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
Which version is covered? This tutorial covers the Codex desktop app — the graphical application you download and install like a normal program. It does not cover the terminal CLI. If you want to work in the terminal instead, jump straight to the Codex CLI Beginner's Guide.
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
