ChatGPT Desktop

Use ChatGPT and Codex with approved local folders from a desktop app.

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What you need

Use a ChatGPT account. The app works with Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu. Check the official ChatGPT pricing page for current plan details.

How to install

Go to the Download ChatGPT page.
On macOS, choose Download for macOS (Apple Silicon), or use the arrow for another build, then open the disk image and drag the app into Applications. On Windows, run the Microsoft web installer offered on the page and let it finish; you do not need to open Microsoft Store yourself.
Open the app and sign in with your ChatGPT account.
Choose where to work: start a chat, create a project or open a folder. The app can read and change files in the folder you select.
Send a first message. Use the ChatGPT / Codex selector and the Chat / Work toggle above the composer.

Nuances

Prefer the browser? See ChatGPT in this guide. Since 9 July 2026, Codex is part of the ChatGPT desktop app on macOS and Windows, so there is no separate Codex desktop app. The Codex CLI, IDE extension and cloud service still exist separately.
Codex runs natively on Windows through PowerShell and the Windows sandbox. WSL2 is optional, not required.
The macOS installer is still named Codex.dmg and a compatibility bundle remains at /Applications/Codex.app. Intel Macs are supported, but Intel users must choose their build from the download dropdown.
There is no Linux desktop app. Linux users can use the Codex CLI.
Computer Use on macOS needs System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording and Accessibility for Codex Computer Use. On Windows it controls the pointer on the active desktop.
For users in the EEA, the UK and Switzerland, memories are off by default.

If it will not work

If a feature works in the Codex CLI but not in the app, compare codex --version with /Applications/Codex.app/Contents/Resources/codex --version; the two surfaces can bundle different Codex versions.
If macOS keeps asking for folder access, approve access to Music, Downloads or Desktop, or choose a narrower folder.
If a chat looks stuck, check whether it is waiting for an approval, then start a new chat with a smaller prompt.
If Computer Use cannot see or control an app, check Screen Recording and Accessibility for Codex Computer Use. On Windows, make sure the target app is visible on the active desktop.
If it is still blocked, tell us before the session, not on the day.

Still blocked or need company approval?Go to the IT section in the full guide

Find the blocker early and involve IT before you need the tool.

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How to install

Go to the Download ChatGPT page.

On macOS, choose Download for macOS (Apple Silicon), or use the arrow for another build, then open the disk image and drag the app into Applications. On Windows, run the Microsoft web installer offered on the page and let it finish; you do not need to open Microsoft Store yourself.

Open the app and sign in with your ChatGPT account.

Choose where to work: start a chat, create a project or open a folder. The app can read and change files in the folder you select.

Send a first message. Use the ChatGPT / Codex selector and the Chat / Work toggle above the composer.

Nuances

Prefer the browser? See ChatGPT in this guide. Since 9 July 2026, Codex is part of the ChatGPT desktop app on macOS and Windows, so there is no separate Codex desktop app. The Codex CLI, IDE extension and cloud service still exist separately.

Codex runs natively on Windows through PowerShell and the Windows sandbox. WSL2 is optional, not required.

The macOS installer is still named Codex.dmg and a compatibility bundle remains at /Applications/Codex.app. Intel Macs are supported, but Intel users must choose their build from the download dropdown.

There is no Linux desktop app. Linux users can use the Codex CLI.

Computer Use on macOS needs System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording and Accessibility for Codex Computer Use. On Windows it controls the pointer on the active desktop.

For users in the EEA, the UK and Switzerland, memories are off by default.

If it will not work

If a feature works in the Codex CLI but not in the app, compare codex --version with /Applications/Codex.app/Contents/Resources/codex --version; the two surfaces can bundle different Codex versions.

If macOS keeps asking for folder access, approve access to Music, Downloads or Desktop, or choose a narrower folder.

If a chat looks stuck, check whether it is waiting for an approval, then start a new chat with a smaller prompt.

If Computer Use cannot see or control an app, check Screen Recording and Accessibility for Codex Computer Use. On Windows, make sure the target app is visible on the active desktop.

If it is still blocked, tell us before the session, not on the day.