CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT
Updated by Alex Sorokoletov
CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT is a Claude Code environment variable: Root directory for plugins. 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_PLUGIN_ROOT=<value>
claudeTo apply it to every session, add it to the env object of a settings file:
// ~/.claude/settings.json
{
"env": {
"CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT": "<value>"
}
}Release notes that mention it
Related variables
CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_BACKGROUND_PLUGIN_REFRESH: Enables automatic background plugin refresh when the runtime detects updates are needed.CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_CACHE_DIR: Local cache directory for downloaded plugins.CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIR_WATCHCLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_DIRSCLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_KEEP_MARKETPLACE_ON_FAILURE: Preserves the local marketplace plugin cache when git pull fails.CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_PREFER_HTTPS: Force HTTPS for plugin source resolution.CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_SEED_DIR: Seed directory for pre-installed plugins.CLAUDE_CODE_PLUGIN_USE_ZIP_CACHE: Use zip-based caching instead of git.
Frequently asked questions
What does CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT do?
Root directory for plugins
Which Claude Code version has CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT?
Present since v2.1.69 or earlier and still present in v2.1.294.
How do I set CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT?
Export it before starting Claude Code (export CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT=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.