# Claude Code v2.1.266

> Claude Code v2.1.266, released 8 Sep 2026 (2026-09-08). 3 entries read out of the shipped bundle. Unofficial, and not affiliated with Anthropic.

Web version: https://changelogs.core-directive.com/v/2.1.266

The Cloud gateway sign-in error message got trimmed this release, dropping the instructions that used to point to the CLAUDE_CODE_USE_GATEWAY, ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL and ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN environment variables. Anyone hitting a gateway sign-in failure now sees a shorter message without that variable-by-variable guidance.

Setting CLAUDE_CODE_USE_GATEWAY on its own no longer switches Claude Code into gateway auth mode, closing off a path that previously worked by itself. That variable had directly selected gateway auth, and this release removes that direct effect, so anyone relying on it alone to enable the gateway path will need another way to trigger that mode.

## Improvements

### Cloud gateway sign-in error message shortened

The Cloud gateway sign-in error message dropped its instructions for CLAUDE_CODE_USE_GATEWAY, ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL and ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN

**What**

When Claude Code isn't signed in to the Cloud gateway (a routing option for sending requests through a proxy), it shows an error telling you to run `/login`. That error no longer includes the extra parenthetical note about using `CLAUDE_CODE_USE_GATEWAY`, `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL` and `ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN` as an alternative way to configure access.

**Why**

The error message is now shorter and points only to `/login` as the fix, rather than also listing environment-variable alternatives.

- Area: Elsewhere
- Names: `/login`, `CLAUDE_CODE_USE_GATEWAY`, `ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL`, `ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN`
- Tier: You'll notice
- Useful: 1/5
- Signal: 1/5

## Internal Changes

### Routine version bump to 2.1.266

Claude Code's version number moved to 2.1.266, with a matching new build time and commit SHA

**What**

The build stamp changed from 2.1.265 to 2.1.266. Everywhere Claude Code reports its own version, build time or commit hash now shows the new values, including `--version` output, update messages, user-agent strings, feedback templates, daemon logs and sourcemap group names.

**Why**

This is a routine release marker update. Nothing about how Claude Code behaves changed, only the numbers and identifiers it reports about itself.

- Area: Elsewhere
- Tier: Under the hood
- Useful: 1/5
- Signal: 0/5

## Removed

### CLAUDE_CODE_USE_GATEWAY no longer selects gateway auth mode directly

Setting CLAUDE_CODE_USE_GATEWAY alone no longer switches Claude Code into gateway auth mode

**Unclear.** the finding doesn't say what, if anything, now determines gateway mode instead, or whether another condition must accompany this variable

**What**

Claude Code picks an authentication provider internally, such as `bedrock`, `vertex`, `mantle`, `firstParty` or `gateway`. Previously, if none of the other provider settings matched, having the `CLAUDE_CODE_USE_GATEWAY` environment variable set was enough on its own to fall back to `gateway` mode. That fallback branch has been removed.

**Why**

Setting `CLAUDE_CODE_USE_GATEWAY` by itself will no longer cause Claude Code to use the Cloud gateway; anyone relying on that variable alone to select gateway mode should check what else is now required.

- Area: Cloud Gateway
- Names: `CLAUDE_CODE_USE_GATEWAY`
- Tier: You'll notice
- Useful: 2/5
- Signal: 3/5