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Sweep 22 Sep 2026 · 17:19Z Build v2.1.280 501 read Stable v2.1.267 Latest v2.1.280 Next v2.1.280 Feeds RSS JSON llms.txt Unofficial
Claude Code v2.1.268 ·

Background agent messages now depend on whether its output file can still be read

Claude Code now tracks whether a background agent's output file is still readable and changes its guidance accordingly

TierYou'll noticehow much it should matter to you
Useful2my rating, 1 to 5
Signal1worth watching, 1 to 5
AreaBackground Agentswhat it touches
KindImprovementsin v2.1.268,
Group of 3 You'll notice

Claude Code now tracks whether a background agent's output file is still readable and changes its guidance accordingly

What

  • A new canReadOutputFile flag is now tracked on background/async agent launches, defaulting to true, and set explicitly in several agent dispatch and relaunch code paths.
  • Status and notification messages for a stopped or interrupted background agent now check this flag: when it's false, Claude Code tells you to resume the agent and ask it for a status report, instead of suggesting you check its worktree or output file for partial work.
  • The message shown when a background agent from a previous session can't be restarted now also depends on this flag: if the output file can be read, it still suggests checking the worktree/output; if not, it suggests messaging the agent for a status report instead.

Why Not every background agent leaves behind a readable output file. This change makes the guidance Claude Code gives you match what's actually possible, instead of pointing you to a file you can't inspect.

See this entry in the whole of v2.1.268 →

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