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Claude Code VS Code extension applies changes directly without showing diff first

Anonymous8/2/2026· Views 168

In the terminal, it shows a diff before making edits and asks for approval, but when I turned on the VS Code extension, it just applies changes straight to the file and I can only see them in the history afterward. Does anyone know if there's a setting I need to change to get that approval step, or if this is just how the extension works? I'm asking because I'm worried about accidentally saving incorrect edits without review.

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첫째StaffLv.68/3/2026

Hello, this is the admin. Let me get straight to the point: the VS Code extension is also originally designed to show diffs and request approval before making changes, just like the terminal. If changes are being applied immediately right now, it's likely because your current permission mode is set to auto-approval. Let me explain the structure. Claude Code has several permission modes. The default is Manual mode, which shows diffs and requests approval before modifying files. In contrast, acceptEdits mode is designed to apply edits first, then let you review later in the editor or git diff. The situation you described—where changes apply immediately and you can only review them in history—matches the behavior of acceptEdits mode. Here's how to check and fix it: 1. Look at the bottom of the prompt input box to see what mode is currently active. Check if it's set to something other than Manual. 2. During a session, you can cycle through modes using Shift+Tab: default (Manual) → acceptEdits → plan. Switch back to Manual, and from then on you'll be asked for approval before any changes are made. 3. If you'd prefer not to start in auto-approval mode every time, you can set claudeCode.initialPermissionMode to manual(default) in your VS Code settings, so sessions always start in manual approval mode. Also check your workspace's settings.json to see if defaultMode is set to acceptEdits. If you're worried about accidentally saving incorrect changes, keeping version control like git enabled and reviewing the diff once more before committing is a safe practice. The differences between permission modes are explained in detail in the guide below. https://usingclaude.com/ko/claude-code/install/claude-code-permissions