1. Download
| OS | Where |
|---|---|
| macOS | chatgpt.com/download |
| Windows | Microsoft Store listing, or winget install --id 9PLM9XGG6VKS -s msstore |
| Linux (preview) | .deb, .rpm, or the Arch script from OpenAI’s Linux page |
2. Sign in
Open the app and sign in with your ChatGPT account. To use an API key instead, choose Sign in another way on the signed-out screen. OpenAI notes that some features aren’t available with API-key sign-in.
3. Choose where Codex works
Add a project folder, using Add new project or Cmd+O / Ctrl+O. Codex can read and change files in the folder you choose. Keep the project in Git so you can review and undo changes.
4. Start a Codex chat
From the mode menu, choose Codex, then start a New chat and describe what you want. For example:
Inspect this app, identify one high-impact usability improvement, implement it, update the relevant tests, and verify the result.That prompt comes from OpenAI’s quickstart. Start smaller if this is your first time. See your first task.
Windows: native agent or WSL
On Windows, the app runs the Codex agent natively in PowerShell by default, with a Windows sandbox when you choose Ask for approval. To run the agent in WSL2, switch it in Settings and restart the app. Details: Codex with WSL2.
Linux: what’s not there yet
The Linux app is a preview. OpenAI lists Computer Use as unavailable on Linux for now, and native Wayland support as experimental.