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

  1. Enable computer-use via /mcp
  2. Call request_access with any app (Safari, Finder, Chrome, etc.)
  3. 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 process
  • NSWorkspace.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.

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