Claude Code Chat UI: Run Claude Code on Windows Without WSL

Claude Code Chat UI is a native graphical extension designed for Windows users who want a more intuitive way to interact with Claude Code. It eliminates the need for WSL or complex terminal configurations. If you have Git Bash and Node.js installed, you have everything you need to get started.

This tool addresses two major friction points for Windows developers: path compatibility and terminal instability. Instead of troubleshooting shell errors, you can work within a dedicated panel inside VS Code or Cursor. The interface also provides real-time monitoring of token usage and costs, allowing you to track exactly what a debugging session costs as it happens.

Key Features

• No WSL Required: Your only prerequisites are Git Bash and Node.js. This lower barrier to entry means you can start coding without managing a Linux subsystem or fighting with environment variables.
• Live Cost Tracking: Token counts and dollar amounts update as Claude responds. This transparency removes the guesswork from your API spend.
• MCP Integration: The extension is fully compatible with the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It supports dynamic tool queries, allowing custom MCP servers to integrate seamlessly without extra configuration.
• Third-Party API Support: Use providers like OpenRouter, anyrouter, tuziapi, or Kimi K2. You can toggle between official Anthropic keys and alternative endpoints to take advantage of lower per-token rates.
• Multimodal Input and File Search: Paste screenshots directly into the chat for visual debugging. The extension handles file reads from your workspace, and the search function works reliably with or without ripgrep installed.
• Localized UI and Comments: The interface supports multiple languages, and generated code comments automatically adapt to your target language—essential for distributed international teams.
• Built for "Vibe Coding": The panel remains responsive during long, high-frequency exchanges. With dedicated buttons for file history, undo, and redo, you can roll back mistaken edits with a single click while monitoring file operations in real time.
• Quick Installation: Search for Claude-Code ChatUI or lkbaba in the VS Code Marketplace. For offline environments, the .vsix file is available on the GitHub Releases page.

Setup Walkthrough

1. Resolve Environment Conflicts

These steps prevent the "no suitable shell found" error that often occurs when running Claude Code on Windows.

1. Install Git for Windows: Download it from [git-scm.com](https://git-scm.com) (this includes Git Bash).
2. Install Node.js: Ensure you are using the LTS version (v18 or higher) from nodejs.org.
3. Configure Environment Variables: Open PowerShell or CMD as an Administrator and run:

   setx NPM_CONFIG_IGNORE_SCRIPTS true
   

   For Claude Code v1.0.50 and below, you must also manually set the SHELL variable:

   setx SHELL "C:\\Program Files\\Git\\bin\\bash.exe"
   

   (Note: Adjust the path if Git is installed in a custom location.)
4. Restart your computer: A full reboot is required for these system-level changes to take effect.

2. Install the Claude Code CLI

1. Open a new terminal and install the CLI. Version 1.0.48 is currently recommended for stability:

   npm install -g @anthropic-ai/[email protected]
   

   If PowerShell blocks the installation, bypass the execution policy:

   Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Force
   

2. Add the npm global bin folder to your system PATH. The default location is typically: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\npm.
3. Authentication: Run claude code in your terminal. Authorize the session through your browser and paste the resulting token back into the terminal. (Skip this if you intend to use only third-party APIs).
4. Verification: Run a quick test to ensure the CLI is responsive:

   claude chat -m sonnet -p "hello"
   

3. Install the Extension

• Option 1: VS Code Marketplace (Recommended) Open the Extensions panel (Ctrl+Shift+X), search for Claude-Code ChatUI, and click Install.
• Option 2: Offline Installation Download the .zip from the GitHub Releases page, extract the .vsix file, and install it via the VS Code Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P > Install from VSIX).
• Option 3: Build from Source

  git clone https://github.com/LKbaba/Claude-code-ChatInWindows.git
  cd Claude-code-ChatInWindows
  npm install
  

  Press F5 to start debugging, or run npm run package to generate your own .vsix file.

Using Third-Party APIs

The extension supports endpoints such as api.tu-zi.com, openrouter.ai, and anyrouter.top.

Configuration in the Extension:

1. Click the Gear icon (⚙️) in the chat panel.
2. Enable "Use Custom API Endpoint."
3. Enter your API Key and Base URL.

Initial Configuration (PowerShell): To initialize the CLI with a third-party provider, set the environment variables before running the app:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Force
$Env:ANTHROPIC_API_KEY  = "your_api_key"
$Env:ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL = "https://your-proxy-endpoint.com"

claude code

Note: Environment variables set this way are temporary. For a permanent setup, add them to your Windows System Environment Variables.

Troubleshooting

Q: I upgraded to Claude Code v1.0.51 and now see "no suitable shell found." Version 1.0.51 changed how native Windows paths are handled.

1. Open System Environment Variables.
2. Edit the PATH variable and remove any entries pointing specifically to Git\bin.
3. Ensure C:\Program Files\Git\cmd remains in your PATH.
4. Reboot your machine.

Q: The chat panel is unresponsive after I set a custom API. You must run claude code at least once in a standard terminal with your custom ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL and API_KEY set as environment variables. Once the CLI initializes successfully, the extension will be able to communicate with it.

Q: I'm getting a "rg: command not found" error. ripgrep is optional; the extension defaults to standard grep if rg is missing. If you prefer to use ripgrep, you can install it manually:

# Example for installing via curl in Git Bash
curl -L https://github.com/BurntSushi/ripgrep/releases/download/14.1.0/ripgrep-14.1.0-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc.zip -o ripgrep.zip
unzip ripgrep.zip
# Move rg.exe to a folder in your PATH

Launch the chat panel anytime using Ctrl+Shift+C.