[Windows] claude.exe spawns multiple processes, consuming ~4.8 GB RAM at idle

Environment

• OS: Windows 11 Pro 10.0.26220
• Claude Code Version: 2.1.81

Description

Claude Code spawns multiple claude.exe processes simultaneously (13 observed) with the largest consuming ~4.8 GB RAM while completely idle with no active tasks.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open Claude Code on Windows 11
2. Leave idle or use normally
3. Check Task Manager — multiple claude.exe processes accumulate

Observed Behavior

• 13 claude.exe processes running simultaneously
• Largest process: ~4,809,676 KB (~4.8 GB)
• Total memory across all processes: ~6+ GB

Expected Behavior

• Memory usage should be reasonable at idle (< 500 MB)
• Only 1-2 claude.exe processes should run at a time