Desktop: Option to open links in external browser

[mguttmann]

Problem

Currently, clicking on links in the desktop app opens them within the app itself. This can be frustrating when you want to open links in your default system browser instead.

Proposed Solution

Add a setting in Settings → General → Browser that allows users to choose whether links should open:

• In external browser (default) - opens links in the system's default browser
• In app - opens links within the desktop app

Implementation Details

The setting would affect all http:// and https:// links clicked within the app. When enabled, the click handler intercepts these links and uses shell.open() to launch the system browser.

Use Cases

• Opening documentation links in a full browser with extensions
• Keeping the OpenCode app focused on coding while browsing in a separate window
• Using browser features not available in the embedded webview

Additional Context

This is a desktop-only feature since the web version already opens links in new tabs by default.

[github-actions]

This issue might be a duplicate of existing issues. Please check:

• when click on a link ,in opencode desktop , it opens the link in the same window , not external browser #8361: when click on a link ,in opencode desktop , it opens the link in the same window , not external browser

Feel free to ignore if none of these address your specific case.

[mguttmann]

Thanks for pointing this out! Yes, this is related to #8361.

I see there are already open PRs addressing this:

• feat(desktop): open external links in system browser instead of webview #8523 - More comprehensive solution with command palette + sidebar toggle
• feat(desktop): add setting to open links in external browser #10310 - My PR, a minimal approach with just a Settings page toggle

Given #8523 already exists with more features, I'd suggest the maintainers consider that PR. My PR (#10310) can serve as a simpler alternative if preferred.

This issue can be closed as a duplicate of #8361 if the maintainers prefer to track it there.