### Preflight Checklist - [x] I have searched [existing issues](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues?q=is%3Aissue%20state%3Aopen%20label%3Abug) 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? #### Description When running the `claude` command from the terminal or sometimes during chat interactions, VSCode opens multiple new windows instead of u

[BUG] VSCode opens multiple new windows when running `claude` command or during chat interactions on Windows

Status Closed — not planned

Maintainer reply None cached

Activity 6 comments · opened Sep 22, 2025 · closed Feb 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?

Description

When running the claude command from the terminal or sometimes during chat interactions, VSCode opens multiple new windows instead of using the existing window. This creates a disruptive workflow with numerous VSCode instances accumulating over time.

Environment

OS: Windows 11(24H2, 26100.4946)
VSCode Version: 1.104.0
Claude Code Version: 1.0.115
Installation Method: npm

Attempted Solutions

Reinstalled Claude Code VSCode extension
Reinstalled Claude npm package
Killed all VSCode processes and restarted
Modified VSCode settings:

"window.restoreWindows": "none",
"files.hotExit": "off",
"window.newWindowDimensions": "default",
"window.openFoldersInNewWindow": "off"

Screenshot

!Image

What Should Happen?

Claude Code should use the existing window and do not open new VSCode window.

Steps to Reproduce

Open VSCode Terminal (PowerShell)
Run claude command
Multiple VSCode windows open simultaneously
Sometimes additional windows open during chat interactions

Claude Model

Not sure / Multiple models

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

1.0.115

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

PowerShell

View original on GitHub ↗

6 Comments

heronimfilho · 1 year ago

Same here. Seems like the issue only occurs in VS Code's integrated terminal or chat panel. Cursor behaves normally without this problem.

github-actions[bot] · 10 months ago

This 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.

YiDoSeon · 9 months ago

I'm experiencing the same issue.
I'm using the Claude Code extension, and Claude Code runs multiple background processes for the panel, sidebar, and terminal.
Furthermore, when I enter the Clear conversation command in a session, a new session is created while the previous session remains as a background process.
Because of this, I always have to terminate all Claude Code background processes in the task manager when starting a new session.

github-actions[bot] · 8 months ago

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.

marcindulak · 8 months ago

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.