CopyQ cannot open window over DeskIn remote connection since v12

[openjohn9527]

I would like to report a compatibility issue that started from CopyQ version 12 and continues in newer versions.

When I connect to my Windows PC remotely using DeskIn remote desktop software, CopyQ can still run in the background, but the main window cannot be opened or shown. Clicking the tray icon or using the normal hotkey does not bring up the CopyQ window.

However, CopyQ version 11 works normally in the same DeskIn remote environment. The window opens correctly and all functions are usable.

Based on testing, the issue seems to have started after version 12 (possibly related to the move to Qt6 or window/display initialization changes).

My environment:
OS: Windows
Remote software: DeskIn
CopyQ v11: works normally
CopyQ v12 and later: background process runs, but window cannot be shown during remote session

[hluk]

Can you test with the latest version?

Are there any warnings or errors in the logs? See: https://copyq.readthedocs.io/en/latest/faq.html#how-to-enable-logging

[ChristopheC13]

Hi @hluk,

I’m experiencing the same bug with TeamViewer, so in a remote session.

I tried deleting the file C:\Users<username>\AppData\Roaming\copyq\copyq_geometry.ini, but that didn’t fix the issue.

I also tried reducing the window size before leaving work the day before (so before connecting remotely), but that didn’t resolve the bug either.

TeamViewer version 15.70.3 (64 bits) on Windows 11 Professionnel version 10.0.26200 Build 26200
Latest version of CopyQ 15.0.0

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for this wonderful application that I’ve been using for years and that has become absolutely indispensable 🙏

➡️ copyq-20260505-6476.log
➡️ copyq-20260429-17900.log
➡️ copyq-20260423-7764.log

[openjohn9527]

Hello,

I would like to provide an additional detail after further testing.
When I click the tray icon in a DeskIn remote session:
The CopyQ window briefly appears in the taskbar (with its title)
However, the window itself is not visible (no content is rendered)
After a short moment, the window disappears automatically
This suggests that the window is created successfully, but fails to render or display properly.

Also:
Running with --log-level=debug produces no output at all
CopyQ v15 (also v12 to v14) works normally on the same machine when used locally
Only CopyQ v11 works correctly even over DeskIn

Based on this behavior, it seems very likely related to Qt6 rendering or surface initialization in a virtual/remote display environment.

[hluk]

I think this is likely caused by the new "Hide from screenshots and recordings". You can disable the option:

1. Exit any running app instance
2. Edit the configuration file copyq.ini
3. Look for prevent_screen_capture=true and change it to prevent_screen_capture=false
4. Save the file and start the app

If that works, I will try to figure out how to disable this in case of remote sessions.

[ChristopheC13]

I think this is likely caused by the new "Hide from screenshots and recordings". You can disable the option:

1. Exit any running app instance
2. Edit the configuration file copyq.ini
3. Look for prevent_screen_capture=true and change it to prevent_screen_capture=false
4. Save the file and start the app

If that works, I will try to figure out how to disable this in case of remote sessions.

I’ve just made the change; now I just need to wait until my next remote workday to confirm whether it works.

[openjohn9527]

That was exactly the issue — thank you!

After setting:

prevent_screen_capture=false

in copyq.ini and restarting the application, CopyQ v15 now works correctly over DeskIn remote sessions. The window can be opened and displayed normally.

This confirms that the "Hide from screenshots and recordings" feature is causing the problem in this remote environment.

Thank you for the quick and accurate diagnosis.

It might be helpful if this option could be automatically disabled (or ignored) when running in remote desktop environments, since they often rely on virtual displays or screen capture mechanisms.

I really appreciate your support and the excellent work on CopyQ.