Chrome extension not connecting: 'Browser extension is not connected' error

Description

The Chrome browser automation MCP tools fail to connect with the error:

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

Environment

• OS: Windows (MINGW64_NT-10.0-26200)
• Claude Code version: Using claude-opus-4-5-20251101
• Chrome: Installed and running

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Claude browser extension from https://claude.ai/chrome
2. Restart Chrome
3. Run Claude Code and call mcp__claude-in-chrome__tabs_context_mcp
4. Error persists despite multiple restart attempts

What Was Tried

• Confirmed extension is installed
• Restarted Chrome multiple times
• Verified extension is enabled in chrome://extensions

Expected Behavior

The MCP tool should connect to the Chrome extension and return tab context.

Actual Behavior

Persistent "Browser extension is not connected" error despite the extension being installed and enabled.