[BUG] Native Linux install: disabling auto-updates for gated manual review workflow.

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?

Three clarifications needed:

1. Setting precedence — When multiple disable-auto-update paths exist (disableAutoUpdates in settings.json, CLAUDE_DISABLE_AUTO_UPDATES env var, claude --disable-auto-updates flag), which takes precedence? Is there a documented order?

1. Notification behavior with auto-updates disabled — When auto-updates are disabled via settings, does claude doctor or startup still notify that a newer version is available (without auto-installing)? Goal: keep updates visible as pending without automatic installation.

1. Canonical CHANGELOG URL — Where is the official release notes/CHANGELOG for pre-install review? (Not third-party blogs, the canonical Anthropic URL.)

Use case: update gate workflow where a reviewer manually runs claude update only after evaluating the changelog.

What Should Happen?

To resolve the issue, maintainers should:

1. Document setting precedence — Clarify which wins (if you set all three: flag + env var + settings.json, which is honored?). If undefined, implement and document the precedence.
2. Document notification behavior — Confirm/guarantee that claude doctor (or startup banner) shows "version X available" when auto-updates are disabled, so pending updates remain visible without auto-installing.
3. Provide canonical CHANGELOG URL — Link the official release notes location in setup docs (likely https://code.claude.com/docs/en/changelog.md or a releases page).

Why it matters: use case is update-gate workflow — disable auto-update → reviewer checks CHANGELOG → manually run claude update. Docs need to guarantee #1 (updates won't install accidentally) and #2 (updates won't be hidden).

---
When you file the issue, the maintainers will either:

• Answer the questions (clarifying what already works)
• File related bugs if behavior is broken
• Update docs if it's just missing clarity

Error Messages/Logs

✘ Auto-update failed · Run claude doctor

Steps to Reproduce

Environment: Native Claude Code install on Linux

1. Set disableAutoUpdates in ~/.claude/settings.json:

{
"disableAutoUpdates": true
}

1. Verify auto-update is actually disabled:

• Wait 24h OR manually trigger a check (method TBD — not documented)
• Confirm no auto-install happens

1. Check if version-available notification still appears:

• Run: claude doctor
• Run: claude (start a session)
• Expected: notification that version X.Y.Z is available (without installing)
• Actual: [unclear — needs clarification]

1. Test setting precedence (if multiple disable paths exist):

• Set in settings.json: disableAutoUpdates=true
• Set in env: export CLAUDE_DISABLE_AUTO_UPDATES=1
• Run: claude update
• Result: [which setting wins? — not documented]

1. Pre-install review workflow:

• Check official CHANGELOG before running: claude update
• Current URL: [unknown — needs canonical source]

Claude Model

Other

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

Current version 2.1.218

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Other Linux

Terminal/Shell

Non-interactive/CI environment

Additional Information

Linux CLI Fedora 44 WS