# 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
Desktop host; Windows Home is unsupported. Install only with the user's authorization: download
https://github.com/skulitom/Anode/releases/latest/download/install.ps1 and run
`powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .\install.ps1`. If it warns that Windows kept
files private to the app you run inside, ask the user to run it from their own terminal. The PATH
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
prompt; it can restart Remote Desktop Services. Then `anode configure` registers Codex and Claude
Code; restart the agent session to load the tools. Other MCP clients:
`{"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.
- [Install](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/skulitom/Anode/main/docs/INSTALL.md): Windows x64 releases, checksums and prerequisites.
- [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.
- [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.
- [Latest release](https://github.com/skulitom/Anode/releases/latest): anode-windows-x64.zip, install.ps1, SHA256SUMS.
- [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.