Chrome extension fails to connect on Windows 11 - reconnect page closes immediately

The Claude for Chrome extension fails to establish connection with Claude Code despite correct installation and configuration. The reconnect process opens a webpage that immediately closes without completing the authentication handshake.

Environment

• OS: Windows 11 (Build 10.0.26100.0)
• Claude Code Version: 2.1.37
• Node.js Version: v22.17.1
• Chrome Extension: Latest version (installed from https://claude.ai/chrome)
• Account Type: Claude Max (Pro)
• Installation Method: Native installation (claude install)

Current Status

✅ Extension installed and visible in Chrome
✅ Logged into claude.ai with the same account as Claude Code
✅ Extension shows as "enabled" and "available" in /chrome manage
✅ Native host script exists at C:\Users\axel\.claude\chrome\chrome-native-host.bat
❌ Connection fails when attempting to use MCP tools
❌ Reconnect opens a page that closes immediately

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Claude Code 2.1.37 on Windows 11
2. Install Chrome extension from https://claude.ai/chrome
3. Log into claude.ai with Claude Max account (same account as Claude Code)
4. Run /chrome command in Claude Code
5. Verify status shows "enabled" and "available"
6. Attempt to use any Chrome MCP tool (e.g., tabs_context_mcp)
7. Observe error: "Browser extension is not connected"
8. Try "Reconnect" option - page opens and closes immediately

Expected Behavior

The extension should establish a persistent connection with Claude Code through the native messaging host, allowing MCP tools to interact with Chrome.

Actual Behavior

Browser extension is not connected. Please ensure the Claude browser extension is installed and running (https://claude.ai/chrome), and that you are logged into
claude.ai with the same account as Claude Code.

When attempting reconnect:

• A browser window/tab opens briefly
• The page closes automatically within 1-2 seconds
• No connection is established
• No error message is shown

Troubleshooting Already Attempted

• ✅ Restarted Chrome multiple times (all windows closed)
• ✅ Verified no Chrome processes running in Task Manager before restart
• ✅ Disconnected and reconnected to claude.ai account
• ✅ Verified extension is enabled in chrome://extensions/
• ✅ Confirmed same account used in both Chrome and Claude Code
• ✅ Reinstalled extension
• ✅ Checked native host script exists and points to correct Node.js path

Native Host Configuration

File: C:\Users\axel\.claude\chrome\chrome-native-host.bat
@echo off
REM Chrome native host wrapper script
REM Generated by Claude Code - do not edit manually
"C:\Program Files\nodejs\node.exe" "C:\Users\axel\AppData\Roaming\npm\node_modules\@anthropic-ai\claude-code\cli.js" --chrome-native-host

Additional Context

The extension works independently in Chrome (can interact with Claude on claude.ai), but the native messaging bridge between Chrome and Claude Code fails to
establish. This appears to be a Windows-specific issue with the native host communication layer.

Logs

No Chrome-related errors found in C:\Users\axel\.claude\debug\ logs.

Requested Fix

Please investigate the native messaging host handshake process on Windows. The immediate page close during reconnect suggests an authentication or protocol mismatch
issue.