[BUG] Command + Escape does not open new Claude Code window in Cursor IDE
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?
When using Claude Code as an extension within Cursor IDE (a VSCode fork), the Command + Escape (⌘⇧Esc) keyboard shortcut does not open a new Claude Code window as expected. This hotkey works correctly in other environments, but fails to function properly when Claude Code is running as an extension in Cursor IDE.
The hotkey either:
- Does nothing at all
- Triggers a different IDE function instead of opening a new Claude Code window
This impacts workflow efficiency as users cannot quickly open new Claude Code instances while working in Cursor IDE.
What Should Happen?
The Command + Escape (⌘⇧Esc) keyboard shortcut should open a new Claude Code window instance, allowing users to start a fresh conversation or work session. This behavior should be consistent with other Claude Code environments and follow the expected UX patterns for productivity tools.
Expected result: Pressing ⌘⇧Esc should immediately open a new Claude Code window/instance within the Cursor IDE interface.
Error Messages/Logs
Steps to Reproduce
- Install and launch Cursor IDE (VSCode fork)
- Install the Claude Code extension in Cursor IDE
- Open a project in Cursor IDE
- Ensure Claude Code extension is active and running
- Try to use the Command + Escape (⌘⇧Esc) keyboard shortcut to open a new Claude Code window
- Observe that no new Claude Code window opens
- Verify that the hotkey either does nothing or triggers an unrelated IDE function
Note: This issue is specific to the Claude Code extension when running within Cursor IDE. The hotkey may work correctly in other environments like standalone Claude Code terminal applications.
Claude Model
None
Is this a regression?
I don't know
Last Working Version
_No response_
Claude Code Version
1.0.120
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
macOS
Terminal/Shell
Terminal.app (macOS)
Additional Information
This issue is specifically related to the Claude Code extension when running within Cursor IDE environment. The keyboard shortcut conflict may be due to:
- IDE-specific keyboard shortcut mappings that override the Claude Code hotkey
- Extension not properly registering or handling the Command + Escape shortcut
- Cursor IDE's extension sandboxing interfering with hotkey functionality
The same keyboard shortcut appears to work correctly in standalone Claude Code applications outside of the IDE environment, suggesting this is an IDE integration-specific issue.
This impacts user productivity as the quick access pattern for opening new Claude Code instances is broken when working within Cursor IDE.
8 Comments
I'm experiencing the same on both VSCode and IntelliJ since macOS Tahoe.
If you are using Tahoe, Command + Fn + Esc would be a workaround for now.
( See also: https://www.reddit.com/r/MacOSBeta/comments/1l86vux/anyone_else_having_issues_with_the_escape_key_in/ )
This is happening to me, too. It's sooooo weird.
Same here, solved by using
Cmd+Fn+EscThis issue has been inactive for 30 days. If the issue is still occurring, please comment to let us know. Otherwise, this issue will be automatically closed in 30 days for housekeeping purposes.
It's still a bug. Stop it
This issue has been automatically closed due to 60 days of inactivity. If you're still experiencing this issue, please open a new issue with updated information.
This issue was closed incorrectly despite recent human comments. This behavior of the bot is reported at https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/16497. Please upvote that issue, so maybe it gets noticed.
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.