[macOS Desktop] Multiple windows are unusable, blocking parallel work during long-running Codex tasks

What version of the Codex App are you using?

Exact version not available in this report. The issue is occurring in the current ChatGPT/Codex desktop app on macOS as of August 24, 2026.

What platform is your computer?

macOS.

What issue are you seeing?

Multiple-window usage in the ChatGPT/Codex desktop app is broken or unusable. I am effectively restricted to one usable window at a time.

This is especially disruptive when Codex is running a long development task. I currently have a notification implementation that has been running for roughly 1–2 days. Because I cannot keep another independent ChatGPT/Codex window usable at the same time, a long-running task prevents me from using the desktop app normally for other work.

I previously submitted a report about this issue, but the problem remains unresolved.

Steps to reproduce

1. Open ChatGPT/Codex Desktop on macOS.
2. Start or open a Codex task, especially a long-running development task.
3. Try to open and use another ChatGPT/Codex window in parallel.
4. Observe that multiple windows cannot be used normally/independently, leaving only one practical working window.

Expected behavior

I should be able to:

• Open multiple ChatGPT/Codex windows at the same time.
• Keep a long-running Codex task active in one window.
• Use a second window independently for another conversation/task.
• Switch between windows without one blocking or breaking the other.

Actual behavior

Multiple-window usage is broken/unusable, effectively limiting the desktop app to one working window at a time.

Impact

High for real development workflows. Long-running Codex tasks can take hours or longer, and without functional parallel windows the desktop app becomes a bottleneck: I cannot continue founder/product work in another ChatGPT/Codex window while the agent is running.

Additional information

• The issue has persisted after a prior bug report.
• Observed again on August 24, 2026 (Pacific Time).
• Exact app version and a screen recording can be added if maintainers need them.
• Please treat this as a multi-window/window-management regression rather than a request for multi-agent support; the problem is basic independent desktop window usability.

No files, tests, or entry points are identified. First reproduce on macOS by running a long Codex task and opening a second app window; done means both windows remain usable independently and switching between them does not block or break either task.