[FEATURE] Integrated file explorer panel in Cowork for single-monitor users

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
• [x] This is a single feature request (not multiple features)

Problem Statement

As a content creator who relies heavily on Claude for file-based workflows (writing scripts, generating text files, organizing project folders), I'd love to see an integrated file explorer panel within the Cowork interface — similar to VS Code's sidebar explorer.

Currently, to see files being created or edited in real-time during a Cowork session, I need to keep a separate Windows Explorer window open side-by-side. This works, but on a single monitor it cuts the usable space in half and requires constant window management.

I migrated from the Claude Code VS Code extension specifically because of performance issues (extension host memory pressure, UI freezes during file generation — see #23053, #14282). Cowork solved those problems, but I lost the integrated file visibility that VS Code provided.

Proposed Solution

Proposed Solution

A collapsible file tree panel on the side of the Cowork interface that:

• Shows the current project folder structure
• Updates in real-time as Claude creates, edits, or moves files
• Allows clicking a file to preview its contents
• Highlights recently modified files (e.g., with a subtle color or icon)
• Can be toggled on/off for users who don't need it

Why This Matters

Many users who moved from Claude Code in VS Code to Cowork did so because of stability — not because they preferred less visibility. An integrated explorer would make Cowork a complete replacement for the VS Code workflow, especially for:

• Content creators managing multi-file projects
• Single-monitor setups where split-screen is impractical
• Users who need to verify file output without leaving the interface

Current Workaround

• Windows Explorer snapped to half the screen alongside Claude Desktop
• Or using Win + Arrow to tile windows manually

Environment

• Platform: Windows 11
• Plan: Pro
• Use case: YouTube content production pipeline (scripts, audio text, image prompts, metadata)

Alternative Solutions

_No response_

Priority

Medium - Would be very helpful

Feature Category

CLI commands and flags

Use Case Example

_No response_

Additional Context

_No response_