[BUG] File explorer sidebar doesn't refresh on external filesystem changes
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?
The file-tree sidebar in Claude Code Desktop doesn't appear to update automatically when files are created/deleted/renamed on disk during a session (e.g. via Bash/PowerShell tool calls, or other processes touching the project folder). No manual refresh action (button or keybinding) seems to be available either. Workaround found: switching sessions and back, or reopening the project, forces a re-render — but it'd be useful to have either live file-watching or an explicit refresh control.
What Should Happen?
The file-tree sidebar should reflect the current state of the filesystem — either by automatically detecting external changes (file watching) or by providing an explicit manual refresh action, so files created/deleted/renamed during a session become visible without needing to switch sessions or reopen the project.
Error Messages/Logs
Steps to Reproduce
1. Open a project in Claude Code Desktop, with the file explorer sidebar visible. 2. Within a session, create, delete, or rename a file in the project directory — either via the app's own Bash/PowerShell tool calls, or via another process/editor touching the same folder. 3. Observe the file explorer sidebar: it still shows the old file listing, not reflecting the change. 4. Look for a way to manually refresh the sidebar — no refresh button or keybinding is available. 5. Switch to a different session tab and back, or reopen the project — the sidebar now shows the correct, up-to-date file listing.
Claude Model
Not sure / Multiple models
Is this a regression?
No, this never worked
Last Working Version
_No response_
Claude Code Version
2.1.196
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
Windows
Terminal/Shell
Other
Additional Information
_No response_