Claude Code hangs when calling MCP servers due to shell snapshot failure

What this error means

Failed to create shell snapshot — Claude Code hangs when calling MCP servers is a Claude Code failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix claude code hanging when using mcp tool calls. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

GitHub Issue #58209 (open): Claude Code hangs during MCP server calls on Windows. Root cause: shell snapshot creation fails with git/bash path resolution error. Feedback ID da9a7874-6e1d-4044-937d-8b4b73c374. Platform: win32, Version: 2.1.139

Common causes

• Claude Code users relying on MCP servers experience complete hangs during tool invocation, blocking development workflows
• GitHub Issue #58209 (open): Claude Code hangs during MCP server calls on Windows. Root cause: shell snapshot creation fails with git/bash path resolution error. Feedback ID da9a7874-6e1d-4044-937d-8b4b73c374. Platform: win32, Version: 2.1.139

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches Failed to create shell snapshot — Claude Code hangs when calling MCP servers.
2. Check the Claude Code account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
3. Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

• Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
• Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
• Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

1. Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
2. Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
3. Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
4. Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
5. Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

• Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
• Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
• Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Sources checked

• https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/58209

Evidence note: GitHub Issue #58209 (open): Claude Code hangs during MCP server calls on Windows. Root cause: shell snapshot creation fails with git/bash path resolution error. Feedback ID da9a7874-6e1d-4044-937d-8b4b73c374. Platform: win32, Version: 2.1.139

Related errors

• Claude Code MCP tool timeout
• Claude Code shell snapshot error Windows
• Claude Code MCP server connection refused

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact Failed to create shell snapshot — Claude Code hangs when calling MCP servers text and the smallest action that reproduces it.

Can I ignore this error?

No. Treat it as a failed Claude Code workflow until the root cause is understood.

Is this guaranteed to have one fix?

No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.

How do I know the fix worked?

Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without Failed to create shell snapshot — Claude Code hangs when calling MCP servers.