[BUG] Claude Code panel doesn't initialize in Cursor until a file is opened

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?

In Cursor, the Claude Code chat panel is not accessible, does not appear/activate when the IDE launches. It only becomes visible after manually opening a file from the workspace.

What Should Happen?

The Claude code chat panel should be available immediately on IDE startup without requiring a file to be opened first.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

▎ Steps to reproduce:
▎ 1. Open Cursor with a folder/workspace (no file open)
▎ 2. Claude Code star is not visible, panel cannot be opened
▎ 3. Open any file
▎ 4. Claude Code start is visible and panel can be opened

Claude Model

Sonnet (default)

Is this a regression?

No, this never worked

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

Claude Code v2.1.81

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

Terminal.app (macOS)

Additional Information

_No response_