Desktop app crashes and not reopen

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?

Summary

Claude Desktop briefly opens the Upgrade Plan screen, then closes automatically. After that, reopening the app fails with:

There’s a problem with Claude. Reinstall the application from its original install location or contact your administrator.

Environment

• OS: Windows 10 (Build 19045)
• App: Claude Desktop (Windows GUI app)
• Install source: https://claude.com/download
• Architecture: x64
• Also installed: Claude Code CLI 2.1.209 (claude --version)

What Should Happen?

• Clicking Upgrade Plan should keep the plan screen open so I can view/select a plan.
• Closing that screen should return to Claude Desktop normally.
• Reopening Claude Desktop should work without reinstalling or admin recovery.

Error Messages/Logs

There’s a problem with Claude. Reinstall the application from its original install location or contact your administrator.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Claude Desktop from https://claude.com/download
2. Open Claude Desktop and sign in
3. Click Upgrade Plan
4. Plan screen appears for ~1 second, then the whole app closes
5. Reopen Claude from Start menu / shortcut
6. Error dialog appears and the app will not open normally

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

Unknown — first launch worked until Upgrade Plan was clicked. Reddit/GitHub reports mention 1.1.4088 working and 1.1.4173 broken.

Claude Code Version

2.1.209 (Claude Code) — issue is with Claude Desktop app, not CLI

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

PowerShell

Additional Information

• Fresh install works until Upgrade Plan is clicked
• After crash, app becomes unusable until reinstall
• Similar Windows Desktop launch/update bugs discussed on Reddit and in anthropics/claude-code issues (e.g. 1.1.4173 / Cowork update problems)
• Happy to provide Event Viewer / %LOCALAPPDATA%\AnthropicClaude logs if needed