[BUG] RPC error: ensure user: useradd failed: exit status 12: useradd: cannot create directory /sessions/clever-adoring-planck
Resolved 💬 3 comments Opened Apr 15, 2026 by fazmulla66-bot Closed Apr 19, 2026
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?
Title:Cowork fails to start — useradd exit status 12: cannot create directory in /sessions/
Body:
## Bug Description
Claude Cowork consistently fails to start new sessions with a server-side RPC error. Persisting for 36+ hours across multiple attempts and multiple container names.
## Error Message
RPC error: ensure user: useradd failed: exit status 12: useradd: cannot create directory /sessions/clever-adoring-planck
## Affected Containers (all same error)
- /sessions/tender-trusting-rubin
- /sessions/peaceful-vigilant-albattani
- /sessions/clever-adoring-planck
## Steps to Reproduce
1. Open Claude Desktop
2. Click to start a Cowork session
3. Error appears immediately — session never starts
4. Retry — different container name, same error every time
## Expected Behavior
Cowork spins up a sandbox session successfully.
## Actual Behavior
Server-side useradd fails with exit status 12 (cannot create home directory) on every attempt. The session never starts.
## Analysis
This is a server-side infrastructure issue, not a local client problem. Exit status 12 from useradd means the system cannot create the user's home directory — points to disk quota, permissions, or resource exhaustion on Anthropic's container provisioning infrastructure.
Local troubleshooting already ruled out:
- Claude Code reinstalled (now v2.1.109, native install via claude install)
- Local directory permissions verified writable
- claude doctor shows no local issues
## Environment
- OS: macOS (Apple Silicon)
- Claude Code version: 2.1.109
- Install method: Native (~/.local/bin/claude)
- Plan: Claude Max
- Duration: 36+ hours, still ongoing
### What Should Happen?
It should load and work!
### Error Messages/Logs
```shell
Steps to Reproduce
Open Cowork and say Hi!
Claude Model
Sonnet (default)
Is this a regression?
Yes, this worked in a previous version
Last Working Version
_No response_
Claude Code Version
Claude Latest
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
macOS
Terminal/Shell
Terminal.app (macOS)
Additional Information
RPC error: ensure user: useradd failed: exit status 12: useradd: cannot create directory /sessions/clever-adoring-planck
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