[Feature Request] Detach session into its own window for multi-monitor workflows

Resolved 💬 3 comments Opened Apr 20, 2026 by gbh24 Closed Apr 23, 2026

Summary

Allow each Claude Code session in the Desktop app to be opened in a separate, independent window (like a Finder window on macOS) so users can place sessions across multiple monitors.

Current behavior

All sessions live inside a single Desktop app window, accessible only via the left sidebar tab list. There is no way to:

  • Pop a session out into its own window
  • Drag a tab onto a different monitor
  • Keep two sessions visible simultaneously without split-screen tricks

Why this matters — real workflow

I routinely work across multiple repos in parallel. A typical setup:

  • Main repo session (e.g. docs/PM workspace)
  • Sub-repo A session (e.g. frontend)
  • Sub-repo B session (e.g. landing page)

Each session has long-running context, tool output, and diffs I want to keep visible. With a single window I have to constantly switch tabs and lose the ability to glance between them.

Today I work around this by running claude in a terminal on a second monitor AND opening claude.ai/code on a third. That works, but the UX is inconsistent across the three clients (shortcuts, session history, tool approvals all differ).

Desired behavior

  • Right-click a session tab → Open in New Window
  • Or drag a tab out of the sidebar, like Chrome/Safari tabs, to create a new window
  • New window should be a fully functional Claude Code instance (permissions, tools, approvals work independently)
  • Each window can be moved to a different display/Space via standard macOS window management
  • Session state remains in sync if the same session is opened in two places (or at minimum, prevent simultaneous edits from causing conflicts)

Reference UX

  • Chrome / Safari: drag tab out to detach
  • Slack: Open conversation in new window
  • VS Code: Window → Move Window to New Display
  • Finder: each window is independent

Platform

  • macOS (primary); ideally also Windows/Linux when Desktop launches there

Alternatives considered

  • Mission Control / Spaces: only moves the whole app, not individual sessions
  • Running CLI + web + Desktop in parallel: works but fragments UX
  • Multiple app instances: not currently possible

Thanks — really enjoying the parallel-session redesign so far; this one addition would unlock far more screen real estate for heavy multi-repo users.

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