Beginner10 min read
Codex Desktop App: Installation & First Use Guide
CATAITO Team2026-08-06
Your operating system:
Learning Objectives
By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to:
- Download and install the Codex desktop app on your operating system
- Sign in to your ChatGPT account and activate Codex
- Use Codex's AI coding features directly from the desktop app
- Troubleshoot common installation issues
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A ChatGPT account (Free, Plus, Pro, or Team)
- Codex is available on ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) and higher tiers
- Free users get limited Codex access
- A stable internet connection
- Administrator permissions on your computer (for installation)
What is Codex Desktop?
Codex Desktop is the ChatGPT desktop application with built-in Codex AI coding capabilities. Unlike the Codex CLI (command-line tool), the desktop app provides a graphical interface for AI-assisted coding, with features like multi-file editing, sandboxed code execution, and automated PR generation.
Download & Install
Step 1: Download the installer
- 1Open your browser and go to chatgpt.com
- 2Click your profile picture (top-right corner)
- 3Select "Download" from the menu
- 4Click "Download for Windows"
Alternatively, you can download directly:
bash
# Open PowerShell and run:
curl -o CodexSetup.exe https://desktop.chatgpt.com/latest/CodexSetup.exeStep 2: Run the installer
- 1Find the downloaded
CodexSetup.exefile (usually in yourDownloadsfolder) - 2Double-click the file to start the installation
- 3If you see a "Windows protected your PC" warning, click "More info" → "Run anyway"
- 4Follow the on-screen instructions — the default settings are fine
Step 3: Launch Codex Desktop
- 1After installation, Codex Desktop will launch automatically
- 2If not, find "Codex" or "ChatGPT" in your Start Menu and click it
- 3You can also find it in your system tray (bottom-right corner of the taskbar)
Tip: Right-click the Codex icon in the system tray to quickly access settings, check for updates, or quit the app.
Sign In & Activate Codex
Once Codex Desktop is installed and launched:
- 1Sign in with your ChatGPT account
- Click "Log in" on the welcome screen
- Enter your email and password, or use Google/Apple SSO
- 1Select your plan (if prompted)
- Codex features are available on Plus ($20/mo) or higher tiers
- 1Verify Codex is active
- Open a chat and look for the Codex badge (a small "Codex" label near the input area)
- If you see it, Codex is ready to use
What if Codex isn't showing?
- Make sure you're on ChatGPT Plus or higher
- Go to Settings → Codex and verify it's enabled
- Try restarting the app
Using Codex in the Desktop App
Here are the key features you can access directly from the desktop app:
| Feature | How to Access | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Codex Chat | New chat → Select Codex model | AI-powered coding assistant |
| File Upload | Click "+" icon → Upload code files | Send entire files for analysis |
| Code Execution | Codex will suggest running code | Run code in a sandboxed environment |
| Screenshot to Code | Screenshot → Paste into chat | Convert UI screenshots to code |
| PR Generation | Ask Codex to "create a PR" | Automated pull request creation |
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Installation fails | Check your internet connection; disable antivirus temporarily |
| App won't launch | Reinstall the app; check system requirements (Windows 10+, macOS 12+, Ubuntu 20.04+) |
| Codex not showing | Verify your subscription; restart the app; check for updates |
| Login fails | Make sure you can log in at chatgpt.com first; reset your password if needed |
| App is slow | Close other applications; check your internet speed; restart the app |
How to Uninstall
Windows:
- 1Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps
- 2Find Codex or ChatGPT Desktop
- 3Click the three dots → Uninstall
Next Steps
Now that you have Codex Desktop installed, here's what to explore next:
- Codex CLI Beginner's Guide — Learn the command-line interface
- Try asking Codex to build a small project from scratch
- Explore the Codex settings to customize your experience
Pro tip: Use Codex Desktop alongside the Codex CLI for maximum productivity — the desktop app for visual coding and the CLI for automated workflows.
#Codex#Desktop#Installation#ChatGPT
