[BUG] [VS Code] Sidebar session list opens sessions in a new editor group instead of the active one

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?

Clicking "+ New session" or a past conversation in the sidebar session list creates a new editor group and opens the session there. It should be in the group I have focused. This problem just started.

What Should Happen?

When clicking "+ New session" or a past conversation in the sidebar session list the editor tab should open in the group I have focused.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

Set claudeCode.preferredLocation to "panel".
Open a source file in a single editor group so it has focus.
Open the Claude Code sidebar.
Click any past conversation in the session list.

Claude Model

Opus

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

i think 2.1.251. 2.1.258 and 2.1.259 just dropped and the problem started in one of those

Claude Code Version

2.1.233 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

_No response_