CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_EXPLORE_INHERIT_CAP

Updated October 13, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_EXPLORE_INHERIT_CAP is a Claude Code environment variable: Lets the built-in Explore search agent run at the parent model instead of a cheaper capped default. First shipped v2.1.217; undocumented. Added between v2.1.215 and v2.1.217 and still present in v2.1.294. It is not in the official reference.

Status	Present in v2.1.294
Added	Added between v2.1.215 and v2.1.217
Category	Feature toggles
Official docs	Not listed

How to set it

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

export CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_EXPLORE_INHERIT_CAP=<value>
claude

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

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

Release notes that mention it

claude-code-env-vars-v2-1-217

Related variables

CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_ADMIN_ENV_UNION
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_ARTIFACT
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_ATTACHMENTS: File/image attachments.
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_CFC_PROMPT
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_COMMAND_INJECTION_CHECK: Previously allowed disabling command injection detection.
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_CRON: Disable cron/scheduled task functionality.
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_EXPERIMENTAL_BETAS: Experimental beta API features.
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_FILE_CHECKPOINTING: Git-based file checkpointing/backup.

Frequently asked questions

What does CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_EXPLORE_INHERIT_CAP do?

Lets the built-in Explore search agent run at the parent model instead of a cheaper capped default. First shipped v2.1.217; undocumented.

Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_EXPLORE_INHERIT_CAP?

Added between v2.1.215 and v2.1.217 and still present in v2.1.294.

How do I set CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_EXPLORE_INHERIT_CAP?

Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_EXPLORE_INHERIT_CAP=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.