### Preflight Checklist - [x] I have searched [existing issues](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues?q=is%3Aissue%20state%3Aopen%20label%3Abug) 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? **Environment** - Extension: anthropic.claude-code - Version: 2.1.168 (darwin-arm64) — regressed from 2.1.165 - Editor: VS Code extension - OS: macOS (Ap

[BUG] Diff opens as full-window takeover instead of a side-by-side split editor — regression in 2.1.168

Status Fixed / completed

Reported on v2.1.168

Maintainer reply None cached

Activity 5 comments · opened Jun 8, 2026 · closed Jun 8, 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?

Environment

Extension: anthropic.claude-code
Version: 2.1.168 (darwin-arm64) — regressed from 2.1.165
Editor: VS Code extension
OS: macOS (Apple Silicon, Darwin 25.5)

Describe the bug
After updating from 2.1.165 to 2.1.168, when Claude makes a file change the diff now takes over the full editor area instead of opening as a side-by-side split editor on the right. Because the diff covers everything, the tab where I confirm/update the change is hidden, and I have to click back to that tab to act on it. On 2.1.165 the diff opened alongside my work as a split view, so I could review and confirm without losing my place.

Actual behavior
The diff takes over the full window, hiding the editing/confirm tab and forcing an extra click back.

Additional context

Started immediately after the 2.1.165 → 2.1.168 update; not happening on 2.1.165.
Changelog for 2.1.167 and 2.1.168 are both just "Bug fixes and reliability improvements," so this appears undocumented.
No extension setting found to control diff placement (split vs. full-window).

What Should Happen?

Expected behavior
The diff opens as a side-by-side split editor on the right (the 2.1.165 behavior), keeping the editing/confirm tab visible — or a setting to control split vs. full-window diff display.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

Steps to reproduce

On extension 2.1.168, ask Claude to make a file change.
Observe the diff opens full-window rather than as a right-side split pane.
To confirm/update, I have to manually click back to the editing tab.

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

2.1.165

Claude Code Version

2.1.44 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

Terminal.app (macOS)

Additional Information

_No response_

View original on GitHub ↗

5 Comments

michelletitolo-boop · 4 months ago

Confirmed the diff/file always opens in the main editor group regardless of VS Code layout settings (openSideBySideDirection, enablePreview: false, two-column layout) — so this is extension-controlled, not a workbench config issue.

github-actions[bot] · 4 months ago

Found 2 possible duplicate issues:

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michelletitolo-boop · 4 months ago

Resolved — was VS Code editor-group behavior, not the extension. Locking the conversation's editor group fixes it.

gwoodard9 · 4 months ago

I hit this exact wall and ended up building a VSCode extension for it — inline diffs + per-function accept/reject + file tracking on top of Claude Code. https://www.norrin.dev Happy to hear if it solves your case.

github-actions[bot] · 1 month ago

This issue has been automatically locked since it was closed and has not had any activity for 7 days. If you're experiencing a similar issue, please file a new issue and reference this one if it's relevant.