claude-code - 💡(How to fix) Fix Claude Code changed default model to 1M context without notifying Pro users

Preflight Checklist

• I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

Bug Report / Feature Regression: Claude Code changed default model to 1M context without notifying Pro users

Plan: Pro ($20/month) Platform: Windows / VSCode

What happened: Claude Code silently changed its default model to one requiring 1M context (Opus 4.6/4.7 or Sonnet 4.6 with 1M), which requires Usage Credits on Pro plans. This was done without any prior notification or email to affected users.

What I expected: Either:

• Keep the previous default model that worked within the Pro plan limits, or
• Notify users in advance that this breaking change was coming so we could prepare.

Impact: My entire workflow in VSCode stopped working overnight. I lost hours trying to debug the issue, applying workarounds (environment variables, settings.json), and ultimately had to downgrade to a smaller context model — losing functionality I was already using and paying for.

Request:

1. Send email notifications to affected Pro users before making breaking changes to default models.
2. Consider keeping the previous behavior for Pro users who have not opted into Usage Credits.
3. Provide a clear in-app warning when a model change will require additional payment.

This kind of silent breaking change erodes trust in the product.

What Should Happen?

Claude Code should notify Pro users before changing the default model to one that requires additional payment (Usage Credits). The previous behavior should be maintained or users should be warned in advance.

Error Messages/Logs

API Error: Usage credits required for 1M context · turn on usage credits at claude.ai/settings/usage, or use --model to switch to standard context

Steps to Reproduce

1. Have a Pro plan ($20/month)
2. Open Claude Code in VSCode on Windows
3. Start a new conversation and send any message
4. Error appears: "API Error: Usage credits required for 1M context"

Note: This started happening after Claude Code updated its default model to one requiring 1M context window, without any prior notification to Pro users.

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

Unknown - worked before May 2026

Claude Code Version

2.1.150

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

No response