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claude-code - 💡(How to fix) Fix [BUG] /desktop fails on Windows - "Failed to open Claude Desktop" despite app being installed and running

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Error Message

/desktop Error: Failed to open Claude Desktop. Please try opening it manually.

Code Example

> /desktop
Error: Failed to open Claude Desktop. Please try opening it manually.
RAW_BUFFERClick to expand / collapse

Preflight Checklist

  • I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
  • This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
  • I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

The /desktop command in Claude Code CLI always fails with "Failed to open Claude Desktop. Please try opening it manually." even though Claude Desktop is fully installed and running.

What Should Happen?

/desktop should detect Claude Desktop and open it successfully.

Error Messages/Logs

> /desktop
Error: Failed to open Claude Desktop. Please try opening it manually.

Steps to Reproduce

  1. Install Claude Desktop on Windows 11 (fresh install)
  2. Verify Claude Desktop opens manually - it works fine
  3. Open Claude Code CLI
  4. Type /desktop
  5. Error appears every time

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

No response

Claude Code Version

2.1.143 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

Terminal.app (macOS)

Additional Information

  • AnthropicClaude folder exists at correct path
  • claude.exe found at: %LOCALAPPDATA%\AnthropicClaude\app-1.7196.1\claude.exe
  • Claude Desktop runs fine manually (10 processes visible in Task Manager)
  • Tried creating symlink at %LOCALAPPDATA%\AnthropicClaude\claude.exe - did not help
  • Tried CLAUDE_DESKTOP_PATH environment variable - did not help
  • Reinstalled Claude Desktop multiple times - same result every time

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#api#environment variable#API routing#API middleware#SSR setup

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