The new Claude Code Desktop: smoother parallel multitasking
TL;DR
This update is all about working in parallel: keep track of several sessions at once, handle side questions without interrupting the main task, and let large jobs split into sub-tasks that run concurrently.
4 things worth knowing
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Session sidebar | All sessions in one place — see at a glance which tasks are running and which are waiting for your approval. |
The /btw command | Remembered something else mid-task? Type /btw to handle it in a side thread while the main task keeps going. |
| Automatic sub-tasks | Hand over several jobs at once; Claude splits them into parallel sub-tasks and reports the results back to the main thread. |
| Saved Environments | Reopen the exact workspace, folder or SSH connection you use most with a single click. |
How to put it to work
- Developers: Keep long-running work (refactors, test runs) in one session and use
/btwfor quick questions instead of opening a new chat and losing context. - PMs / Tech Leads: Treat the sidebar like a mini Kanban board: the “waiting for approval” column is where your decisions are needed — clear it before assigning new work.