[Release] anthropics/claude-code v2.1.163: v2.1.163

Claude Code v2.1.163 introduces version management controls via `requiredMinimumVersion` and `requiredMaximumVersion` settings, adds a `/plugin list` command with filtering, and enhances the `/btw` command with clipboard copying. The release includes significant bug fixes for bash command execution on Windows/Bazel/EDR systems, background session management, terminal responsiveness, and permission rule application. Multiple stability improvements address hook conditions, keyboard input, and background agent updates.

Key Points

• •Version gating: Admins can enforce minimum/maximum Claude Code versions via managed settings; non-compliant versions refuse to start and direct users to approved versions
• •Plugin management: New `/plugin list` command with `--enabled`/--disabled` filters for viewing installed plugins
• •Clipboard enhancement: `/btw` command now supports 'c to copy' shortcut to preserve raw markdown formatting when pasting
• •Hook feedback loop: Stop and SubagentStop hooks can return `hookSpecificOutput.additionalContext` to provide Claude feedback without triggering hook errors
• •Command escaping: Skills now support `\$` escape syntax to include literal `$` before digits in command bodies
• •Session consistency: stdio MCP servers receive `CLAUDE_CODE_SESSION_ID` on `--resume`, matching hooks/Bash behavior
• •Background process cleanup: Fixed `claude -p` hanging by stopping background shells ~5s after result when stdin closes
• •Cross-platform bash fixes: Resolved failures on Windows (OneDrive/read-only attributes), Bazel, and EDR-protected workflows caused by `$TMPDIR` override regression
• •Permission rules reliability: Fixed org-managed rules not applying when fetch completes during startup on fresh config
• •Terminal and UI stability: Fixed Esc exit hang, keyboard unresponsiveness after paste, background task chip clearing, and transcript cleanup

Workflow Diagram

Concepts