[BUG] VSCode Slash-command autocomplete doesn't show available skills until after first message

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 the _VS Code extension_, the / slash-command picker does not display available skills (e.g., /consolidate-worktrees, /commit, etc.) until after the user has already typed their first message in a conversation.

Actual behavior:
The skill list in the autocomplete dropdown is empty or incomplete before the first message is sent. Skills only appear after the conversation has started and the system context (including the skill list) has been loaded.

VS Code extension
Linux (WSL2)

What Should Happen?

Slash-command autocomplete should show all available skills immediately when typing / in a new conversation, before sending any messages.

Actual behavior:
The skill list in the autocomplete dropdown is empty or incomplete before the first message is sent. Skills only appear after the conversation has started and the system context (including the skill list) has been loaded.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open new panel in VS Code extension
2. type /
3. observe that no slash commands appear at all, nor as you start typing

Expected behavior:
Slash-command autocomplete should show all available skills immediately when typing / in a new conversation, before sending any messages.

Actual behavior:
The skill list in the autocomplete dropdown is empty or incomplete before the first message is sent. Skills only appear after the conversation has started and the system context (including the skill list) has been loaded.

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

2.1.76

Claude Code Version

2.1.81

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

Additional Information

_No response_