CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_CLAUDE_MDS
Updated by Alex Sorokoletov
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_CLAUDE_MDS is a Claude Code environment variable: Disable loading CLAUDE.md files. 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 | Memory and CLAUDE.md |
| Official docs | Listed |
How to set it
For one session, export it in the shell that starts Claude Code:
export CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_CLAUDE_MDS=<value>
claudeTo apply it to every session, add it to the env object of a settings file:
// ~/.claude/settings.json
{
"env": {
"CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_CLAUDE_MDS": "<value>"
}
}Release notes that mention it
Related variables
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_AUTO_MEMORY: Disable automatic memory (MEMORY.md).CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_ORG_MEMORY: Kill switch for a new organization-scoped memory subsystem.CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_MEMORY_BULK_INFLATECLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_MEMORY_MASS_DELETE_HOLDCLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_MEMORY_PERIODIC_RESYNCCLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_MEMORY_RO_UNSAVED_NOTICECLAUDE_CODE_ADDITIONAL_DIRECTORIES_CLAUDE_MD: Additional directories to scan for CLAUDE.md files (colon-separated).CLAUDE_CODE_MEMORY_PUSH_DELETE_MODE: Controls how deletions propagate when memory is pushed upstream — a delete-mode knob for the memory subsystem that gained account- and organization-scoped sync in v2.1.210 (CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_ORG_MEMORY, gate tengu_haze_glass).
Frequently asked questions
What does CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_CLAUDE_MDS do?
Disable loading CLAUDE.md files
Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_CLAUDE_MDS?
Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294.
How do I set CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_CLAUDE_MDS?
Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_CLAUDE_MDS=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.