Anthropic’s newly launched coding tool, Claude Code, has encountered a significant issue, causing system instability for some users.

Bug in Auto-Update Feature Led to System Failures

Reports from GitHub reveal that Claude Code’s auto-update function contained faulty commands that disrupted workstations, making some systems unusable. The problem arose when the tool was installed with root or superuser permissions, which grant applications access to critical system-level changes. As a result, the flawed update commands modified restricted file directories, potentially leading to bricked systems—a state where the device becomes inoperable.

Unauthorized File Permission Changes

The core issue stemmed from incorrect access permission changes to essential system files. These permissions dictate which users and applications can read, modify, or execute files. One GitHub user reported that they had to use a rescue instance to restore broken file permissions caused by the bug.

Anthropic’s Response and Fixes

In response, Anthropic has removed the problematic commands and implemented a troubleshooting guide within Claude Code. Initially, a typo in the guide’s link caused further confusion, but the company has since corrected it.

For users experiencing issues, following the official troubleshooting steps should resolve the problem. Anthropic continues to monitor feedback to ensure Claude Code operates smoothly.