[BUG] Cowork requests macOS accessibility permission on Windows 10, resulting in "x-apple.systempreferences" error
Preflight Checklist
- [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
- [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
- [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code
What's Wrong?
- App version: Claude 1.3883.0 (93ff6c) 2026-04-21T17:24:01.000Z
- OS: Windows 10
- Interface: Claude Desktop App
What's Wrong?
When setting up Cowork on Windows 10 and clicking the button to grant mouse and keyboard (accessibility) permissions, the app throws the following error:
You'll need a new app to open this x-apple.systempreferences link
This is a macOS-specific URL scheme used to open System Preferences. The app appears to be triggering the macOS permission request flow regardless of the operating system, rather than using the appropriate Windows flow.
Additional Notes
The Windows 10 Privacy & Security settings do not include an Accessibility section (unlike Windows 11), so there is currently no manual workaround available for affected users. The setup process cannot be completed.
What Should Happen?
Expected Behaviour
Clicking the permission request button on Windows should either open the relevant Windows settings or guide the user through the correct Windows-specific permission grant process.
Error Messages/Logs
Steps to Reproduce
Steps to Reproduce
- Install Claude Desktop on Windows 10
- Open Cowork and begin the setup process
- When prompted, click the button to request mouse and keyboard (accessibility) access
- Observe the error: "You'll need a new app to open this x-apple.systempreferences link"
Claude Model
None
Is this a regression?
Yes, this worked in a previous version
Last Working Version
_No response_
Claude Code Version
Claude 1.3883.0 (93ff6c) 2026-04-21T17:24:01.000Z
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
Windows
Terminal/Shell
PowerShell
Additional Information
Additional Notes
The Windows 10 Privacy & Security settings do not include an Accessibility section (unlike Windows 11), so there is currently no manual workaround available for affected users. The setup process cannot be completed.
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