Windows 10 Codex app high CPU/disk usage while idle after recent update

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

Version 26.623.141536 • Released Jul 6, 2026

What subscription do you have?

Pro

What platform is your computer?

Microsoft Windows NT 10.0.19045.0 x64

What issue are you seeing?

Environment:

• Windows 10
• Platform output:

[Microsoft Windows NT 10.0.19045.0 x64]

• Codex desktop app version:

[Version 26.623.141536 • Released Jul 6, 2026]

• ChatGPT Pro plan
• CPU: Intel Core i7-6700HQ
• 4 cores / 8 threads
• Antivirus/security software: AVG + Malwarebytes
• Project folder: large local Next.js / Node real-estate-system project

Problem:
After a recent Codex desktop app update, opening Codex and opening my local project folder appears to cause high CPU and disk usage even when no Codex task is running.

Observed:

• Codex shows about 19–32 processes in Windows Task Manager.
• Total CPU rises to around 69%–91%.
• Codex itself uses around 20%–24% CPU while apparently idle.
• Disk usage sometimes reaches 100%.
• Codex uses around 700–900 MB memory.
• AVG Software Analyzer also spikes while Codex is open, which may indicate scanning activity triggered by Codex/project access.
• Laptop CPU temperatures rise to about 70–80°C, with recorded max spikes up to 98°C in Core Temp.
• Windows dragging/restoring becomes slow.
• Desktop Window Manager and Windows Explorer also show high CPU during the issue.
• Problem improves after ending Codex in Task Manager.

Steps to reproduce:

1. Restart Windows.
2. Open Task Manager and Core Temp.
3. Open Codex desktop app.
4. Open the local Next.js / Node project folder.
5. Do not start a Codex task, build, test, or terminal command.
6. Watch CPU, disk, Codex process count, AVG activity, Desktop Window Manager, Windows Explorer, and CPU temperature.

Expected:
Codex should remain mostly idle when no task/build/test/terminal command is running.

Actual:
Codex continues using noticeable CPU/disk while idle, creates many helper processes, triggers high system load, and contributes to high laptop temperatures.

Notes:

• Node.js JavaScript Runtime was visible but not using significant CPU in Task Manager during one screenshot.
• The issue seems tied to Codex being open with the local project folder, not an active npm/Next.js dev server.
• I understand multiple helper processes may be normal for desktop apps, but the concern is the sustained CPU/disk/power usage while idle.

Attachments:

• Task Manager screenshots
• Core Temp screenshots
• Codex version screenshot or version number
• PowerShell platform output

What steps can reproduce the bug?

Feedback ID: no-active-thread-019f4089-0732-7cd2-9bf6-2933712a051d

What is the expected behavior?

When the Codex desktop app is open but no task is running, it should remain mostly idle and use minimal system resources.

Expected behavior:

• Codex should not create a large number of active processes while idle.
• CPU usage should stay low when no prompt/task is running.
• Disk usage should remain low and should not spike to 100% just from opening Codex.
• Codex should not cause Windows Explorer, Desktop Window Manager, AVG Software Analyzer, or other background services to spike.
• The laptop should remain responsive, with normal window dragging, minimizing, and restoring behavior.
• CPU temperature should stay near normal idle/light-use levels instead of rising quickly toward 70–80°C.
• Opening a local project folder should not overload the system when Codex is not actively analyzing, building, or running commands.

Additional information

<img width="940" height="786" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/a769d6cf-3e42-4034-afdf-fcf6c3f18ed6" />

<img width="422" height="480" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/51e931f9-ec2c-4611-8215-fed04412709c" />