switch_display · Computer Use MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What switch_display does on Computer Use MCP Server

AI agents invoke switch_display to trigger actions in Computer Use MCP Server. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why switch_display needs a policy

This tool changes the active display target for screenshot capture operations, affecting subsequent tool behavior. It modifies the operational state of the automation session rather than simply reading data or writing a file, making Execute the most appropriate category.

From the tool's definition Switch which monitor subsequent screenshots capture

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

switch_display Rate-limited

switch_display stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "switch_display": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "switch_display_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Computer Use MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about switch_display

What does the switch_display tool do? +

Switch which monitor subsequent screenshots capture. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Computer Use MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on switch_display? +

Register the Computer Use MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for switch_display: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Computer Use MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is switch_display? +

switch_display is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit switch_display? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the switch_display rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block switch_display completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for switch_display. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides switch_display? +

switch_display is provided by the Computer Use MCP Server MCP server (syedazharmbnr1/computer-use-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.