Desktop app: no option to select project directory when creating a new session

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 clicking "New session" in the Claude Code Desktop app, there is no option to select the working directory for the new session. The app always opens a new session with the previously used directory, with no UI element (button, folder picker, or any other control) to change it.

Users who work on multiple projects have no way to switch between project directories from within the Desktop app. The only workaround is to use the CLI (claude command from terminal), but the Desktop app provides no equivalent functionality.

What Should Happen?

When clicking "New session", the Desktop app should allow the user to select which project directory (working directory) to use for the session — via a folder picker dialog or a project selector UI, similar to how VS Code opens a workspace.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open Claude Code Desktop app
2. 2. Click "New session" in the sidebar
3. 3. Observe that a new chat opens immediately with no option to choose a project directory
4. 4. The session uses the previously used directory with no way to change it from the UI

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

No, this never worked

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

Desktop app (version unknown, CLI not installed)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

Terminal.app (macOS)

Additional Information

_No response_