Windows: App fails to launch, no renderer‑type process spawned, main process high CPU spin (26.820.9563.0)

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

OpenAI.Codex 26.820.9563.0

What subscription do you have?

free

What platform is your computer?

Windows, AppX installed on non‑default volume D:\WindowsApps

What issue are you seeing?

Bug Description

Codex App main process starts in background, but no application window ever appears.
The ChatGPT.exe main process, GPU, network and storage child processes are running, but there is no --type=renderer renderer process in process tree.
Main process goes into high‑CPU spin after log Launching app -> Appshot hotkey inactive.

Reproduction steps

1. Launch OpenAI Codex desktop app
2. App icon appears in background task manager, no GUI window pops up
3. Main process consumes high CPU forever

Troubleshooting I have tried (All failed)

1. Kill all Codex / ChatGPT.exe background processes and restart
2. Full PC reboot
3. Delete .codex profile folder
4. Rename / rebuild LocalCache directory
5. Uninstall & reinstall Codex AppX
6. Reset‑AppxPackage for OpenAI.Codex (PowerShell)

Environment notes

• Installed as Microsoft Store AppX, stored on non‑default volume D:\WindowsApps. Non‑system AppX volume may be contributing factor.
• Cache backup created at D:\WpSystem\...\OpenAI.Codex_2p2nqsd0c76g0\LocalCache_bak_*

What steps can reproduce the bug?

1. Open OpenAI Codex desktop application from start menu.
2. Observe task manager: ChatGPT.exe main process, GPU, network and storage child‑processes start running in background.
3. No --type=renderer renderer process is created in process tree.
4. Application GUI window never pops up.
5. Application log stops at "Launching app -> Appshot hotkey inactive", main process takes high CPU and spins infinitely.

Tried troubleshooting steps, problem still reproduces:
‑ Kill all Codex / ChatGPT.exe background processes and restart app
‑ Full computer reboot
‑ Delete .codex profile folder
‑ Rename & rebuild LocalCache directory
‑ PowerShell Reset‑AppxPackage for OpenAI.Codex
‑ Uninstall and reinstall Codex AppX

Environment: Windows, AppX installed on non‑default volume D:\WindowsApps.
Cache backup location: D:\WpSystem...\OpenAI.Codex_2p2nqsd0c76g0\LocalCache_bak_*

What is the expected behavior?

Codex main process should spawn renderer process and display the application GUI window normally.

Additional information

No response

Start by reproducing the Windows AppX launch from the Start menu on a non-default volume and inspect the application log around “Launching app -> Appshot hotkey inactive.” Compare the process tree and launch behavior with the expected renderer process. Done means the renderer process starts and the Codex GUI window appears without sustained high CPU usage.