Who this is for
People on ChatGPT / Codex who want the local terminal loop. Optional: if TA-02 already covers your work and you won't use GPT models, skip this without guilt.
Which machine are you on? (saved from TA-01 if you picked there)
↑ Pick one to see only your install path. (Showing all until you do.)
The emergency brake
- Installer hangs or scrolls forever? Hold
Ctrl+ tapC, close the terminal, open a fresh one, try once more. - Scary red text? Copy the exact error — you'll need it for the fix table below or a consult. Red text is information, not damage.
OS matrix — pick your row
Compare all three OS paths (reference — your picker above already filtered the steps)
| macOS | Windows native | WSL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install | curl -fsSL https://chatgpt.com/codex/install.sh | sh | powershell -ExecutionPolicy ByPass -c "irm https://chatgpt.com/codex/install.ps1 | iex" | macOS/Linux curl installer inside WSL |
| Alt | brew install --cask codex or npm install -g @openai/codex | Prefer WSL if native misbehaves | Same alts as Linux |
| Reality check | First-class | Native installer exists; sandbox/PATH pain → switch to WSL, don't fight all afternoon | Strong choice on Windows |
curl -fsSL https://chatgpt.com/codex/install.sh | sh
powershell -ExecutionPolicy ByPass -c "irm https://chatgpt.com/codex/install.ps1 | iex"
Install, verify, and run once
- Install via the matrix.
cdto a git project → runcodex.- Choose Sign in with ChatGPT (or another method shown).
- First task: “Tell me about this project” or a small, reversible edit.
- Use
/permissions(or equivalent on-screen controls) before letting it run shell commands freely.
Success check
codexlaunches in a repo- Signed in (browser flow, no hand-pasted cookies)
- One inspect-or-edit task completed
Common failure modes
| Failure | Fix |
|---|---|
| Native Windows weirdness | Move to WSL; reinstall with the Linux script |
| Not signed in | Complete browser auth; don't paste session cookies into files by hand |
| Wrong directory | Codex works on the folder you launched in — cd first |
Don't buy / don't install yet
Don't add Codex solely because a thread said “everyone needs both.” If Claude Code already covers your work and you won't use GPT models, skip — and go to TA-07 to lock in your daily driver.
Docs: Codex CLI · openai/codex. Commands checked 2026-09-25; if one fails, the official page wins.
Native Windows fighting you?
Book free
That's a 10-minute WSL conversation, not an afternoon of PATH archaeology. Bring the error text.