Bottom Panel placement ignored after update: Browser, Files, and side chats always open in the right sidebar

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

26.825.41651

What subscription do you have?

ChatGPT Pro

What platform is your computer?

Windows (64-bit)

What issue are you seeing?

On Windows Codex Desktop, the Bottom Panel no longer accepts Browser tabs, Files, or side chats. This began after the most recent application update and persists across multiple separate chat sessions.

When I try to open any of these items in the Bottom Panel, they always open in the right sidebar instead. The issue affects all three panel types, not just the in-app browser.

Actual behavior: they are consistently routed to the right sidebar, regardless of the selected placement and after restarting or changing chats.

This appears related to broader Windows Codex Desktop layout issues around the sidebar and bottom UI, but it is distinct from the currently reported clipping issue.

What steps can reproduce the bug?

1. Open Codex Desktop on Windows after the latest update.
2. Open or request a Browser tab, Files tab, or side chat in the Bottom Panel.
3. Observe that it opens in the right sidebar instead.
4. Repeat in another chat session; the behavior persists.

What is the expected behavior?

Browser, Files, and side chats should open in the Bottom Panel when that placement is selected or requested.

Additional information

Impact: the Bottom Panel cannot be used for these views, disrupting workflows that rely on keeping the main chat and Browser or Files visible together. Restarting the app and using separate chats did not restore the expected routing.

Start by reproducing the placement behavior in Codex Desktop on Windows with Browser, Files, and side chats, then trace the layout routing between the Bottom Panel and right sidebar. Done means all three views open in the selected Bottom Panel placement across separate chat sessions and after restarting the app.