How do I enable Claude Mods and You should know in Claude Code?
Claude Code 2.1.287 adds Claude Mods (plugins that can modify deeper behavior) and a built-in mod, You should know. Enable it with /plugin enable cc-plugin-you-should-know@builtin on first-party sessions with telemetry on. Version floor, trust limits, and fences vs Desktop and Channels Specs.
On Claude Code ≥2.1.287, Claude Mods let plugins modify deeper behavior. The built-in mod You should know is a side agent that flags things you or Claude might miss on longer tasks — off by default. Turn it on with /plugin enable cc-plugin-you-should-know@builtin (CHANGELOG: first-party sessions with telemetry on; docs: show disabled in /plugin if available for your org). Mods run with your permissions — install only what you trust. This Spec is the enable path — not the Desktop --desktop Spec (Desktop) and not the Claude Tag Channels Spec (Channels).
TL;DR: Version floor 2.1.287+. Enable command:
/plugin enable cc-plugin-you-should-know@builtin. You should know is disabled by default. Labsclaude code mods— [GAP] (API 40200 / historically no item). Checked 2026-10-02.
What Claude Mods are
CHANGELOG 2.1.287 (anthropics/claude-code):
Added Claude Mods: plugins may now modify deeper behavior
Official Mods overview (fetched 2026-10-02): a mod is a plugin that changes how Claude Code looks and behaves. It is made of JavaScript or TypeScript event handlers that run inside Claude Code — unlike settings hooks (shell/HTTP/prompt in a settings file), skills, or MCP servers.
Version floor: Claude Code v2.1.287 or later. Mods are on by default. Check with claude --version and update if older.
Trust: a mod runs with your permissions — it can read/write files, start processes, make network requests, see your session, and approve tool calls. Install only from authors and marketplaces you trust. See also permissions.
In a session, /plugin shows a dim line under the tabs with the active mod count (for example 1 mod active · first-mod). Early-access env CLAUDE_CODE_ENABLE_FUNCTION_HOOKS is ignored on 2.1.287+ — setting it to 0 does not keep mods off.
Enable You should know
CHANGELOG 2.1.287:
Added You should know, a built-in mod where a side agent watches your back and flags things you or Claude might miss. Turn it on with
/plugin enable cc-plugin-you-should-know@builtin(for first-party sessions with telemetry on)
Official mods overview built-in table (same-day):
Name in /plugin | Behavior | Default | How to enable / disable |
|---|---|---|---|
cc-plugin-you-should-know | Side agent watches longer tasks; shows a note above the prompt when it finds something worth knowing | Disabled by default | Enable: /plugin enable cc-plugin-you-should-know@builtin. Listed under Installed → Show disabled if available for your org. Disable again in /plugin. |
Exact enable string (do not invent alternatives):
/plugin enable cc-plugin-you-should-know@builtin
-
Confirm Claude Code ≥2.1.287 (
claude --version). -
In a session, run the enable command above.
-
If you do not see it, open
/plugin→ Installed → Show disabled (availability can depend on org). -
To turn it off later, disable it in
/plugin.
CHANGELOG gate: first-party sessions with telemetry on. Do not invent workarounds for org policy or telemetry-off sessions beyond what CHANGELOG and docs state.
This is a built-in mod (@builtin) — not the same as installing an Agent Skill from the marketplace (marketplace).
Not these Specs
| Thing | Role | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Mods + You should know enable | This Spec | CHANGELOG 2.1.287 · mods overview |
claude --desktop / /desktop | CLI↔Desktop bridge | Desktop Spec |
| Claude Tag Channels | Slack / Channels Spec | Channels Spec |
| Tool permission config | Permissions deep-dive | Permissions |
| Full mod authoring / UI gallery | Developer deep-dive | Official mods docs only — out of scope here |
Do not expand this Spec into create-a-mod tutorials, interface galleries, or org admin policy deep-dives.
Pitfalls
- Expecting You should know on without enable — it is off by default.
- Running Claude Code <2.1.287 — Mods / You should know need the version floor.
- Ignoring the CHANGELOG telemetry / first-party session gate — do not invent enable paths.
- Treating a Marketplace Agent Skills install as the same as
@builtinmod enable. - Ignoring trust: mods can read files, use the network, and approve tools.
FAQ
What version do I need?
Claude Code v2.1.287 or later. Run claude --version. Mods require that floor and are on by default (Mods overview).
What is the exact enable command?
/plugin enable cc-plugin-you-should-know@builtin
Same string in CHANGELOG 2.1.287 and the official mods overview. No invented CLI flags.
Is this the same as Claude Desktop or Channels?
No. Desktop bridge → how-do-i-use-claude-code-desktop. Channels / Claude Tag → how-do-i-use-claude-code-channels. This Spec owns Mods + You should know enable only.
Are mods safe by default?
They run with your permissions. Official docs warn: install only what you trust. Review hooks/calls with claude plugin validate on third-party mods before install when you can.
How do I turn You should know off?
Disable it in /plugin (Installed tab). Built-in mods cannot be uninstalled; disable is the off path per docs.
Close
Recap: ≥2.1.287 · /plugin enable cc-plugin-you-should-know@builtin · off by default · trust your installs. Soft bridges: Desktop · Channels · permissions · marketplace.
Sources (2026-10-02): CHANGELOG.md HEAD 2.1.287 · Mods overview · Plugins overview · Install plugins. Labs primary [GAP] — no invented vol/KD.