[BUG] Claude in Chrome extension not connecting to Claude Code since late January 2026 - works with Claude Desktop

Description:
## Bug Description
The Claude in Chrome extension stopped connecting to Claude Code CLI
approximately one week ago (around January 28, 2026). The extension works
perfectly with Claude Desktop but fails to connect with Claude Code.

## Environment

• OS: Windows 10/11
• Claude Code version: 2.1.31
• Chrome extension ID: fcoeoabgfenejglbffodgkkbkcdhcgfn
• Extension status: Installed, enabled, and functional (works with

Claude Desktop)

## Symptoms

• tabs_context_mcp returns "Browser extension is not connected"
• All browser automation tools fail with the same error
• The extension shows as connected in Chrome and works with Claude Desktop

## Reproduction Steps

1. Have both Claude Desktop and Claude Code installed
2. Install Claude in Chrome extension
3. Run Claude Code CLI
4. Try any chrome tool (e.g., /chrome or tabs_context_mcp)
5. Get error: "Browser extension is not connected"

## Troubleshooting Already Attempted

• [x] Restarted Chrome multiple times
• [x] Restarted Claude Code CLI
• [x] Disabled/re-enabled the extension
• [x] Completely reinstalled the extension
• [x] Completely reinstalled Claude Code
• [x] Renamed Claude Desktop's native host config to avoid conflict
• [x] Created custom native host config pointing to Claude Code's

chrome-native-host.bat

• [x] Verified registry keys point to correct JSON config
• [x] Verified chrome-native-host.bat exists and claude.exe works
• [x] Tested on two different computers - same issue on both

## Key Observation
The issue appeared simultaneously on two different computers around the
same date, suggesting a change on Anthropic's side (extension update or
Claude Code update) rather than a local configuration issue.

## Native Host Configuration
Registry key HKCU\Software\Google\Chrome\NativeMessagingHosts\com.anthrop
ic.claude_browser_extension correctly points to the JSON config file,
which references chrome-native-host.bat calling claude.exe
--chrome-native-host.

## Expected Behavior
Claude Code should connect to the Chrome extension and browser automation
tools should work.

## Actual Behavior
Connection fails despite correct configuration and the extension working
with Claude Desktop.