Add setting to disable auto-opening files on Edit in VS Code extension

Resolved 💬 2 comments Opened Apr 1, 2026 by Lyitick Closed May 8, 2026

Feature Request

When Claude Code edits a file via the Edit tool in the VS Code extension, the file is automatically opened and focused in the editor area. This is disruptive when working primarily through the chat panel — every edit causes a new tab to appear and steal focus.

Requested behavior

Add a setting like claudeCode.openFileOnEdit: false that prevents the extension from auto-opening files when using Edit/Write tools.

Current workarounds (none work)

  • workbench.editor.revealIfOpen: false — doesn't affect programmatic opens from the extension
  • workbench.editor.limit.enabled with low value — limits ALL tabs globally, not just Claude-triggered ones
  • "Close All Editor Groups" — also closes the Claude chat panel
  • No extension-level setting exists in v2.1.89

Use case

Users who work through the chat panel don't need every edited file opened as a tab. The diff is already visible in chat output. Auto-opening files adds visual noise and constantly breaks focus.

Environment

  • VS Code extension v2.1.89, Windows 10
  • claudeCode.preferredLocation: "panel"

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