Claude Code only recognizes the first folder in a VS Code multi-root workspace

[aeadedoyin]

When opening a .code-workspace file with multiple folders, Claude Code only sets the first folder as the primary working directory and has no awareness of the other folders in the workspace.

Steps to reproduce

1. Create a .code-workspace file with two folders:

{
  "folders": [
    { "path": "project-a" },
    { "path": "project-b" }
  ]
}

2. Open the workspace in VS Code
3. Start a Claude Code conversation
4. Ask "what projects are in this workspace?"

Expected behavior

Claude Code should be aware of all folders in the workspace and list them in its environment context.

Actual behavior

Only the first folder (project-a) is recognized as the primary working directory. Claude has no context about project-b and must manually discover it.

Downstream impact

• Project-scoped memory is only created for the first folder, not shared across the workspace
• Claude defaults to only answering about the first project unless explicitly corrected
• CLAUDE.md files in other workspace folders may not be loaded

[github-actions]

Found 3 possible duplicate issues:

1. [BUG] In vscode workspace, Claude Code always starts in first project #12808
2. VSCode Extension Regression: Multi-Root Workspace Context Not Switching Based on Active File Body: Environment #8559
3. [BUG] Claude cannot open a session in another vscode workspace repo, always defaults to the top level #18814

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[github-actions]

This issue has been automatically locked since it was closed and has not had any activity for 7 days. If you're experiencing a similar issue, please file a new issue and reference this one if it's relevant.