Projects missing in Claude Desktop

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?

After switching from a winget-managed installation to a manually downloaded installer (as prompted by the Cowork feature), all Projects have disappeared from the Desktop app sidebar. Recent conversations still appear correctly. Projects remain fully accessible on claude.ai in a browser using the same account.

What Should Happen?

Expected Behaviour

Projects created on claude.ai should appear in the Desktop app sidebar, as they did prior to switching install method.

Actual Behaviour

Projects are not visible in the sidebar at all. Signing out and back in does not resolve the issue. The same account shows all Projects correctly on claude.ai in a browser.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Claude Desktop via winget
2. Note Cowork feature prompts to install a newer version not available via winget
3. Download and run the manual installer from claude.ai/download
4. Sign in with existing account
5. Observe sidebar: recent conversations visible, but Projects section is completely absent

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.186 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

Windows Terminal

Additional Information

Additional Notes

• This issue appears to have been introduced specifically by the switch from winget to manual installer
• Related issues: #58627, #53340, #50856

Environment

• OS: Windows 11
• Claude Desktop version: 1.15200.0 (250bae)
• Install method: Originally installed via winget. Winget reported it as up to date, but the Cowork feature displayed a prompt requiring a newer version. Followed the in-app instructions to download and install manually from claude.ai/download.