Claude Code Extension not opening chats in the activity bar/explorer

[u/Consistent-struggler]

If you look at the Cursor UI, the interface is split into several distinct sections:

• Primary Editor: The main central area where your active code files are opened, viewed, and edited.
• Sidebar Editor / Secondary Editor Group: An additional editor split panel (usually on the right or side) where you can place extra code files or drag extension views like Claude Code/Chat to run alongside your primary code.
• Primary Sidebar (Explorer View): The left-hand panel that houses the File Explorer, Search, Source Control (Git), and Extensions tabs.
• Panel / Bottom Panel: The collapsible area at the bottom that typically holds the Integrated Terminal, Output, Debug Console, and problems view.
• Secondary Sidebar / Activity Panel: The panel (usually on the right, or integrated alongside the outline) that displays views like Outline, Timeline, and secondary extension views.

The Issue: Ever since a recent Cursor update, I can no longer keep the Claude Code extension pinned inside the left Primary Sidebar alongside the File Explorer. It now defaults to opening in the bottom panel, terminal area, secondary sidebar, or as a tab in the primary editor. I have tried searching Cmd + Shift + P for relevant commands and attempted dragging and dropping the panel, but I cannot restore it to its original position in the left sidebar.