[BUG]

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 opening a new Claude Code session via Cmd+Shift+Esc or Claude Code: Open in New Tab, the new tab always opens in a new group instead of the currently focused/active editor group.

The new tab always opens in a new editor group regardless of which group has focus. Users must manually drag the tab to the desired column after creation.

What Should Happen?

The new Claude Code tab should open in the currently active editor group, consistent with how VS Code opens other editor tabs.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open a new Claude Code tab (Cmd+Shift+Esc or Command Palette → Claude Code: Open in New Tab)
2. The new Claude Code tab opens in the right column, not the main group

Claude Model

Opus

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.218

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

This is particularly inconvenient when running multiple Claude Code sessions side-by-side, as users need to drag tabs around every time they create a new session.