OpenAI Codex 2026: Updated Installation Guide for Desktop, CLI, and VS Code Tools

As of July 9, 2026, OpenAI has finalized a key product integration: the standalone Codex desktop application is no longer active, with all its functionalities merged into the new ChatGPT desktop client. This updated client now features a dedicated 'Codex Code Mode' accessible to free, Plus, and enterprise users. Notably, independent components like the Codex CLI (open-source terminal tool), VS Code Codex plugin, and Codex Cloud service remain fully operational and unaffected by the integration.

Desktop Installation (ChatGPT Built-in Codex)
For beginners, the ChatGPT desktop app is the most recommended option. macOS users can download the .dmg file from the official source, drag the ChatGPT app to the Applications folder, launch it, log in with a ChatGPT account (free accounts access basic Codex features), and switch to the Codex tab on the left. Windows users have two choices: install via Microsoft Store (search for ChatGPT and click 'Get') or use PowerShell (run as administrator) with the command winget install OpenAI.ChatGPT. Login options include ChatGPT accounts (full features like computer use and cloud sync) or API keys (basic code debugging only).

Codex CLI Installation (Developer-Focused)
This cross-platform open-source tool supports local project reading, command execution, code modification, and third-party model integration (e.g., DeepSeek, Ollama). Requirements: Node.js ≥18.0 (Windows users should use Git Bash or WSL2). Installation methods: npm (global install with npm install -g @openai/codex), Homebrew (macOS: brew install --cask codex), winget (Windows: winget install OpenAI.Codex.CLI), or offline binary (GitHub releases, extract and move to system PATH). Verify with codex --version; use commands like codex (interactive mode) or codex login for access. Custom API setup is available for non-OpenAI models.

VS Code Codex Plugin
To use Codex in VS Code: open the extension store, search for 'OpenAI Codex', install it, restart the editor, and log in via ChatGPT account or API key. Features include whole-project refactoring, code debugging, automatic unit test generation, and Git commit assistance.

System Requirements
Minimum/recommended specs: macOS (14+ with 4GB RAM; M-series chip/8GB RAM recommended), Windows (Win10 21H2+/Win11 with 4GB RAM; Win11/8GB RAM recommended), Linux (Ubuntu20.04+/Debian11 with4GB RAM;8GB RAM/WSL2 recommended).

Common Troubleshooting
Inaccessible official sites need a compliant overseas network (no domestic mirrors). Missing old Codex app: uninstall and install new ChatGPT (data migrates). CLI sh errors on Windows: use Git Bash/WSL2. Free accounts have rate limits; ChatGPT Plus unlocks full features. Third-party model errors: adjust config files or use CC-Switch for protocol conversion.

Old vs New Codex
The 2021 Codex model was a GPT-3 fine-tuned code model (deprecated, only historical API available). The 2025-2026 Codex is a GPT-5-based agent (desktop/CLI/IDE tools) — currently the official main tool.

Sources

• CSDN Blog: 'OpenAI Codex Complete Download & Installation Guide (2026 Latest Version)' - https://blog.csdn.net/pangzi62732/article/details/162813824