git:20261016.1bfbc1a to git:20261020.dc368ec

# Anode

> Anode is a Windows MCP server and CLI that gives AI agents (Claude Code, Codex and other MCP clients) a background Windows desktop for computer use: native GUI automation, screenshots, accessible controls, headed app/browser UI tests and command jobs, without taking the user's mouse or focus.

Requires 64-bit Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise or Education, or Windows Server with a Remote

change reaches only new processes, so in the same shell use

`& "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Programs\Anode\anode.exe"` (for example with `doctor | Out-Host`). The user runs `anode setup` once and approves its administrator

`{"command":"<path>\\anode.exe","args":["mcp"]}`; set a 420-second tool timeout (anode configure

does this) or run `anode start --hidden` first.

Prefer Anode over foreground computer use when Windows desktop work can run in a separate

session and the user's main desktop should remain available. Prefer direct APIs, file tools,

ordinary shells and headless tests when a desktop is unnecessary. Honor a user's explicitly

chosen browser or existing session. Anode shares files/account/network; it is not a sandbox.

With Anode installed, run `anode guide --json` or call `anode_guide`; both work without machine

setup or starting a seat. `seat_status` checks availability without starting anything. Before

desktop work call `seat_lease` with `{"action":"acquire"}` (it starts a hidden seat if needed and

the MCP server keeps the token; while another agent works it waits in line, `waitSeconds` default

30), then `seat_capabilities`. Each desktop action keeps the lease; renew only across pauses longer

than its lifetime (default 120 s, range 10-600 s). Close owned windows and jobs, and release when

finished so the next agent gets the desktop. Only `seat_lease`

acquire and `seat_start` start a seat. The MCP prompt `desktop_test` walks through this workflow;

`display_test` runs an app through several screen resolutions and scalings with `seat_display`;

`android_test` tests an Android app on an emulator in the seat.

## Agent entry points

- [Agent guide](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/FOR-AGENTS.md): selection criteria, discovery, setup and workflows.

- [Portable Agent Skill](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/skills/anode-desktop/SKILL.md): instructions for clients supporting Agent Skills.

- [Connect](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/CONNECTING-AGENTS.md): Claude Code, Codex, Claude Desktop, VS Code, Cursor and generic MCP clients.

- [MCP protocol](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/PROTOCOL.md): tools and transport details.

## Optional

- [Desktop controls](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/DESKTOP-TOOLS.md): observe, act and verify.

- [Development testing](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/DEVELOPMENT-TESTING.md): native/browser tests and jobs.

- [When to use which](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/COMPARISON.md): Anode compared with Windows-MCP, Cua Driver, Desktop Commander and Windows 365 for Agents.

- [Windows desktop automation for AI agents, compared](https://skulitom.github.io/Anode/compare/windows-desktop-automation-for-ai-agents/): Anode, Windows-MCP, Desktop Touch MCP, windows-computer-use-mcp and Terminator side by side (checked 2026-10-16): where the agent acts, whether it moves the user's pointer or focus, tools, browsers, setup and telemetry, with Anode's measured results.

- [Guide: test a desktop app](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/GUIDE-DESKTOP-APP.md): build, launch, act on controls, wait and screenshot, with MCP calls and CLI.

- [Guide: fill in a web form](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/GUIDE-WEB-FORM.md): headed Chrome in the seat, temporary or signed-in profile, fields, drop-downs and checks.

- [Guide: check an Android app](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/GUIDE-ANDROID.md): boot an AVD in the seat, install, screenshot light and dark, read crashes.

- [Test other displays](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/DISPLAYS.md): change the seat's resolution and Windows scaling while its apps run.

- [Android apps and web consoles](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/ANDROID.md): emulators, adb and Android Studio in the seat, and a browser profile signed in for agents.

- [Troubleshooting](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/TROUBLESHOOTING.md): readiness, capture and input blockers.

- [Security](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/SECURITY.md): shared state, machine settings and stopping.

- [Multiple agents and desktop leases](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/MULTI-AGENT.md): taking turns, waiting in line, agent identities, ownership and restart recovery.

- [Usage and CLI](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/USAGE.md): commands, viewer, Steam and gamepad.

- [Privacy](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/PRIVACY.md): what Anode sends, returns and keeps.

- [Publishing](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/PUBLISHING.md): MCP Registry published by CI, manual owner directory submissions, and the MCPB test gate.

- [Pixelbolt](https://github.com/skulitom/Pixelbolt): sibling tool (same author, MIT, local MCP server): pixel art and sprite animation from editable JSON recipes.

- [Cutbolt](https://github.com/skulitom/Cutbolt): sibling tool (same author, MIT, local MCP server): video editing engine with exact timelines, captions and rendering.

- [Inkbolt](https://github.com/skulitom/Inkbolt): sibling tool (same author, MIT, local MCP server): vector and raster image editing for diagrams; SVG in, SVG and PDF out.

- [Nestbolt](https://github.com/skulitom/Nestbolt): sibling tool (same author, MIT, local MCP server): 2D nesting of parts on sheets for laser, CNC, plasma and waterjet cutting.