DISABLE_UPDATES

Updated October 13, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

DISABLE_UPDATES is a Claude Code environment variable: Explicitly documented in the v2.1.118 changelog. Prevents Claude Code from auto-checking for or applying npm updates. Intended for environments where updates are managed externally — enterprise deployment pipelines, IT-managed workstations, or Docker images that pin a specific version. Its release history is not tracked here. It is listed in the official reference.

How to set it

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

export DISABLE_UPDATES=<value>
claude

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

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

Release notes that mention it

• Claude Code v2.1.118 — 10 New Environment Variables: Forked Subagents Ship, Subscription Tiering Takes Shape
• Claude Code Version Tracker: Undocumented Env Vars, Feature Gates & Models

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_EXPLORE_INHERIT_CAP: Lets the built-in Explore search agent run at the parent model instead of a cheaper capped default.

Frequently asked questions

All variables, searchable: Claude Code environment variables.