[BUG] Recent regression in Claude Cowork: UI to install Personal Plugins is not visible if at least 1 plugin is not already installed
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?
Following a recent update from Claude for Mac (Claude 1.1.7203 (034f07) 2026-03-17T17:48:28.000Z → Claude 1.1.7714 (3bd6f6) 2026-03-19T14:50:53.000Z) the UX to install a personal plugin disappeared for first-time Claude for Mac users making is very difficult to install community plugins (unless a workaround is used, more below).
Current UX:
The only option now is to browse the marketplace
<img width="446" height="221" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/eb894f26-2826-4d77-a89a-79d560f3cd21" />
Additionally, the marketplace modal no longer provides a link to install personal plugins
<img width="840" height="541" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/0627aa42-13c1-40cb-9e3c-2f86d57ae1f2" />
What Should Happen?
Previous builds have included an option to install Personal plugins by default:
<img width="450" height="186" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/3d518835-b5fc-4818-9d39-fb322460b1c0" />
For the current build, the work around is to install one marketplace plugin, which then replaces the "Browse plugins" CTA and introduces the "+" / "Add plugin" option once more
In prior builds the marketplace also provided a link to add personal plugins (this flow was more confusing to end-users, so deprecating it was probably the right call):
<img width="632" height="576" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/f6e1b41f-8d6f-4076-8303-7e5c0579303d" />
Error Messages/Logs
N/ASteps to Reproduce
- Open Claude for Mac and Click "Customize" from the left hand rail to open the "Customize" panel
- If no plugins are installed: The Customize Panel will not provide a CTA to launch the "upload Local/Personal Plugin flow"
<img width="446" height="221" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/eb894f26-2826-4d77-a89a-79d560f3cd21" />
If at least 1 plugin is installed (from the marketplace) then the correct CTA will be available once more:
<img width="450" height="186" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/3d518835-b5fc-4818-9d39-fb322460b1c0" />
Claude Model
Opus
Is this a regression?
Yes, this worked in a previous version
Last Working Version
Claude for Mac: Claude 1.1.7203 (034f07) 2026-03-17T17:48:28.000Z
Claude Code Version
Claude for Mac: Claude 1.1.7714 (3bd6f6) 2026-03-19T14:50:53.000Z
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
macOS
Terminal/Shell
Other
Additional Information
_No response_
5 Comments
Found 1 possible duplicate issue:
This issue will be automatically closed as a duplicate in 3 days.
🤖 Generated with Claude Code
@jarednortonmgt-web looks like you're having the same issue. Try the workaround above: Install at least 1 marketplace plugin (I installed the HR plugin), which then exposes the "+" option for personal plugins once more. This looks to be a regression for first-time users only
That worked! Sid, thank you so much. Still would prefer if it's available in the layout it is now, without having to install a marketplace plugin first. Do you know if there are plans to fix this regression?
@jarednortonmgt-web this is resolved as of Claude 1.1.8986 (17fe18) 2026-03-26T14:10:29.000Z. Thanks @felixrieseberg and team!
<img width="202" height="116" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/1caf6c0f-2782-4ff2-a1df-cf9036cfbab4" />
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