CLAUDE_BASH_MAINTAIN_PROJECT_WORKING_DIR

Updated October 13, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

CLAUDE_BASH_MAINTAIN_PROJECT_WORKING_DIR is a Claude Code environment variable: Maintain consistent working directory across commands. Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294. It is listed in the official reference.

Status	Present in v2.1.294
Added	Present since v2.1.69 or earlier
Category	Shell and tools
Official docs	Listed

How to set it

For one session, export it in the shell that starts Claude Code:

export CLAUDE_BASH_MAINTAIN_PROJECT_WORKING_DIR=<value>
claude

To apply it to every session, add it to the env object of a settings file:

// ~/.claude/settings.json
{
  "env": {
    "CLAUDE_BASH_MAINTAIN_PROJECT_WORKING_DIR": "<value>"
  }
}

Related variables

BASH_MAX_OUTPUT_LENGTH: Max bash output character length.
CLAUDE_BASH_NO_LOGIN: Replaced by CLAUDE_CODE_SHELL_PREFIX.
CLAUDE_CODE_BASH_EDIT_DIFF
CLAUDE_CODE_GIT_BASH_PATH: Git Bash executable path (Windows).
CLAUDE_CODE_BASH_OUTPUT_AUDIENCE_NOTE
CLAUDE_CODE_TEST_NO_GIT_BASH
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_ADVISOR_TOOL: Disables what appears to be an internal advisory tool.
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_BG_SHELL_PRESSURE_REAP

Frequently asked questions

What does CLAUDE_BASH_MAINTAIN_PROJECT_WORKING_DIR do?

Maintain consistent working directory across commands

Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_BASH_MAINTAIN_PROJECT_WORKING_DIR?

Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294.

How do I set CLAUDE_BASH_MAINTAIN_PROJECT_WORKING_DIR?

Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_BASH_MAINTAIN_PROJECT_WORKING_DIR=value), or add it to the "env" object in ~/.claude/settings.json to apply it to every session.

All variables, searchable: Claude Code environment variables.