[BUG] markdown links dont work in Claude code on Desktop

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?

Markdown file links in assistant responses (e.g. [path](absolute/path/to/file.ext)) do not open the file when clicked in Claude Desktop on macOS. Expected: file opens in its default application (QuickTime for video, text editor for .md/.json, etc.). Actual: nothing happens. Workaround: ask the assistant to open the file via Bash.

What Should Happen?

When clicked, it should either open in preview or the appropriate app. Today, it goes to preview, and nothing appears.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

When claude builds artifacts it'll provide the path link to open them. it presents these as a clickable link. Try clicking one and notice what happens.

Claude Model

Opus

Is this a regression?

No, this never worked

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

Claude Code 2.1.114.

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

Other

Additional Information

Claude Code on Claude Desktop