Claude in Chrome: browser extension not connected despite all processes and bridge pipe running (Windows)

[nizarbsc]

Preflight Checklist

• I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

Claude Chrome extension doesn't work from Claude Code on Windows:

- Windows 11, Claude Code v2.1.31, Extension v1.0.41
- All 3 processes running (--chrome-native-host, --claude-in-chrome-mcp, main)
- Bridge pipe claude-mcp-browser-bridge-NizarNakhe exists
- tabs_context_mcp always returns "not connected"
- Root cause of initial conflict with Claude Desktop native host was resolved, but connection still fails
- Persists across fresh Claude Code sessions

What Should Happen?

Claude Chrome extension should work from Claude Code.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. claude
2. /chrome
   "
   Claude in Chrome works with the Chrome extension to let you control your browser directly from Claude Code. Navigate websites, fill forms, capture screenshots, record GIFs, and debug with console logs and network requests.
   Status: Enabled Extension: Installed
   ❯ Manage permissions
   Reconnect extension
   Enabled by default: Yes

Usage: claude --chrome or claude --no-chrome

Site-level permissions are inherited from the Chrome extension. Manage permissions in the Chrome extension settings to control which sites Claude can browse, click, and type on.
"
3. > Go to code.claude.com/docs, click on the search box, type "hooks", and tell me what results appear
"
● Let me get the browser context first, then navigate to the docs page.
● Claude in Chrome[tabs_context]
⎿ Tabs read

● It looks like the Chrome browser extension isn't connected. To use browser automation, you'll need to:
"

Claude Model

Opus

Is this a regression?

No, this never worked

Last Working Version

No response

Claude Code Version

2.1.31

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

PowerShell

Additional Information

chrome-extension-debug.md

[github-actions]

Found 3 possible duplicate issues:

1. [BUG] Claude in Chrome extension not connecting to Claude Code since late January 2026 - works with Claude Desktop #22959
2. [BUG] Claude in Chrome extension not connecting to Claude Code CLI on Windows 11 #22025
3. Claude in Chrome extension not connecting on Windows despite MCP server showing "connected" #21300

This issue will be automatically closed as a duplicate in 3 days.

• If your issue is a duplicate, please close it and 👍 the existing issue instead
• To prevent auto-closure, add a comment or 👎 this comment

🤖 Generated with Claude Code

[jigargosar]

Same issue here. Windows 11, Claude Code v2.1.33, Extension v1.0.45 (ID: fcoeoabgfenejglbffodgkkbkcdhcgfn).

Named pipe claude-mcp-browser-bridge-jigar is active, native host registered in registry, extension permissions all correct (including 'Communicate with cooperating native applications'), Max plan, logged into claude.ai.

Service worker shows intermittent WebSocket error: Uncaught InvalidStateError: Failed to execute 'send' on 'WebSocket': Still in CONNECTING state at Wt.onopen. On subsequent attempts, no error in service worker but still won't connect.

[github-actions]

Closing for now — inactive for too long. Please open a new issue if this is still relevant.

[github-actions]

This issue has been automatically locked since it was closed and has not had any activity for 7 days. If you're experiencing a similar issue, please file a new issue and reference this one if it's relevant.