[DOCS] [Written by Claude Code] Chrome integration: "No Chrome extension connected" — missing troubleshooting guide for Windows

Documentation Type

Missing documentation (feature not documented)

Documentation Location

https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/chrome

Section/Topic

Chrome Integration - Troubleshooting on Windows

Current Documentation

The Chrome integration docs mention prerequisites and basic setup, but lack a Windows-specific troubleshooting section for the "No Chrome extension connected" error. The error message itself gives no actionable guidance — it just says the extension is not connected without explaining what to check.

What's Wrong or Missing?

There is no troubleshooting section for the "No Chrome extension connected" error on Windows. When this error occurs, users have no guidance on what to check. The fix is often just a full Chrome restart (all processes must be killed), but this is not documented anywhere. The error message itself is also unhelpful — it doesn't suggest any next steps.

The native messaging host chain on Windows (registry -> JSON config -> bat wrapper -> claude.exe) has multiple points of failure, but none of them are documented for users to verify.

Suggested Improvement

Problem

When using Claude Code v2.1.39 with --chrome on Windows 11, calling any claude-in-chrome MCP tool returns "No Chrome extension connected", even though:

• The "Claude in Chrome (Beta)" extension v1.0.47 is installed and enabled
• The user is logged into claude.ai (Pro plan)
• The native messaging host is properly registered in the Windows registry
• All config files are in place

The fix turned out to be simply restarting Chrome completely (killing all chrome.exe processes). Chrome reads native messaging host registrations only at startup.

Suggested Documentation Addition

Add a "Troubleshooting" section to the Chrome integration docs with a Windows-specific checklist:

Diagnostic checklist (Windows)

1. Extension installed? Check chrome://extensions for "Claude" extension
2. Registry entry exists? Verify HKCU\Software\Google\Chrome\NativeMessagingHosts\com.anthropic.claude_code_browser_extension points to a valid JSON file
3. Native host JSON config? Check %APPDATA%\Claude Code\ChromeNativeHost\com.anthropic.claude_code_browser_extension.json exists and contains correct extension ID
4. Bat wrapper exists? Verify %USERPROFILE%\.claude\chrome\chrome-native-host.bat exists and points to valid claude.exe
5. Chrome fully restarted? Chrome must be completely closed (all processes) and reopened after native messaging host installation. This is the most common fix.

Improve error message

Consider changing "No Chrome extension connected" to something like:
"No Chrome extension connected. Try: (1) Restart Chrome completely, (2) Check extension is enabled at chrome://extensions, (3) Verify you are logged into claude.ai"

Environment

• Windows 11 Pro 10.0.26100
• Claude Code 2.1.39
• Chrome extension "Claude in Chrome (Beta)" v1.0.47
• Extension ID: fcoeoabgfenejglbffodgkkbkcdhcgfn

Impact

High - Prevents users from using a feature

Additional Context

_No response_