CLAUDE_CODE_USE_COWORK_PLUGINS
Updated by Alex Sorokoletov
CLAUDE_CODE_USE_COWORK_PLUGINS is a Claude Code environment variable: Use cowork_plugins directory instead of default. Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294. It is not in the official reference.
| Status | Present in v2.1.294 |
|---|---|
| Added | Present since v2.1.69 or earlier |
| Category | Plugins and skills |
| Official docs | Not listed |
How to set it
For one session, export it in the shell that starts Claude Code:
export CLAUDE_CODE_USE_COWORK_PLUGINS=<value>
claudeTo apply it to every session, add it to the env object of a settings file:
// ~/.claude/settings.json
{
"env": {
"CLAUDE_CODE_USE_COWORK_PLUGINS": "<value>"
}
}Release notes that mention it
Related variables
CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_USE_ZIP_CACHE: Use zip-based caching instead of git.FORCE_AUTOUPDATE_PLUGINS: Force auto-update plugins.CLAUDE_AI_PLUGINS_SCOPECLAUDE_CODE_CCR_EARLY_PLUGINS_SYNCCLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGINSCLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGINS_BUFFERED_DOWNLOADCLAUDE_CODE_SYNC_PLUGINS_DOWNLOAD_STALL_MSCLAUDE_API_SKILL_DESCRIPTION: Registration hook for the built-in "claude-api" skill that bundles Anthropic SDK docs (Python, TypeScript, Java, Go, Ruby, PHP, C#, curl) plus shared references on models, prompt caching, managed agents, and tool use.
Frequently asked questions
What does CLAUDE_CODE_USE_COWORK_PLUGINS do?
Use cowork_plugins directory instead of default
Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_CODE_USE_COWORK_PLUGINS?
Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294.
How do I set CLAUDE_CODE_USE_COWORK_PLUGINS?
Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_CODE_USE_COWORK_PLUGINS=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.