Windows app fails on fresh install - Electron app not found / app-server unavailable

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

26.527.7698.0

What subscription do you have?

Workplace Group

What platform is your computer?

Microsoft Windows NT 10.0.26200.0 x64

What issue are you seeing?

After a fresh installation, Codex fails to start correctly.

Observed errors:

"Unable to find Electron app at ...\app\codex...\new"
"Failed to resume chat: failed to resolve rollout path"
"Codex app-server is not available"

Troubleshooting performed:

Uninstalled and reinstalled Codex multiple times
Rebooted Windows
Deleted C:\Users\joshr.codex
Reset the AppX package
Verified package status is OK:
Status: Ok
IsPartiallyStaged: False
Confirmed package contents exist under:
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\OpenAI.Codex_26.527.7698.0_x64__2p2nqsd0c76g0\app

Findings:

Direct launch of:
app\Codex.exe
opens the UI.
Starting a chat then produces:
"Codex app-server is not available"
The package contains app\Codex.exe but does not contain an app\codex directory.
The Electron error appears to reference a path that does not exist in the installed package.

PowerShell output:
Test-Path "$((Get-AppxPackage OpenAI.Codex).InstallLocation)\app"
True

Test-Path "$((Get-AppxPackage OpenAI.Codex).InstallLocation)\app\codex"
False

What steps can reproduce the bug?

Scenario 1: Fresh Installation Fails with Electron Error

1. On Windows 11, install the Codex desktop app using the installer downloaded from openai.com.
2. Allow the installer to install the application through the Microsoft Store.
3. Complete installation.
4. Launch Codex from the Start Menu.

Expected Result

Codex launches normally and displays the chat interface.

Actual Result

Codex immediately displays an error:

"Unable to find Electron app at ...\app\codex...\new"

The application cannot be used.

Additional Findings

The installed package contains:

...\app\Codex.exe

but does not contain:

...\app\codex

PowerShell results:

Test-Path "$((Get-AppxPackage OpenAI.Codex).InstallLocation)\app"
True

Test-Path "$((Get-AppxPackage OpenAI.Codex).InstallLocation)\app\codex"
False

---

Scenario 2: Direct Launch Opens UI but Chat Cannot Start

1. Launch Codex directly using:

& "$((Get-AppxPackage OpenAI.Codex).InstallLocation)\app\Codex.exe"

1. Sign in successfully.
2. Attempt to start a new chat or send the first message.

Expected Result

A new chat is created and the message is sent.

Actual Result

One of the following errors occurs:

• "Failed to resume chat: failed to resolve rollout path"
• "Codex app-server is not available"

The application UI loads but cannot create or use conversations.

---

Troubleshooting Performed

• Multiple uninstall/reinstall cycles
• Windows reboot
• Deleted C:\Users\joshr.codex
• Reset AppX package
• Verified package status is OK
• Verified no OneDrive redirection
• Verified local profile path is standard
• Windows Defender only (no third-party antivirus)

The issue reproduces on a completely fresh installation before any successful chat session has ever been created.

What is the expected behavior?

_No response_

Additional information

_No response_