualization only)
• claude.exe works correctly when invoked directly from PowerShell
• Chat tab works normally, only Code tab is affected
• Developer Mode was enabled before installation
• Visual C++ Redistributable was installed but did not resolve the issue
• Node.js v24.14.0 is installed and recognized
• Git is installed
• Related issues: #26073, #28231