[Feature Request] Quick entry should not auto-open main Claude Desktop window

Resolved 💬 3 comments Opened Oct 29, 2025 by cyperx84 Closed Jan 12, 2026

Bug Description
[Feature Request] Allow quick entry to function independently without auto-opening main Claude Desktop window

Problem

When activating quick entry on macOS (Option key tap), Claude Desktop launches both:

  • Quick entry input box ✓ (desired)
  • Main Claude Desktop window ✓ (unwanted side effect)

This disrupts workflow for terminal-based developers who rely on quick entry for ambient AI access without losing focus.

Current Behavior

User: Tap Option key in terminal
Result: Quick entry appears + Main Claude window auto-opens
Problem: Context switch breaks flow

Desired Behavior

User: Tap Option key in terminal  
Result: Quick entry appears only, main window stays hidden
Benefit: Seamless ambient access without window management overhead

Use Case

As an AI engineer using terminal-native development (Neovim, tmux, Ghostty):

  • Need Claude accessible from anywhere without GUI interruption
  • Quick entry perfectly fills this gap—if the main window doesn't steal focus
  • Current behavior forces choice between: (a) no quick entry, or (b) accept constant window management friction

Proposed Solutions

Option A (Toggle): Add settings option

  • "Keep main window hidden when using quick entry"
  • Check box in Settings > General > Desktop App

Option B (Smart behavior): Detect existing window state

  • If main window already open: bring to focus on quick entry activation
  • If main window closed: open only quick entry (no main window)

Option C (Independent component): Allow quick entry as standalone

  • Similar to how menu bar apps work (quick action without full app window)

Technical Context

  • Platform: macOS (Sonnet 4.5)
  • Workflow: Terminal-first development with Neovim, tmux, Ghostty
  • Note: Currently disabling quick entry as workaround, exploring menu bar alternatives

Why This Matters

Quick entry's power is its minimalism—it's designed for "without navigating away." But the current implementation requires navigating away (to manage/close the main window). This defeats its core purpose for terminal-first workflows.

Environment Info

  • Platform: darwin
  • Terminal: ghostty
  • Version: 2.0.28
  • Feedback ID: 5171da5e-90ee-4b8d-a4e7-aded34800817

Errors

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