[BUG] Claude Code VSCode Extension v2.1.136 Fails to Activate on Windows Due to Hardcoded CI Build Path
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?
Claude Code VSCode extension v2.1.136 fails to activate entirely on Windows.
The extension installs successfully, but no commands function because activation crashes before command handlers register. Commands such as:
Claude Code: Open in Side BarView: Toggle Claude Code
either fail silently or return "command not found" errors.
The issue appears to originate from a hardcoded CI/build runner path embedded in the extension bundle.
What Should Happen?
The Claude Code extension should activate normally after installation on Windows, register all commands successfully, and display the Claude sidebar/view without errors.
Error Messages/Logs
[error] Activating extension Anthropic.claude-code failed due to an error:
TypeError: The argument 'filename' must be a file URL object, file URL string, or absolute path string. Received 'file:///home/runner/work/claude-cli-internal/claude-cli-internal/build-agent-sdk/sdk.mjs'
at Module.createRequire (node:internal/modules/cjs/loader:1922:13)
at Object.<anonymous> (c:\Users\...\anthropic.claude-code-2.1.136-win32-x64\extension.js:103:5579)
Additional symptom:
command 'claude-vscode.sidebar.open' not found
Steps to Reproduce
Install or auto-update to Claude Code v2.1.136 on Windows
Open VS Code
Attempt to run Claude commands such as:
View: Toggle Claude Code
Claude Code: Open in Side Bar
Observe that commands fail or sidebar never appears
Check:
%APPDATA%\Code\logs\<session>\window1\exthost\exthost.log
Observe activation TypeError referencing:
file:///home/runner/work/claude-cli-internal/...
Claude Model
None
Is this a regression?
Yes, this worked in a previous version
Last Working Version
2.1.133
Claude Code Version
2.1.136 (win32-x64)
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
Windows
Terminal/Shell
PowerShell
Additional Information
Downgrading to Claude Code v2.1.133 immediately restores full functionality.
Disabling auto-update prevents the broken build from reinstalling.
The issue appears to stem from a hardcoded GitHub Actions/Linux runner path embedded in the extension bundle:
file:///home/runner/work/claude-cli-internal/...
This path does not exist on Windows systems and causes extension activation to fail before command registration.
This issue has 4 comments on GitHub. Read the full discussion on GitHub ↗