Claude Code v2.1.72 Released - Effort Level Reform and Bash Improvements

Anthropic released Claude Code v2.1.72 on March 10, 2026. This version includes numerous bug fixes and improvements centered on effort level simplification, bash command auto-approval expansion, worktree functionality enhancements, and VSCode extension improvements.

Key Changes

Effort Level Simplification

Three-Tier System: Effort levels have been simplified to low/medium/high, with the max level removed. New symbols (○ ◐ ●) have been introduced, displaying as brief notifications instead of persistent icons. Use /effort auto to reset to default.

/copy Command Enhancement

Direct File Write: The /copy command now includes a w key to write the focused selection directly to a file, bypassing the clipboard. Useful for SSH environments.

/plan Command Enhancement

Optional Description Argument: The /plan command now accepts an optional description argument (e.g., /plan fix the auth bug) that enters plan mode immediately.

Plugin Command Alias

claude plugins Support: claude plugins is now available as an alias for claude plugin.

ExitWorktree Tool Added

Worktree Exit Functionality: New ExitWorktree tool to leave an EnterWorktree session.

Cron Job Disable Feature

Environment Variable Control: The CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_CRON environment variable allows immediately stopping scheduled cron jobs mid-session.

Bash Auto-Approval List Expansion

New Commands Added: lsof, pgrep, tput, ss, fd, and fdfind have been added to the bash auto-approval list, reducing permission prompts for common read-only operations.

Git URL Support Expansion

Marketplace Git URL Support: Marketplace git URLs without .git suffix (Azure DevOps, AWS CodeCommit, etc.) are now supported.

Agent Tool Model Parameter Restored

Per-Invocation Model Override: The model parameter on the Agent tool has been restored, enabling per-invocation model overrides.

/config Command Improvements

Usability Improvements: The /config command now supports Escape to cancel changes, Enter to save and close, and Space to toggle settings.

History Feature Enhancement

Session Priority Display: Up-arrow history now shows current session’s messages first when running multiple concurrent sessions.

Voice Input Accuracy Improvements

Transcription Accuracy: Voice input transcription accuracy has been improved with better recognition of repository names and common dev terms (regex, OAuth, JSON).

Bundle Size Reduction

~510KB Reduction: Bundle size has been reduced by approximately 510KB.

CLAUDE.md HTML Comment Handling

Hidden from Auto-Injection: CLAUDE.md HTML comments (<!-- ... -->) are now hidden when auto-injected. Comments remain visible when read with the Read tool.

Bug Fixes

Numerous Issues Fixed

• Fixed slow exits when background tasks or hooks were slow to respond
• Fixed agent task progress stuck on “Initializing…”
• Fixed skill hooks firing twice per event
• Fixed various Voice mode issues (input lag, false “No speech detected” errors, stale transcripts)
• Fixed --continue not resuming from the most recent point after --compact
• Fixed several plugin issues (Windows installation failures, marketplace blocking, cache directory problems)
• Fixed feedback survey appearing too frequently
• Fixed various hooks issues (transcript_path, agent prompt, PostToolUse block)
• Fixed prompt cache invalidation in SDK query() calls, reducing input token costs up to 12x
• Fixed session crashes, permission rule matching, worktree isolation, and numerous other issues

VSCode Extension Improvements

• Fixed scroll speed in integrated terminals to match native terminals
• Fixed Shift+Enter submitting input instead of inserting newline for users with older keybindings
• Added effort level indicator on input border
• Added vscode://anthropic.claude-code/open URI handler to open new Claude Code tab programmatically

Summary

v2.1.72 is a release centered on effort level reform. The simplification to a three-tier system improves usability, while the bash auto-approval expansion and worktree enhancements improve the developer experience. Numerous bug fixes also enhance stability.