Chrome extension can read tabs but cannot control Chrome on Windows

What version of the Codex App are you using (From “About Codex” dialog)?

26.818.2441.0

What subscription do you have?

Free

What platform is your computer?

Microsoft Windows NT 10.0.26200.0 x64

What issue are you seeing?

The official ChatGPT Chrome extension loads and can read the selected tab content, but ChatGPT/Codex cannot control Chrome. It cannot navigate the current tab, open a URL, create a tab, click, or type in Chrome. Instead, it repeatedly says to update or reinstall the ChatGPT/Codex desktop app or the Chrome plugin.

The Chrome side panel also sometimes flickers, and an existing chat may fail to load there.

What steps can reproduce the bug?

Feedback ID: 01a021ea-6bd6-7c10-9bb3-372ae3e96622

What is the expected behavior?

ChatGPT/Codex should be able to control the connected Chrome browser: navigate to URLs, create tabs, click, and type after the required website approval.

Additional information

Official ChatGPT Chrome extension version: 1.2.27267.15375.

Verified configuration:

• Extension is enabled and allowed on all sites.
• Chrome reports permission to communicate with cooperating native applications.
• Google Chrome is enabled in ChatGPT Settings > Computer Use.
• Only one ChatGPT desktop app is installed.
• The active Chrome profile has the extension installed.
• ChatGPT and Chrome were fully restarted.
• The Chrome extension/plugin was removed and reinstalled.
• The issue also reproduces in a new Codex chat.

No repository files, tests, or entry points are named. Start by reproducing on Windows 10.0.26200.0 with Codex 26.818.2441.0 and Chrome extension 1.2.27267.15375, using feedback ID 01a021ea-6bd6-7c10-9bb3-372ae3e96622. Done means Chrome control actions work after approval and the reported side-panel loading or flickering issue is addressed.