[BUG] Claude Code Desktop fails to Relaunch on Windows due to orphaned process file lock

[RonGamzu]

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?

When closing or performing a "Relaunch" of the Claude desktop application on Windows, the main UI closes, but a background process remains running. This orphaned process continues to hold a file lock on the app's executable in the WindowsApps folder.

When attempting to open the app again, Windows throws the error: "Another program is currently using this file". I am forced to manually kill the orphaned handle via Resource Monitor or restart the entire PC to open the app again.

What Should Happen?

The Relaunch or close sequence should gracefully terminate all background processes and release all file handles before initializing the new instance.

Error Messages/Logs

Windows Error Dialog:
"Another program is currently using this file"
Path referenced: C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Claude_1.1.9669.0_x...

Steps to Reproduce

1. Open the Claude desktop app on Windows.
2. Trigger a Relaunch.
3. The main app window closes.
4. Wait a few minutes and try to launch the app again from the Start menu or shortcut.
5. Observe the Windows system error popup about the file being in use.

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

No response

Claude Code Version

Claude Desktop 1.1.9669.0

Platform

Other

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

Windows Terminal

Additional Information

[ClaysonIO]

I have the same experience after every update of the Claude desktop app.

[Vatroslav]

I have the same problem now. It previously worked normally. Happened after I Relaunched the app from the update prompt.

[magicianjarden]

same issue for me -- after latest update

[Nonseq99]

Seems Windows restart is the only solution atm

[Vatroslav]

What seemed to fix it for me was using Claude Code in terminal. I've used it in two terminals to do some work, then tried opening the desktop app again and this time it worked.

[setiri]

same for me, as of yesterday

[coeranys]

I've got the same issue and have for a while.

[Lewdcifer666]

have the same issue. killed the .net host in task manager and now its working again

[micwebnet]

Yes, this is a regression. Has been happening for the past week.

1. Killing claude.exe instances doesn't help.
2. Killing cowork-svc.exe doesn't help
   Only reboot has helped so far. This is bad. It'll make me avoid updates cause I'm not going to be rebooting every time this app pushes an update.

[drewangell]

Joining the fun - same problem happening here.