- OpenAI is reportedly building a “Computer Use” feature for Codex that’ll let the AI assistant take control of desktop apps, navigate graphical interfaces, and operate remote devices.
- According to reports, Codex could eventually keep workflows running on macOS machines, even if the system is locked or asleep.
Codex might soon outgrow its reputation as just an AI coding helper. OpenAI is working on a “Computer Use” platform that’ll let Codex interact with desktop environments, control software directly, and run things on remote devices. OpenAI hasn’t made any public announcements yet, but the report points to a future where AI doesn’t just reply to prompts, it actually uses your computer hands-on.
What is OpenAI’s “Computer Use” Feature
This “Computer Use” upgrade is a big shift from what Codex does now. Most AI coding assistants just give out code, explain what it does, or help debug. OpenAI is aiming higher, it’s imagining Codex as a hands-on software operator working on your desktop like it’s a human.
Codex would interact with macOS applications, manage remote computers, and execute workflows without relying only on SSH. The AI might continue to run even while your laptop’s locked or asleep.
If this all works, developers could start handing off repetitive chores straight to AI. Instead of just typing out suggestions, Codex could launch IDEs, open browsers, run tests, watch logs, roll out updates, or click through user interfaces all by itself.
This also puts OpenAI in the race with other tech companies that are engineering AI agents for desktop control. In this next phase of the AI competition, doing the work is the bigger deal, not just chatting with people.
Still, with great power comes security headaches. Operating systems like macOS purposely block programs from acting up when devices are locked. For any AI system that’s running tasks in those conditions, strong safeguards, permissions, and user oversight are important. OpenAI even points out that these tools are still experimental and nobody should trust them with sensitive data just yet.
But it’s clear that AI is shifting from passive help towards “agentic computing.” Soon, these systems won’t wait for orders at every turn. They’ll set goals, figure out the next step, handle tricky interfaces, and pull off big, multi-stage jobs on their own. That could change how developers, businesses, and everyday users handle software.
OPENAI 🔥: In the future, Codex will be able to control other desktop devices with the Codex installation. All your Mac Minis, your desktop station at work, or even your grandparents' old computers can form your own "Codex network".
— 🚨 AI News | TestingCatalog (@testingcatalog) May 16, 2026
Along with the upcoming "Locked Use" setting,… pic.twitter.com/efgDuGgOgI
How to Set Up OpenAI Codex Computer Use Features
OpenAI hasn’t rolled out all the desktop-control features yet, but users can already try out some Codex-powered automation and coding help through OpenAI’s tools. Right now, if you want to experiment with what’s available, follow these steps:
- Create or sign in to an OpenAI account through ChatGPT or the OpenAI developer platform.
- Subscribe to a supported plan that includes advanced AI coding and automation features.
- Install the ChatGPT desktop application or compatible developer tools on macOS or Windows systems.
- Grant accessibility permissions required for desktop interaction. On macOS, this typically includes screen recording, keyboard access, and mouse-control permissions.
- Connect development tools such as Visual Studio Code, terminal applications, browsers, or testing environments to the AI assistant.
- Configure remote access settings if the system eventually supports external device management or cloud-based workflows.
- Enable automation or experimental AI-agent features within supported OpenAI tools, if available.
- Provide natural language commands for coding, debugging, software testing, browser navigation, or workflow management tasks.
- Monitor permissions and security settings carefully, particularly when allowing AI systems to access sensitive files, applications, or remote devices.
A lot of this is still under development, so everything could look different by the time OpenAI launches the full “Computer Use” set. So far, there’s no official release date.
Also read: OpenAI’s Codex Turned into a “Superapp” as it Expands beyond Coding Tools
Conclusion
With its new “Computer Use” initiative, OpenAI is showing just how fast AI is moving past text-based assistance into full-on digital operations. Codex might soon run desktops, apps, and even remote setups with little to no micromanagement from users.
If OpenAI pulls this off, it could totally shift the way people develop software, manage IT, and automate business tasks. But handing over that much power to an AI could raise concerns around security, permissions, trust, and transparency.
