claude-code - 💡(How to fix) Fix Mac desktop app hard-blocks session when working directory is deleted [1 participants]

When the working directory of an existing Claude Code session no longer exists (e.g. the folder was deleted, moved, or renamed), the Mac desktop app shows a hard error and blocks the entire session with no recovery path.

Error message shown

The session is completely blocked with an error. The only workaround is to recreate the deleted folder at the original path so the session can reopen.

TL;DR

The Mac desktop app should be modified to handle the case when the working directory of an existing Claude Code session no longer exists, providing a recovery path such as prompting the user to select a new working directory.

Guidance

• Investigate the error handling mechanism in the Claude Code desktop app to determine why it blocks the entire session when the working directory is deleted or moved.
• Consider implementing a fallback strategy, such as prompting the user to select a new working directory or falling back to the home directory with a warning, to provide a recovery path.
• Review the app's directory monitoring and update logic to ensure it can detect changes to the working directory and respond accordingly.
• Evaluate the feasibility of allowing the session to continue in a read-only or no-directory mode as a temporary workaround.

Example

No code example is provided due to lack of specific implementation details.

Notes

The solution may require modifications to the app's error handling, directory monitoring, and session management logic. Additionally, the app's UX and UI may need to be updated to accommodate the new recovery path.

Recommendation

Apply a workaround, such as prompting the user to select a new working directory, to provide a recovery path when the working directory is deleted or moved, as this approach can help mitigate the disruptive UX issue without requiring a full app rewrite.