OpenAI Codex Now Controls Windows Apps and Supports Mobile Access
OpenAI has expanded Codex capabilities to Windows with the release of version 26.527. As a result, two features that were previously exclusive to macOS computer use and ChatGPT mobile app connectivity are now available on Windows devices.
With this update, Codex can interact directly with Windows desktop applications. It can view the screen, click buttons, and type text, much like it has done on Mac since April. However, the target application must remain visible on the active desktop while Codex performs tasks.
Users can enable the feature through Codex settings by installing the Computer Use plugin. Afterward, they can start tasks by mentioning “@Computer” or a specific application in their prompts.
“Windows users, this one’s for you,” OpenAI wrote on X. “Computer use now works on Windows, so Codex can take action on your Windows computer. And with Windows support for Codex in the ChatGPT mobile app, you can start, review, and steer tasks on the go while work continues on your Windows machine.”
Meanwhile, the mobile integration allows developers to monitor and approve coding tasks from Android and iPhone devices through the ChatGPT app. Consequently, users can stay connected to a Windows system running Codex even when they are away from their desks.
Codex Continues Rapid Growth
The latest release builds on a series of updates introduced since Codex launched as a desktop application in early 2025. In April, the platform gained computer-use functionality, an integrated browser, image generation through gpt-image-1.5, and more than 90 plugins.
As the feature set grows, Codex continues evolving beyond its original role as a coding-focused environment. At the time of those April updates, the platform had already reached 3 million weekly developers.
However, computer-use functionality remains unavailable in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. While the Mac version runs in the background with its own cursor, the Windows version currently operates in the foreground. Nevertheless, ongoing updates suggest that this limitation may be reduced over time.
Connecting Desktop and Mobile Workflows
The update also adds a new profile section that helps users manage account details. In addition, Windows users now gain access to remote-control capabilities for the first time.
When combined with the Heartbeat Automations scheduling feature introduced earlier this year, Codex can resume long-running tasks on a Windows machine automatically. Furthermore, it can send notifications to a user’s phone whenever input or approval is required.
As a result, developers can manage projects more efficiently across both desktop and mobile devices.
“An early experience, but we’re working on more ways to keep your work moving, wherever you are,” OpenAI said.
