Computer Use

Computer Use lets an eligible native Codex session interact with desktop applications through a supported companion. Use it for tasks that require the visible interface of another app, such as inspecting a rendered result or following a UI procedure that repository file tools cannot perform.

The monitor-shaped control appears in the composer toolbar when the session is eligible. It reports Computer Use on or off for this chat, with a busy state while a change is being applied. Its presence does not mean every provider or sub-agent can use the desktop.

Prepare an eligible session

Computer Use requires a top-level native Codex session with its own tab, the feature enabled, and a supported installed companion from Codex or ChatGPT. RepoPrompt reports when no companion is available. A provider connection alone is not enough to satisfy these requirements.

Enable the feature in Codex's Direct Agent permissions, then enable it locally in the intended chat using the toolbar control. The native /computer-use command is another entry point when supported. macOS permissions must be granted manually; enabling the feature does not silently approve operating-system access.

Give a bounded UI task

Describe the application, the starting screen, the outcome, and any limits on what the agent should change. For example: “Open the local preview, inspect the sign-in form at narrow width, and report clipping; leave account settings unchanged.” Be explicit when a task should stop before submitting, purchasing, publishing, or otherwise making an external change.

Watch the session's actions and respond to requests for input or approval. Computer Use is an additional way to carry out the task; the selected execution location, tool permissions, and your instructions still matter.

If the control is unavailable

Check that the chat is a direct native Codex session rather than a different provider or an agent-controlled child. Check the feature setting, companion availability, and macOS permissions. Read any displayed configuration error before retrying. If the runtime reports a conflicting Computer Use integration, resolve that configuration rather than repeatedly sending the same request.

For a screenshot that you simply want the agent to analyze, use Image Support. Attaching an image provides visual input without enabling interactive desktop control.