OpenAI Codex is a coding workspace in the ChatGPT desktop app. It can work on a project’s code, run tests and other commands, and review changes. In a local workflow, it works with folders and developer tools on your computer—but the files and actions it can reach depend on permissions, sandbox settings, and workspace policy. “Local” also does not mean that messages and task context necessarily stay on your computer.
What can Codex do with your code and files?
You can open a local folder or repository and ask Codex to write or debug code, run tests, execute commands, review changes, or work on the repository. It uses the project as the context for the task and can make edits within the access it has been granted.
OpenAI says agents are limited by default to editing files in the folder or branch where they are working. That is a default, not a universal promise about every installation: the active workspace, granted folder access, sandbox configuration, and administrator policy affect what Codex can read or change. OpenAI’s Codex App announcement describes the default posture; its Codex security overview explains the configurable controls.
Can Codex run commands on your computer?
Yes. In local workflows, Codex can use a terminal to run commands, including tests and other development tasks. Whether a command can run immediately or requires approval depends on the sandbox and approval policy. OpenAI describes the sandbox as setting technical boundaries such as writable locations and network access; approval rules govern when an action that crosses a boundary must be approved.
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Some configurations can allow ordinary commands while blocking or requiring approval for specified riskier command patterns. An approval may apply once or for a session. In a managed workspace, administrators can enforce requirements that users cannot override. The exact experience therefore depends on local settings, workspace controls, and the organization’s policy.
A sandbox is a boundary, not a guarantee that every possible action is harmless. It is important to understand which paths and network capabilities are allowed, and to review an approval prompt before granting access beyond the configured boundary.
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How Codex Local and Codex Cloud differ
Codex has local and cloud task paths. Codex Local covers desktop, CLI, and IDE workflows; Codex Cloud runs coding tasks on computers managed by OpenAI. Cloud tasks can continue while your own computer is asleep. The distinction is where the coding work runs, not whether account data is involved.
| Aspect | Codex Local | Codex Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Where the coding work runs | Your desktop environment, including desktop, CLI, or IDE workflows. | OpenAI-managed computers. |
| Project access | Local folders and tools, subject to granted access and configured controls. | Access depends on the cloud task and managed workspace configuration. |
| Can continue while your computer is asleep | Not stated by OpenAI’s cited Local/Cloud descriptions. | Yes; OpenAI says Cloud tasks can continue while your computer is asleep. |
| Task context and messages | May be stored in the cloud even when the coding work runs locally. | Handled as part of a cloud task. |
OpenAI’s Codex plan and workflow guidance distinguishes Local from Cloud and notes that messages and task context may be stored in the cloud even for local work. Treat “local” as a description of the coding environment, not as a claim that no information leaves your computer.
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What happens to code and task data?
Data handling depends on the account and agreement associated with ChatGPT. OpenAI says the terms and privacy policy for a ChatGPT account—or the applicable enterprise, business, or API agreement—cover data shared with ChatGPT through Codex.
OpenAI’s plan guidance says business-product inputs and outputs are not used to improve models by default. For Pro and Plus, conversations may be used for model improvement unless training is turned off in data controls. Check the policy and data settings for your own account or workspace rather than assuming code is never transmitted or used for improvement.
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What controls determine Codex’s access?
- Workspace and folder permissions: These determine which project files Codex can access. OpenAI describes editing within the active folder or branch as the default, but configured access can differ.
- Sandbox settings: These set technical limits, including which locations can be written to and whether network access is available.
- Approval policy: This determines when Codex must ask before crossing a configured boundary or taking a specified action.
- Command rules: These can permit routine commands and block or require approval for particular patterns.
- Organization requirements: Administrators can enforce managed rules that users cannot change.
OpenAI’s security overview also describes activity logging and managed controls. Settings and capabilities can vary by app version, platform, plan, workspace, and rollout. If you need to know what a particular installation can do, check its current permissions and workspace policies.
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