dsh-cua — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
A Windows computer-use server that acts through UI elements first and takes screenshots only as a fallback. It queues agents sharing a machine and steps aside when you work.
claude mcp add dsh-cua -- uvx dsh-cuaWhat dsh-cua - Windows Computer Use does
dsh-cua is a stdio MCP server with 19 tools for driving Windows apps. The agent reads a window through tool_skyshot, which returns a compact text tree, and falls back to tool_capture_window when the tree is not enough. Presses and value changes go to the UI Automation element itself via tool_element_action, so your active window stays where it is.
When several agents share a PC, an arbiter queues them. Real mouse clicks and global hotkeys also wait until you stop working, and the call is refused with user-active if you keep going. Each action returns a receipt that keeps action_sent apart from effect_verified.
The tools run on Windows only. Elsewhere the server still starts and lists its tools, but a call returns a Windows-required error. tool_clipboard_write overwrites whatever you copied last. A minimized Edge window exposes only browser chrome and no page, so restore it first.
What it helps with
- read an app window as a text tree instead of a screenshot
- press a button or flip a checkbox without taking focus
- find a window by title and capture its client area
- keep two agents on one PC from colliding
- type into a window through
tool_type_textwithout touching the mouse
Example prompts for the agent
- Use dsh-cua: run
tool_skyshoton the Notepad window and list its buttons - Find the Explorer window with
tool_find_window, then press the button I name viatool_element_action - Call
tool_coexistence_statusbefore you click anything
How to install dsh-cua - Windows Computer Use
Platform CLI
claude mcp add dsh-cua -- uvx dsh-cuauvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from dsh-cua <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add dsh-cua-windows-computer-use -- uvx dsh-cuauvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from dsh-cua <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"dsh-cua-windows-computer-use": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"dsh-cua"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from dsh-cua <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"dsh-cua-windows-computer-use": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"dsh-cua"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from dsh-cua <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add dsh-cua-windows-computer-use uvx dsh-cuauvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from dsh-cua <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about dsh-cua - Windows Computer Use
How do I install dsh-cua in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add dsh-cua -- uvx dsh-cua. The same server can be registered under the name dsh-cua-windows-computer-use: claude mcp add dsh-cua-windows-computer-use -- uvx dsh-cua.
What does dsh-cua do?
It gives an agent 19 Windows tools: reading windows as element trees, acting on UI Automation elements, screenshots, clipboard access and launching apps. An arbiter sits between the agents and you.
Does dsh-cua work outside Windows?
The tools themselves need Windows. From version 0.3.1 the server still starts elsewhere and lists all 19 tools, but calling one returns a Windows-required error.
