Restore manual dragging for the floating task-status indicator

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

26.901.1978.0

What subscription do you have?

ChatGPT Pro

What platform is your computer?

Windows, 64-bit

What issue are you seeing?

Source: User report from the Windows Codex desktop app
Submitted: September 2, 2026
Subject / Reference: Floating task-status indicator cannot be repositioned

1. Summary

The floating task-status indicator used to be draggable anywhere on screen. In the current desktop app, it remains fixed in a location that can obstruct other applications and cannot be moved.

2. Key Details

The indicator is useful because it shows when Codex is thinking or working, but users need to be able to place it where it does not cover their active work. The prior movable behavior was useful and should be restored.

3. Requested Outcome

Restore manual drag positioning for the floating task-status indicator and persist the chosen position across restarts.

4. Scope and Constraints

Keep the main ChatGPT or Codex window independently sized and positioned. Do not force the status indicator to follow or anchor to the main window.

5. Completion Checklist

• The floating task-status indicator can be dragged to any usable screen location.
• Its chosen position persists after the desktop app restarts.
• The indicator remains visible while active work is running.

6. Follow-up and References

This is a regression from prior behavior in which the indicator could be moved freely.

What steps can reproduce the bug?

1. Start a task that shows the floating task-status indicator.
2. Attempt to drag the indicator to another screen location.
3. Restart the desktop app and check whether a user-selected location is retained.

Actual result: the indicator cannot be moved.

What is the expected behavior?

The user can drag the indicator to a preferred screen location, such as the lower-right corner, and that position is retained after restart.

Additional information

The indicator is valuable as a lightweight signal that work is in progress. The request is not to remove it, but to restore user control over its placement.

No file or test is named in the issue. Start by locating the floating task-status indicator entry point and the code that controls its window position, then trace how desktop preferences persist across restarts. Done means the indicator can be dragged to a usable screen location, retains that position after restart, remains visible during active work, and stays independent of the main window.