computer-use MCP: request_access returns 'not_installed' for all apps despite apps being installed and running
Resolved 💬 3 comments Opened Apr 6, 2026 by LOT57AICOO Closed Apr 9, 2026
Description
The computer-use MCP server's request_access tool returns "reason": "not_installed" for every app requested, even though all apps are installed, running, and discoverable via other macOS APIs.
Environment
- macOS 26.4 (Tahoe), Build 25E246
- Claude Code v2.1.92
- Mac Mini M-series, ARM64
- Running inside tmux (started from Terminal.app)
Reproduction
- Enable computer-use via
/mcp - Call
request_accesswith any app (Safari, Finder, Chrome, etc.) - All apps return
{"bundleId": "Safari", "reason": "not_installed"}
What works
screenshotFiltering: "native"is returned (no more permission errors)- All Screen Recording + Accessibility permissions are granted (verified in TCC.db)
SCShareableContent.current(ScreenCaptureKit) successfully sees 26 apps and 1 display from the same processNSWorkspace.shared.urlForApplication(withBundleIdentifier:)resolves apps correctly- Apps are installed at /Applications/ and running
What doesn't work
- The MCP's internal app discovery mechanism returns "not_installed" for every app regardless of:
- Display name ("Safari") vs bundle ID ("com.apple.Safari")
- Whether the app is running or not
- tmux session type (detached vs interactive)
Suspected cause
The computer-use native module (computer_use.node) may use a different app resolution path than NSWorkspace/ScreenCaptureKit that fails in CLI tmux contexts, even when a valid GUI security session exists.
Workaround
None found. Chrome DevTools MCP works for browser tasks. Computer use is blocked entirely.
This issue has 3 comments on GitHub. Read the full discussion on GitHub ↗