[FEATURE] IDE embedded mode should share OAuth auth context with terminal (or clearly prompt for login)

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
• [x] This is a single feature request (not multiple features)

Problem Statement

When using Claude Code embedded in an IDE (tested with Windsurf), the extension silently holds a separate authentication context from the terminal — even on the same machine, with the same user account.

The result: claude.ai Connectors (MCP servers like Gmail, Todoist, Google Calendar) are not loaded in the IDE embedded mode, and /mcp returns No running MCP servers. There is no message explaining why, or what to do about it.

The user is left thinking the Connectors are broken or unsupported in the IDE — when the real issue is just a silent, separate login state.

Proposed Solution

Two acceptable paths:

1. Share the auth context — the IDE embedded mode should read from the same ~/.claude.json used by the terminal, so that a single claude auth login is sufficient across all surfaces.

1. Surface the problem clearly — if keeping separate contexts is intentional, the IDE should detect the missing auth and display a clear prompt, e.g.:

> "You're not logged in. Run /switch-account to connect your Claude.ai account and enable MCP Connectors."

Alternative Solutions

Workaround (confirmed working): Run /switch-account inside the IDE embedded chat and log in via OAuth again. After that, all claude.ai Connectors appear as connected.

This confirms the feature works — it just requires an undiscoverable extra step.

Priority

Medium - Would be very helpful

Feature Category

MCP server integration

Use Case Example

1. User authenticates via claude auth login in the terminal → claude auth status confirms login with Claude.ai Pro subscription
2. User opens Claude Code embedded in Windsurf
3. User runs /mcp → sees No running MCP servers
4. User assumes Connectors are unsupported in IDE mode and gives up
5. (After discovering /switch-account) User logs in again inside the IDE → Connectors load correctly

Additional Context

• IDE: Windsurf
• OS: macOS 15 (Darwin 25.2.0)
• Auth method: Claude.ai OAuth (Pro subscription)
• Claude Code version: 2.1.63
• Running claude auth status inside Windsurf's terminal returns the correct account — confirming the terminal context is authenticated. Only the embedded chat context is not.