[BUG] When trying to maximize the terminal panel while a claude extension tab is open, terminal isn't maximized, claude prompt is focused instead.
Status Open
Reported on v2.1.200
Maintainer reply None cached
Workaround ✓ Mentioned in thread ↓
Activity 4 comments · opened Jul 5, 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?
This has been reported in multiple issues, but no action was taken. As per auto-closed instructions i'm opening a new issue. Same thing has been going on for over a year.
Previous issues:
https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/11949
https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/12108
Very simple bug - most times when Claude code tab / sidebar are open, trying to maximize the terminal causes Claude prompt input field to be focused instead.
What Should Happen?
Terminal panel should maximize
Error Messages/Logs
Steps to Reproduce
- in vscode open a claude tab
- try to maximize the terminal panel (either by keyboard shortcut or by pressing maximize button on the panel)
Claude Model
Not sure / Multiple models
Is this a regression?
Yes, this worked in a previous version
Last Working Version
2.0.37
Claude Code Version
2.1.200
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
Windows
Terminal/Shell
VS Code integrated terminal
Additional Information
_No response_
Showing cached comments. Read the full discussion on GitHub ↗
3 Comments
@amaau I found a simple workaround for this issue that doesn't require downgrading or closing the Claude Code tab.
Option 1: VS Code Settings UI
Ctrl + ,)Option 2:
settings.jsonOpen your VS Code
settings.jsonand set:After changing the preferred location to Sidebar, Toggle Maximized Panel works normally again and I can maximize/restore the terminal without Claude stealing focus.
The Preferred Location setting is also documented in the official Claude Code VS Code documentation:
https://code.claude.com/docs/en/vs-code
Hope this helps anyone else running into this issue.
@anwar-makhous thanks! it does work,
another problem is that I'm often working with 2-3 Claude tabs open, and only 1 can occupy the sidebar
anyway it's a good workaround!
@amaau you're actually right, my suggestion introduces a new problem, I was looking for a solution yesterday to maximize the terminal and I used the sidebar, but few hours later I realized that I cannot open another claude code tab
they must fix that, we might need to open a new issue for the new problem