Problem

On Windows, every exec tool call spawns a visible console window (conhost.exe) that briefly flashes on screen. When cron jobs run frequently (e.g. every 10 minutes), this creates a distracting flash on the user's desktop.

Root Cause

Node.js child_process.spawn() on Windows creates a visible console window by default. The fix is to pass windowsHide: true in the spawn options.

Environment

• Windows 11 Pro (26200)
• Node v25.6.0
• OpenClaw running as a user-level process (not a service)

Expected Behavior

All exec tool calls should run without any visible window. The windowsHide: true option in Node.js spawn suppresses console window creation on Windows.

Impact

• Every cron job that uses exec flashes a black window
• Agents calling exec during conversations also flash
• Orphaned conhost processes accumulate (47 found in one session)