Install and sign in: find Codex on your desktop
Use the official installation instructions, then find the Codex workspace.
Open the desktop app and reach a place where you can start a Codex task.
On this page
01Check which app you are using
At the source verification date shown below, the former Codex App documentation redirected to ChatGPT desktop app documentation. The official quickstart described choosing Codex from the desktop product selector for software development tasks.
Your installation may still use the Codex App name or a different layout. This lesson explains the purpose of each step rather than treating an old screenshot as a permanent interface.
02Prepare in order
- Open the official desktop app page below and choose the download for your operating system.
- Install and launch the app using the system instructions.
- Sign in with your own ChatGPT account.
- Find Codex and prepare to start a task.
Official download and installation instructions ↗
You do not need to set up an additional API key for this introductory exercise. Available features and usage limits depend on the account state shown after sign-in.
03Check that you are ready
You should be able to enter a Codex task and find the option to choose a project or local folder. We will select the practice folder in the next lesson.
If sign-in fails, note the non-sensitive error text and whether the problem happened during download, sign-in, or task setup. Do not share passwords, verification codes, or keys as diagnostic material.
This lesson does not include installation screenshots for specific operating-system versions. Consult the official instructions if your interface differs.
Before you move on
Checklist progress stays in this browser. It is not uploaded or synchronized across devices.
References
Product descriptions refer to the official pages below. Exercises, prompts, and checklists were written for this handbook. Source verification date: 2026-10-02.