[FEATURE] Claude Desktop user preferences don't apply to Claude Code

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
• [x] This is a single feature request (not multiple features)

Problem Statement

Summary

User preferences set in the Claude Desktop app's settings UI do not apply to Claude Code sessions, even when Claude Code is launched from within the same desktop app on the same machine. This forces users to maintain duplicate preferences in two surfaces.

Expected behavior

Preferences set in Claude Desktop (tone, explanation style, memory-consent rules, collaboration patterns) should automatically apply to Claude Code sessions on the same machine, because from a user's perspective both products live inside the same desktop app.

Actual behavior

Claude Code reads only its own files (~/.claude/CLAUDE.md, project-level CLAUDE.md, project memory). Desktop UI preferences are stored separately and never reach the Claude Code system prompt. A user's stated preferences (e.g. "always ask before writing to memory", "lead with concept-first explanations") have no effect on Claude Code behavior unless duplicated manually into ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md.

Impact

• Confusing UX: same brand, same desktop app, two memories.
• Preferences drift over time as users update one surface and forget the other.
• New users assume preferences are universal and are surprised when Claude Code ignores them.

Suggested fixes (any one would help)

1. Claude Code reads Claude Desktop's user preferences automatically when running on the same machine.
2. The Desktop preferences UI offers a one-click "Apply to Claude Code" / "Export to ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md" action.
3. At minimum: surface the gap clearly in the Desktop preferences UI ("These preferences apply to chat only — Claude Code uses ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md").

Environment

• macOS, Claude Desktop app, Claude Code CLI.

Proposed Solution

Suggested fixes (any one would help)

1. Claude Code reads Claude Desktop's user preferences automatically when running on the same machine.
2. The Desktop preferences UI offers a one-click "Apply to Claude Code" / "Export to ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md" action.
3. At minimum: surface the gap clearly in the Desktop preferences UI ("These preferences apply to chat only — Claude Code uses ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md").

Alternative Solutions

_No response_

Priority

Medium - Would be very helpful

Feature Category

Configuration and settings

Use Case Example

_No response_

Additional Context

_No response_