Regression: Upgrading to Codex replaces ChatGPT Desktop UI and removes access to existing ChatGPT Projects and chat history26.707.71524 Released 14 Jul 2026 Powered by Codex & OWL
What version of the Codex App are you using (From “About Codex” dialog)?
26.707.71524 Released 14 Jul 2026 Powered by Codex & OWL
What subscription do you have?
ChatGPT Plus
What platform is your computer?
Darwin 25.5.0 arm64 arm
What issue are you seeing?
After accepting the in-app "Upgrade to Codex" prompt, the macOS desktop application no longer behaves like the standard ChatGPT desktop client.
The application launches into the new "ChatGPT Work" interface.
Existing cloud-based ChatGPT Projects and conversation history are no longer visible, even though they remain fully available through chatgpt.com using exactly the same OpenAI account.
The desktop application now exposes Codex development functionality (Projects, Git, Hooks, Worktrees, Computer Use, etc.) but no longer provides access to my existing ChatGPT Projects or historical conversations.
The browser version continues to work correctly.
This appears to be a regression introduced by upgrading to the Codex desktop application.
What steps can reproduce the bug?
Feedback ID: no-active-thread-019f64c0-dcee-7511-ab69-709918e7a83e
What is the expected behavior?
The Codex upgrade should preserve access to existing ChatGPT functionality.
The desktop application should continue to display:
• Existing ChatGPT Projects
• Existing conversation history
• Existing cloud workspace
• Existing folders
Codex functionality should be added without replacing the traditional ChatGPT desktop experience.
The desktop application should provide feature parity with chatgpt.com for cloud-based Projects and conversations.
Additional information
Environment:
• macOS Tahoe 26.5.2
• Apple Silicon (M1 Mac mini)
• ChatGPT Plus
• Version 26.707.71524
Important observations:
- This is not an account issue.
- The browser interface (chatgpt.com) immediately shows all Projects and conversation history using the same account.
- The desktop application appears to have switched from the standard ChatGPT interface to a Codex-focused workspace.
- The issue began immediately after accepting the in-app Codex upgrade.
Business impact:
I use ChatGPT as my primary professional knowledge management and project management system. My Projects contain months of engineering, legal and business work.
Since upgrading, I have had to abandon the desktop application and use the browser version because the desktop application no longer exposes my existing Projects.
I have attached screenshots comparing the browser interface with the desktop application after the upgrade.
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