[Computer use] Non-allowlisted windows get minimized on session start, disruptive on multi-monitor
Environment: Windows 10 Pro, dual monitor, Claude Code computer-use MCP, Chrome 149.
Behavior: As soon as a computer-use session starts (first screenshot/action), windows of apps that are not in the request_access allowlist are minimized/hidden, not just masked. The screenshot tool even reports "X were open and got hidden before this screenshot (not in the session allowlist)."
Impact: On a multi-monitor setup this clears windows across both monitors down to the bare desktop. Parallel work is broken, the user has to manually restore everything every time computer use kicks in.
Current workaround: grant every app you want to keep visible via request_access (so nothing is "non-allowlisted"). Works, but you must predeclare every window.
Requests (any one would help):
- Option to capture/interact with only the target window instead of the full display, so other windows never need to be hidden.
- A "mask instead of minimize" mode that overlays a rectangle but leaves windows in place (the docs describe masking, but on Windows the windows are actually minimized).
- At minimum, document this behavior so it isn't a surprise.
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