[FEATURE] Option to start minimized to system tray on Windows startup (restore previous behavior)

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

In a previous version of Claude Desktop for Windows, there was an option to control whether the main application window opens automatically on startup, or whether the app simply starts in the background (system tray only). This option appears to have been removed in a recent update. Currently, when Claude Desktop launches at Windows startup, the main window always opens automatically, which is disruptive for users who prefer the app to run silently in the background until needed.

Proposed Solution

Restore the previous toggle that allowed users to choose between opening the window on startup OR starting minimized to the system tray only. This is a standard UX pattern used by many Windows apps like Discord and Slack.

Alternative Solutions

I tried several workarounds without success:

1. VBScript at startup — Created a .vbs script using WshShell.Run with SW_HIDE (0) and SW_SHOWMINNOACTIVE (7) flags, placed in the Windows Startup folder (shell:startup). The script launches the app but Claude Desktop still opens its main window regardless of the window style flag passed.

1. Electron --hidden flag — Tried passing --hidden as a CLI argument to claude.exe via the VBScript. The flag had no effect — the window still appeared on startup.

1. Shortcut with "Minimized" window style — Created a Windows shortcut pointing to claude.exe with the "Run: Minimized" property set. Claude Desktop ignored this and opened its window normally.

1. Task Manager Startup disable — The only working workaround is to fully disable Claude Desktop from starting up via Task Manager → Startup tab. This prevents the window from opening, but also means the app doesn't run in the background at all — losing the system tray presence entirely.

Note: The "Run on Startup" toggle in Settings is also currently bugged on Windows — it resets itself back to ON after being turned off (see related issue #48078).

Priority

Medium - Would be very helpful

Feature Category

Configuration and settings

Use Case Example

I start my PC in the morning. Claude Desktop launches automatically but I don't need it right away — I just want it ready in the system tray for when I need it. Instead, the window opens on top of everything and I have to close it manually every time.

Additional Context

_No response_