feature
Claude Code

Fork subagents enabled by default in all Claude Code clients

code.claude.comagent

Fork subagents (created with subagent_type: "fork") now run by default across terminal, desktop, VS Code, and Agent SDK. This improves performance by isolating tool output from context. Set CLAUDE_CODE_FORK_SUBAGENT=0 to disable the behavior.

Stacks this affects

Claude Code ships in 4 tested stacks here.

Claude Code MCP setup
Code · Agent setup
$50/mo
Claude Code setup
Code · Agent setup
$50/mo
Claude Code only
Code · Workflow
$50/mo
Ship code with AI
Code · Workflow
$50/mo
All Claude Code changes and pricing

More Claude Code

shutdownStandalone Claude Design retiring on December 14, 2026featureFork subagents now enabled by default across all Claude Code platformsfeatureNew CLAUDE_CODE_AUTO_MODE_MODEL environment variable for client-side classifier configurationfeatureAuto mode now auto-compacts long conversations instead of blocking tool callsfeaturePlugin startup performance significantly improved, especially on Windows