New R Project Creation Hangs in Untrusted Folder Due to R Version Discovery

[CorradoLanera]

Description:

When launching Positron in an untrusted folder and attempting to create a new R project (without interacting with existing files), the application becomes unresponsive during the R version discovery step.

Steps to Reproduce:

• Open Positron in an untrusted folder.

• Navigate to "New Project" > "R Project".

• Enter a project name and select a parent folder.

• Click "Next".

Expected Behavior:

Proceed to the next step without delay, allowing the creation of a new R project.

Actual Behavior:

Positron hangs on the R version discovery screen. It appears that the application attempts to detect installed R versions, but this process fails due to the folder's untrusted status, causing the process to freeze (UI still responsive, can go back, etc).

Environment:

• Positron version: 2025.06.0 - builds tested: 48 and 167

• Operating System: Windows 11 Pro

• R versions installed: 4.5 (default), 4.4.3, 4.4.2, 4.4.1

[sharon-wang]

Thanks for reporting this and for the clear info @CorradoLanera! I can reproduce in 2025.07.0+38 on Mac as well.

In an Untrusted folder, many extensions are disabled, a few of which power the new project creation process, particularly the discovery of interpreters. As such, this new project flow can only be done in a Trusted folder where these extensions are enabled, but that is not apparent!

I've copied this over to an issue with some thoughts on how to address this, and so we can track and prioritize this work. Thanks again!