Add option to disable automatic worktree creation in Desktop app
Status Closed — not planned
Maintainer reply None cached
Workaround ✓ Mentioned in thread ↓
Activity 4 comments · opened Apr 1, 2026 · closed May 9, 2026
The Claude Code Desktop app automatically creates a new git worktree and branch for every conversation. There is no option to disable this behavior.
Current behavior
- Every new chat creates a worktree in
.claude/worktrees/and a branchclaude/<random-name> - "Worktree location" setting only offers "Inside project" and "Custom..." — no way to turn it off
Desired behavior
- Add a "Disabled" / "None" option so users can work directly on their current branch
- Worktrees should only be created when explicitly requested
Why
- Quick questions, debugging, small edits don't need branch isolation
- Accumulates stale branches and directories requiring manual cleanup
- CLI (
claude) doesn't do this — desktop should match
macOS, version 1.2.234
4 Comments
Related: #40968 — same core problem (unwanted automatic worktree creation). That issue also includes a PreToolUse hook workaround.
Closing for now — inactive for too long. Please open a new issue if this is still relevant.
Telling me to use CLI is not really an answer to the request we all have. Why build command line to work one way and then a GUI that creates more work and headach for end users.
This issue has been automatically locked since it was closed and has not had any activity for 7 days. If you're experiencing a similar issue, please file a new issue and reference this one if it's relevant.