# [CRITICAL] Auto-compact triggers at 8-12% context making Claude Code unusable

[CRITICAL] Auto-compact triggers at 8-12% context making Claude Code unusable

Bug Description

Claude Code version 1.0.84 has a critical auto-compact bug that renders the application completely unusable. The auto-compact triggers when context is at 8-12% instead of 95%+, causing constant interruptions every few minutes.

Environment

• Claude Code Version: 1.0.84 (Claude Code)
• Operating System: macOS (arm64)
• Terminal: zsh
• Subscription: Claude Code MAX $100/month
• Project Type: Next.js + Flutter monorepo

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open Claude Code in any project directory
2. Start any conversation
3. Observe "Context left until auto-compact: 8-12%" appears immediately
4. Auto-compaction triggers every 2-3 interactions regardless of actual context usage

Expected Behavior

• Auto-compact should only trigger at 90-95% context usage
• Auto-compact disabled in /config should be respected
• Long development sessions should be possible without constant interruptions

Actual Behavior

• Auto-compact triggers at 8-12% context
• Setting auto-compact to "false" in /config is ignored
• Every conversation gets interrupted by forced compactions
• Makes Claude Code completely unusable for professional development

Troubleshooting Attempted

• ✅ Complete ~/.claude/ directory reset
• ✅ Downgrade to v1.0.83 (auto-update forces back to 1.0.84)
• ✅ Disabled auto-compact in settings (ignored)
• ✅ Removed large files from project
• ✅ Set CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_AUTOUPDATER=true (ineffective)
• ✅ Tested in empty directory (problem persists)
• ✅ Multiple /clear commands

Additional Information

• The bug appears to be specific to v1.0.84
• Auto-update cannot be disabled, forcing users to stay on buggy version
• This makes a $100/month service completely unusable
• Multiple users seem affected based on similar reports

Impact

• Critical: Cannot complete any meaningful development work
• Financial: Paying for unusable service
• Productivity: Constant workflow interruptions

Requested Actions

1. Immediate hotfix for auto-compact threshold bug
2. Respect auto-compact disabled setting
3. Allow proper auto-update disabling
4. Refund affected users for service downtime

This is a service-breaking bug that needs urgent attention.

Log Output