# Opening code-workspace fails to switch to workspace if already open **URL:** \ **Category:** Bug Reports\ **Tags:** windows, layout\ **Created:** [April 1, 2026, 7:12pm UTC](https://forum.cursor.com/t/opening-code-workspace-fails-to-switch-to-workspace-if-already-open/156449 "2026-04-01T19:12:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lance\_McQuiddy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ac91a4/32.png) [@Lance\_McQuiddy](https://forum.cursor.com/u/Lance_McQuiddy)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2026, 7:12pm UTC](https://forum.cursor.com/t/opening-code-workspace-fails-to-switch-to-workspace-if-already-open/156449/1 "2026-04-01T19:12:05Z")
### Where does the bug appear (feature/product)? Cursor IDE ### Describe the Bug In Win 11 File Explorer, when double clicking on a code-workspace file, it appears to fail to open with no feedback from Cursor. What is really happening is that if the selected Workspace is already open, Cursor will play “dumb” (no insult intended). That is not an acceptable behavior; at a minimum Cursor should bring that workspace to the foreground (switching desktops if needed) and open a pop-up stat states “Workspace is already open.” This is not the only time that Cursor will silently fail, for no reason. For example if I want to open 4 chat tabs using the “+” button, the IDE will not open any new chat tabs if there is an uninitiated chat tab (chat that has not received a prompt). Again, this is a frustrating behavior. ### Steps to Reproduce 1. Make sure work-space is already open in Cursor and minimized on the task bar. 2. Navigate to work-space file in Windows 11 File Explorer 3. Open the work-space file (double click on my system) 4. Nothing will happen. ### Expected Behavior At least that workspace should be pulled to the top. Having a pop-up stating it is already open would be appropriate, with possibly a check-box that states “Do not show me this again.” ### Operating System Windows 10/11 ### Version Information The ghost entry for this text box is wrong. It shows: Menu → About Cursor → Copy It should be updated to: Menu → Help → About Cursor → Copy Here is the version information: Version: 2.6.21 (user setup) VSCode Version: 1.105.1 Commit: fea2f546c979a0a4ad1deab23552a43568807590 Date: 2026-03-21T22:09:10.098Z Build Type: Stable Release Track: Default Electron: 39.8.1 Chromium: 142.0.7444.265 Node.js: 22.22.1 V8: 14.2.231.22-electron.0 OS: Windows\_NT x64 10.0.26100 ### Additional Information If Cursor IDE is behind other windows, it should be pulled to the front. If Cursor IDE is minimized, it should be opened and pulled to the front. ### Does this stop you from using Cursor No - Cursor works, but with this issue ---
**Author:** ![mohitjain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/cursor1/user_avatar/forum.cursor.com/mohitjain/32/100229_2.png) [@mohitjain](https://forum.cursor.com/u/mohitjain)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2026, 5:41am UTC](https://forum.cursor.com/t/opening-code-workspace-fails-to-switch-to-workspace-if-already-open/156449/6 "2026-04-02T05:41:19Z")
Hi @Lance_McQuiddy, Thanks for reporting this. Cursor does attempt to bring the existing workspace window to the foreground when you open a `.code-workspace` file that’s already open — but Windows has a well-known platform restriction that prevents applications from stealing focus from the current foreground window in most cases. This is the same behavior you’d see in VS Code, and unfortunately it’s not something Cursor can fully override. What should happen is a taskbar flash indicating the window needs your attention, though even that may be subtle depending on your system settings. Regarding the chat tab behavior — Cursor intentionally reuses an empty (uninitiated) chat tab rather than creating a new one alongside it. The existing tab is ready for your next prompt. If you’d like multiple tabs staged ahead of time, you’d need to send at least one message in each to “initialize” them. I’ve noted your feedback on both points ---
**Author:** ![Lance\_McQuiddy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ac91a4/32.png) [@Lance\_McQuiddy](https://forum.cursor.com/u/Lance_McQuiddy)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2026, 5:03pm UTC](https://forum.cursor.com/t/opening-code-workspace-fails-to-switch-to-workspace-if-already-open/156449/7 "2026-04-02T17:03:36Z")
Thanks Mohit. That all makes sense, and I understand the limitations. What about opening a pop-up that simply states, “Cursor Workspace is already open on desktop .”? ---
**Author:** ![system](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/cursor1/user_avatar/forum.cursor.com/system/32/99069_2.png) [@system](https://forum.cursor.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2026, 5:03pm UTC](https://forum.cursor.com/t/opening-code-workspace-fails-to-switch-to-workspace-if-already-open/156449/8 "2026-04-24T17:03:37Z")
Closed on April 24, 2026, 5:03pm UTC This topic was automatically closed 22 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.