Windows desktop Code tab: list_connected_browsers empty in scheduled tasks while extension + native host are connected
### What's wrong
Since about 2026-10-01, Claude Code sessions in the Windows desktop app (Code tab), including scheduled tasks, see no browsers: list_connected_browsers returns [] and tabs_context_mcp says "Claude in Chrome is not connected".
The extension is installed, signed into the same Claude account as the app, and connected to the app: chrome-native-host.exe is running with the extension's origin (chrome-extension://fcoeoabgfenejglbffodgkkbkcdhcgfn/), and the native host manifest under %APPDATA%\Claude\ChromeNativeHost is registered and valid. Until late September the same scheduled tasks found the browser most mornings.
Environment
- Windows 11 Pro 10.0.26200
- Claude desktop app 2.26454.2.0 (Store install), bundled Claude Code 2.1.293
- Chrome stable, multiple profiles; extension installed in the default profile
Repro
- Chrome open, extension signed in, native host process running.
- In a Code tab session (interactive or scheduled), call
list_connected_browsers→[]. tabs_context_mcp→ "not connected".
Impact
Daily scheduled research tasks silently lost browser access for 8+ days. Related but not identical: #89551 (Cowork cloud), #74776 (CLI pairing).
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