{"version":"2.1.323","anchor":"plugins-can-be-refused-or-held-by-an-engine-version-range","canonical_anchor":"plugins-can-be-refused-or-held-by-an-engine-version-range","heading":"Plugins can require a Claude Code version range and are held back outside it","tier":"notice","area":"Plugins","scope":"individual","heads_up":false,"url":"https:\/\/changelogs.core-directive.com\/v\/2.1.323\/e\/plugins-can-be-refused-or-held-by-an-engine-version-range","release_url":"https:\/\/changelogs.core-directive.com\/v\/2.1.323","markdown":"### Plugins can require a Claude Code version range and are held back outside it\n\nPlugins can now state which Claude Code versions they support, and Claude Code refuses, skips or holds back updates for plugins outside that range\n\n**What**\n\nA plugin is an add-on that extends Claude Code. Plugins can now declare a range of Claude Code versions they work with. Claude Code compares that range with the version you are running:\n\n- Installing a plugin outside its range is refused.\n\n- An installed plugin outside its range is not loaded. The message reads `not loaded: needs Claude Code <range>, this is <version>`, followed by either \"Run `claude update`\" or \"A newer version of the plugin may fit\".\n\n- The plugin stays installed and loads again once your version fits.\n\n- Automatic plugin updates are held when the newer plugin version needs a different Claude Code version, and the screen shows \"Autoupdate held\".\n\n- A plugin whose dependency needs another Claude Code version also fails.\n\n- A plugin read from a local folder loads anyway, with a note saying so.\n\n- A range that is not valid is ignored, with a warning.\n\nThe update summary also counts plugins that are out of range.\n\n**Why**\n\nPlugin authors can now say which Claude Code versions their plugin supports. As a user, you may see a plugin refused, not loaded or held at an older version, and the message tells you whether updating Claude Code or the plugin should fix it.\n\n- Area: Plugins\n- Tier: You'll notice\n- Useful: 4\/5\n- Signal: 1\/5\n- Scope: individual\n- Heads-up: no"}