The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For supported Codex releases, set sandbox_mode = "read-only" and approval_policy = "on-request", then restart Codex. The first setting restricts writes within the sandbox; the second governs when Codex asks to perform actions beyond its boundary. These controls work together, but read-only mode should not be treated as a guarantee covering every separately authorized integration or external system.
Set Codex to read-only
OpenAI’s Help Center documents this restrictive configuration for Codex CLI 0.149.0 and later, and for the Codex desktop app and VS Code extension version 26.818.31338 and later on macOS, Windows, and Linux. The settings are:
sandbox_mode = "read-only"approval_policy = "on-request"
After changing the configuration, restart Codex. Consult the OpenAI Help Center’s current Codex guidance for the applicable instructions and version scope; settings and interfaces can vary by surface or managed deployment.
What read-only mode does—and what approval prompts do
These settings control different things. The sandbox is the technical execution boundary: it defines where Codex can write, whether it can access the network, and which paths are protected. The approval policy determines when Codex must ask before attempting an action beyond that boundary. OpenAI describes the relationship this way in “Running Codex safely at OpenAI”: “Approvals and sandboxing work together.”
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Control | What it governs | In this configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Sandbox mode | Technical limits on execution, including filesystem writes and network access | read-only restricts local filesystem modifications within the sandbox |
| Approval policy | When Codex asks for user intervention to perform an action | on-request means Codex asks when it needs to go beyond its sandbox boundary |
A prompt to approve an action is not the same thing as a read-only boundary: approval controls user intervention, while the sandbox defines the execution limits. Keep both settings in view when the goal is inspection without project-file edits.
Why the default sandbox is not the same as read-only
OpenAI says local Codex runs commands in a sandbox by default. That baseline does not necessarily prohibit project edits. Its risk documentation describes local defaults that restrict edits to the current workspace while allowing workspace changes, and network access disabled by default. The GPT-5.2-Codex product-specific risk mitigations discuss these filesystem and network protections.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Windows documentation likewise says Codex runs with the real user’s permissions and describes a default that allows broad reads and workspace writes while internet access remains off unless enabled. So do not infer “no writes” from the word sandbox: select read-only explicitly when you want the agent to inspect and explain a repository without changing its files. See OpenAI’s Windows sandbox explanation.
Configure and verify the setup
- Identify your Codex surface and version. Check whether you use the CLI, desktop app, or VS Code extension, then compare its version with the current Help Center guidance.
- Apply the documented settings where they are supported. Set
sandbox_mode = "read-only"andapproval_policy = "on-request"in the applicable configuration. - Restart Codex. The Help Center instructs users to restart after updating the configuration.
- Check active CLI permissions if using the CLI. Enter
/permissionsto review what Codex is allowed to do. This is a CLI instruction, not a universal path for the desktop app, IDE, cloud, or managed environments. See the Codex CLI guide. - Keep a Git checkpoint before the task. OpenAI recommends checkpoints before and after a task so you can inspect changes and revert if needed. A checkpoint aids recovery; it does not enforce read-only access.
Platform and scope limits
Codex’s local sandbox implementation differs across macOS, Linux, and Windows. The operating system and the product surface affect how the boundary is enforced and configured, so do not assume a CLI command or one platform’s behavior applies everywhere. The Codex risk documentation describes platform-specific local sandboxing.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Read-only describes the local filesystem boundary for actions inside the sandboxed execution environment. The cited documentation does not establish that the setting controls every separately authorized integration or external system, or that no information can leave by any route. Network access is described as disabled by default in relevant local configurations, not as an unconditional guarantee; enabling networking or granting other tools access changes the scope of that protection.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
