[Bug] Opening Claude pane resets VSCode Neovim to Insert mode

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?

Description

When the Claude pane is opened, the VSCode Neovim extension loses its Normal mode state.
After switching focus back to the editor, pressing j triggers autocomplete suggestions
instead of moving the cursor down, indicating the editor has entered Insert mode.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open a file in the editor with VSCode Neovim active in Normal mode.
2. Open the Claude pane (sidebar).
3. Click back on the editor.
4. Press j.

Expected Behavior

The editor remains in Normal mode. Pressing j moves the cursor down.

Actual Behavior

The editor is in Insert mode. Pressing j opens autocomplete suggestions (e.g., JSON, jazz...).

Environment

• OS: Windows 11
• VSCode Neovim (by Alexey Svetliakov): v1.19.0
• Claude version: 2.1.148 (Claude Code)

Notes

This issue does not occur when the Claude pane is closed.
Pressing Escape after returning to the editor restores Normal mode as a workaround.

What Should Happen?

I want to use VSCode Neovim whilst having Caude open

Error Messages/Logs

The Vim keys don’t work in the code window, even though no error is displayed

Steps to Reproduce

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open a file in the editor with VSCode Neovim active in Normal mode.
2. Open the Claude pane (sidebar).
3. Click back on the editor.
4. Press j.

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.148 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

This issue does not occur when the Claude pane is closed.
Pressing Escape after returning to the editor restores Normal mode as a workaround.