[BUG] Claude Code VSCode Extension v2.1.136 Fails to Activate on Windows Due to Hardcoded CI Build Path

Resolved 💬 4 comments Opened May 8, 2026 by FiltrousC Closed May 9, 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?

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 Bar
  • View: 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.

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