OpenAI Refines Codex Computer Use for Background Operation Across Mac Apps

May 13, 2026

OpenAI enhanced Computer Use—its capability for AI models to interact with desktop graphical interfaces—in the Codex app. Agents now run in the background, seeing the screen, clicking buttons, and typing text across any macOS applications without seizing control from the user. This builds on earlier Codex expansions to computer use.

Earlier computer use locked users out during AI operation, limiting it to supervised sessions. Background execution removes that barrier, letting agents tackle extended tasks while developers continue their own screen work. It positions Codex as a persistent engineering collaborator in real development environments.

Prompt Codex to automate routines like browser navigation, app data entry, or UI testing across tools. The feature is live on macOS except in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Romain Huet details the agentic shifts in a developer discussion.

OpenAI Developers

@OpenAIDevs6d ago

Computer use lets Codex work across your apps without taking over your Mac. @AriX talks with @romainhuet about what changes when agents can click, type, and keep working in the background. https://t.co/LdAmwtTXCY

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Still wondering? A few quick answers below.

Computer Use is a capability within the OpenAI Codex desktop app that allows the AI agent to interact directly with a computer interface. It enables the model to see the screen, move the cursor to click buttons, and type text across various applications to complete multi-step tasks autonomously.

This update allows Codex to operate in the background without taking over the user's Mac. The agent can click and type across different applications while the human user continues their own work. This eliminates the need for the AI to have exclusive control over the mouse and keyboard.

The Computer Use feature is currently available for the Codex desktop application on macOS in most regions. However, it is not available at launch for users located in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, or Switzerland. Users in these areas are currently excluded from using the feature.

Codex can operate any application the same way a human would by seeing, clicking, and typing. It can open web browsers, navigate through software menus, fill out forms, and manage data across multiple apps. This is particularly useful for tasks that live inside standard application user interfaces.

The current release of the Computer Use feature is specifically designed for the Codex app on macOS. While some third-party reports mention PC compatibility, the official OpenAI documentation and launch details focus on the Mac desktop experience. There is no confirmed general availability for Windows at this time.