Windows: IME (Korean/Japanese) input broken after Alt-Tabbing back

Resolved 💬 2 comments Opened Apr 3, 2026 by tksehd2 Closed May 12, 2026

Description

After switching to another window and coming back to Claude Code on Windows, the IME (Input Method Editor) stops working. Users cannot switch between English and Korean/Japanese input methods. The IME state becomes desynchronized when the terminal regains focus.

Environment

  • OS: Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
  • Input Method: Korean IME, likely affects Japanese IME as well

Steps to Reproduce

  1. Open Claude Code in the terminal
  2. Type normally in Korean (or any IME-based language) — works fine
  3. Alt-Tab (or click) to switch to another window
  4. Switch back to Claude Code
  5. Attempt to toggle IME (e.g., Han/Eng key) — input method does not switch

Expected Behavior

IME state should be preserved or re-synced when the terminal window regains focus.

Workarounds Attempted

  • Ctrl+Shift or Win+Space — inconsistent
  • Pressing Alt to reset IME — not possible on keyboards without Alt key

Additional Context

  • This does NOT occur in Codex (OpenAI CLI), suggesting it's specific to how Claude Code handles terminal input/focus events.
  • Significant usability blocker for non-English users who rely on IME daily.

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