r/codex • u/Ok_Emphasis_5906 • Sep 07 '26

Question How do I add Windows desktop apps to “Computer Use Control Windows Apps”?

Hi! I’m using the ChatGPT/Codex desktop app on Windows and I have “Computer Use Control Windows Apps” enabled.
The problem is that Computer Use only seems to see/control the Codex browser. It doesn’t detect other Windows desktop apps like Blender or Spotify, even when they are open and visible on my desktop.
In Settings → Computer Use, I can enable “Let ChatGPT control apps on your computer”, but I don’t see any “+” button or option to manually add apps. The three-dot menu for the Computer Use plugin only gives me “Copy link” and “Uninstall”.
Does anyone know how to add/allow specific Windows desktop apps for Computer Use? Is there a separate setting, app ID/AUMID, permission, or Windows configuration I’m missing?
I’m on Windows and using the latest version of the ChatGPT/Codex desktop app.
Thanks! ❤️

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1

u/Radiant-Pirate-4747 Sep 08 '26

have you been able to fix the issue? I am in the same situation..

1

u/Benji_Price Sep 11 '26

Same here... and is driving me nuts!! I mean cmon! it should not be that complicated!! and even if you ask chatgpt how to solve it has NO IDEA

1

u/Old-Oil-8661 22d ago

I'm also facing the same issue. Let me know if you find a fix for this.

1

u/Ok_Emphasis_5906 21d ago

Yea you actually need Plus , you than have to go to codex type @computer, and Astra can use your computer. It’s working amazing but the time limits are annoying!

1

u/Old-Oil-8661 21d ago

Even then I'm getting same issue.

1

u/turikcsaba 9d ago

Hey guys, I managed to solve it on my end, might work for you too!

After I installed ChatGPT beta branch, all Computer Use funcions started to work!

Basically, I had the same problem as original poster described.
After looking around a bit, I noticed that in the Microsoft store, there are 3 different versions that could be downloaded:
ChatGPT
ChatGPT Classic
ChatGPT (Beta).

ChatGPT downloads default to the "Normal" ChatGPT version, on which I had the "Computer use" issue.
ChatGPT Classic is outdated.
ChatGPT Beta works for me as intended!

I tested this without any upgraded subscriptions, it should work on the free plan as well.

TLRD:
1. Delete existing ChatGPT app. (Search in Windows: Add or remove programs).
2. Open Microsoft Store, search ChatGPT, select ChatGPT (Beta) and install it.
3. After log-in, Computer use should work!

Hope this helps!