Claude in Chrome extension not connecting - screenshots not working

[alfre891013]

Description

The "Claude in Chrome" browser extension is not connecting to Claude Code CLI. The tabs_context_mcp tool always returns "Browser extension is not connected" even after following all troubleshooting steps.

This prevents using screenshot functionality and all browser automation features.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install "Claude in Chrome" extension from Chrome Web Store
2. Log in to claude.ai in Chrome
3. Restart Chrome
4. Run Claude Code CLI and attempt to use browser automation tools (e.g., tabs_context_mcp)

Expected Behavior

The extension should connect and allow browser automation (screenshots, page reading, etc.)

Actual Behavior

Every call to tabs_context_mcp returns:

Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running...

Environment

• OS: Windows
• CLI: Claude Code
• Browser: Google Chrome
• Extension: Claude in Chrome (installed and enabled)

Troubleshooting Attempted

• Reinstalled the extension
• Toggled the extension off/on
• Restarted Chrome completely
• Verified logged into claude.ai with same account as Claude Code

[github-actions]

Found 3 possible duplicate issues:

1. [BUG] aude in Chrome browser extension not connecting from Claude Code on Windows despite correct configuration #23539
2. Claude in Chrome Extension Not Connecting on Windows 11 #23218
3. Browser extension not connecting to Claude Code CLI #22916

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🤖 Generated with Claude Code

[chriscrosstalk]

Duplicate of #23578 — same issue here on Windows with Claude Code v2.1.32 and extension v1.0.45.

Additional debugging from our investigation: registry key, native messaging manifest, batch file, and extension ID all verified correct. /mcp reports "Reconnected to claude-in-chrome" but tabs_context_mcp still returns "not connected." Was previously working in Brave before today's update.

[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.