Where does Claude Code store local data on Windows?

Understand Claude Code sessions, auto memory, CLAUDE.md, settings and project overlays on native Windows.

5 minute read Reviewed 15 July 2026 Native Windows scope

DIRECT ANSWER

What you need to know

Claude Code normally stores user-level application data under %USERPROFILE%\.claude on native Windows. Session transcripts are stored beneath the projects area as JSONL, auto memory uses a per-project memory folder, and CLAUDE.md or .claude files can also exist at user and project scopes. CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR can change the main location.

The main native Windows locations

%USERPROFILE%\.claude for normal user-level Claude Code application data
projects\<project>\<session-id>.jsonl for local session transcripts
projects\<project>\memory for per-project auto memory
CLAUDE.md, CLAUDE.local.md and .claude folders at supported user or project scopes
A different root when CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR is configured

Why the state is distributed

Claude Code combines application-owned history with instructions and customisations that can be intentionally stored in a repository. A project CLAUDE.md may therefore be covered by Git, while local transcripts or personal auto memory remain only in the Windows user profile.

Anthropic says local transcripts are removed after 30 days by default unless cleanupPeriodDays is changed. Backup retention and Claude Code's own cleanup period are separate decisions.

Do not mix product surfaces

Native Windows Claude Code, Claude Code inside WSL, Claude Desktop and Claude Code on the web do not share one guaranteed local state directory. Confirm which product and environment owns the data before backup or recovery.

THE CALMBU BOUNDARY

What Calmbu currently claims

Calmbu supports approved native Windows Claude Code workspace data, with the current scope shown in the app. Claude Code in WSL, Claude Desktop, cloud-only sessions, credentials and original project files remain outside that scope.

See the recovery model How Calmbu verifies its claims

Common questions

Is Claude Code always stored in C:\Users\me\.claude?

That is the normal native Windows location, but CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR can change the main configuration directory and auto memory can also use a configured absolute directory.

Are Claude Code sessions stored in my Git repository?

Not normally. Claude Code stores local session transcripts under its projects area. Repository instructions may be in Git, but transcripts require separate protection.

Does Calmbu support Claude Code in WSL?

No. Current Calmbu support covers native Windows state, not a .claude directory owned by WSL.

SOURCE BOUNDARY

Official references used for Claude Code facts

Anthropic documentation establishes Claude Code behaviour. Calmbu-specific statements describe the current product contract and are not presented as Anthropic guidance.

Anthropic: Manage sessionsDocuments transcript locations, retention and CLAUDE_CONFIG_DIR.Anthropic: Claude Code memoryDocuments auto-memory and CLAUDE.md locations.Anthropic: Claude Code settingsDocuments user, project and local settings scopes.