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Context buffer not clearing with /clear or /new commands #1390

@Expelz

Description

@Expelz

Description

The buffer persistently shows 38.4k tokens (24% of context window) and cannot be cleared using the /clear or /new commands.

Steps to Reproduce

  1. Use GitHub Copilot CLI and accumulate buffer content
Image
  1. Attempt to clear buffer using /clear command
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  1. Alternatively, try /new command to start fresh session
  2. Observe that buffer remains at 38.4k tokens (24%)

Expected Behavior

  • /clear command should clear the buffer and reset token count
  • /new command should start a new session with empty buffer

Actual Behavior

  • Buffer remains at 38.4k tokens despite using /clear or /new commands
  • Unable to free up context window space

Environment

  • GitHub Copilot CLI Version: 0.0.406
  • Operating System: macOS (Darwin)
  • Date: 2026-02-10

Impact

This limits the available context window for new interactions, reducing from 100% to 76% available capacity.

Additional Context

The persistent buffer content appears to be stuck and is not affected by session management commands.

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    area:context-memoryContext window, memory, compaction, checkpoints, and instruction loading

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