Fix: Claude Code Fails To Start On Windows 11

by Benjamin Cohen 46 views

Hey guys! It looks like we've got a bit of a bug on our hands when trying to get Claude code up and running on Windows 11. This post dives into the specifics, so let's break it down and see what's going on.

Environment Details

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, here’s the setup we’re dealing with:

  • Node Version: v20.19.2
  • Claude CLI Version: Latest (always good to be on the cutting edge, right?)
  • Operating System: Good ol' Windows 11
  • Terminal: (We'll need to know which terminal you're using to help diagnose further, like iTerm2 or the default Terminal App).

Bug Description: Unable to Start Claude Code on Windows 11

The Issue

So, what's the main problem? Unable to start Claude code on Windows 11. When trying to kick things off, it seems like we're hitting a snag. More specifically, we're seeing a gnarly RangeError: Maximum call stack size exceeded. Ouch! That sounds painful, doesn't it? This error typically pops up when a recursive function goes a bit wild and calls itself way too many times, leading to a stack overflow. Think of it like an infinite loop, but for function calls. When you encounter this error, it means that a function is calling itself repeatedly without a proper stopping condition, eventually exhausting the call stack. The call stack is a data structure that keeps track of active subroutines in a computer program, and it has a limited size. When this size is exceeded, the program crashes with the RangeError: Maximum call stack size exceeded error. Diagnosing this issue often involves identifying the recursive function and ensuring it has a clear exit condition. Debugging can be tricky, but stepping through the code with breakpoints can help pinpoint the exact location of the error. In our case, it appears that the issue stems from within the cli.js file of the @anthropic-ai/claude-code package. This file likely contains the main logic for running the Claude code, and the error message suggests a recursive function within this logic is the culprit. The snippet of code provided in the bug report hints at the complexity of the function call, involving various checks, serializations, and options handling, which could be contributing to the recursion problem. Identifying the exact cause requires a deeper dive into the code and understanding the control flow of the application. The goal is to find where the function is calling itself without a proper termination condition, leading to the stack overflow. Once the specific location is identified, the code can be adjusted to ensure that the recursion has a clear and reliable exit point, preventing the error from occurring. Additionally, reviewing the code for any potential memory leaks or performance bottlenecks can help prevent similar issues in the future. This may involve optimizing the way the function handles data, reducing the depth of the recursion, or implementing iterative alternatives where possible. Ultimately, resolving the RangeError requires a comprehensive understanding of the code's structure and behavior, as well as careful debugging and testing to ensure the fix is effective and does not introduce new issues. By addressing the root cause of the recursion, we can ensure the stability and reliability of the Claude code execution on Windows 11. Understanding the root cause and resolving it is essential for a smooth coding experience. The provided file path gives us a clue, pointing to cli.js within the @anthropic-ai/claude-code package. The error message itself is a bit of a beast, a long string of code that’s basically the stack trace leading up to the crash. It mentions things like transitional, paramsSerializer, and headers, suggesting the issue might be related to how the CLI is handling requests or configurations. But don't worry, we'll untangle this! The key here is that maximum call stack size exceeded, which means a function is calling itself repeatedly without stopping. This can happen in recursive functions if they don't have a proper exit condition. It's like a never-ending loop, but for functions, and it fills up the memory stack until it overflows. Think of it as trying to stack too many plates on a tiny table – eventually, it's all going to come crashing down. So, the hunt is on to find this runaway function and give it a way to stop before it crashes the whole party. This type of error can be tricky because it might not be immediately obvious where the infinite loop is happening. It could be deep within the code, triggered by a specific set of conditions. That’s why debugging tools and techniques are so crucial in these situations. By stepping through the code line by line, we can trace the function calls and see exactly where the recursion is spiraling out of control. It’s like being a detective, following the clues to uncover the culprit. In the meantime, it’s also helpful to look at recent changes to the code, as this type of error often arises from newly introduced bugs. If a recent update or modification has been made to the cli.js file, it could be a prime suspect. Examining the commit history or comparing the current version to a previous one can help narrow down the possible causes. Additionally, checking for any known issues or bug reports related to the Claude CLI or the underlying libraries can provide valuable insights. Other developers may have encountered the same problem and shared their solutions or workarounds. In the world of software development, you're rarely the first person to encounter a particular bug, so leveraging the collective knowledge of the community can save a lot of time and effort. Ultimately, resolving this RangeError will require a combination of careful analysis, debugging, and potentially code modifications. It’s a puzzle to be solved, and with the right approach, we can get Claude code running smoothly on Windows 11. So, stay tuned as we delve deeper into the code and work towards a solution. Remember, every bug is just an opportunity to learn and improve! We'll figure this out together.

Error Code Snippet

Here’s a snippet of the error message, which might look like gibberish at first glance, but it's actually giving us some clues:

file:///C:/Users/aabhi/AppData/Roaming/npm/node_modules/@anthropic-ai/claude-code/cli.js:696
`+D}catch(G){}}throw Q}}_request(A,B){if(typeof A===