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ZDNET key points

OpenAI introduced agent based tools while removing common functions.
ChatGPT Work launched yet the desktop application suffered setbacks.
ChatGPT performs best through the browser for typical users.

Plans shift. The original intent was a comparison between Claude Cowork and the new ChatGPT Work. That changed because starting with ChatGPT Work became complicated.

Unexpected complications arise

The primary platform for ChatGPT remains the Mac. Two main options exist aside from third party tools: browser access and the dedicated application. Both serve distinct purposes. The Mac application cannot create or modify GPTs yet can execute them. Creation occurs in the browser.

ZDNET parent company Ziff Davis filed an April 2025 lawsuit against OpenAI claiming copyright infringement during AI training and operation.

Most usage occurs in the desktop application. It proves handy amid numerous open browser tabs. Until recently one standout capability allowed screenshots directly inside the application for immediate insertion into conversations. The process appears at the bottom of the screen in the accompanying image.

The screenshot lands straight in the chat during this sequence. The method eliminated the need to open separate capture software. The prior workflow looked like this.

The method proved highly practical especially when troubleshooting system problems. Rapid screenshots entered the chat creating a smooth workflow. That capability has now vanished.

Additional features once relied upon have also disappeared. The desktop application previously offered a tool named Work with. It enabled ChatGPT to access content from active windows in applications such as Notion Notes and TextEdit.

Tapping the Work With button followed by a prompt incorporated the visible content from the linked application window. This efficient shortcut has likewise been removed.

Essentially the original ChatGPT desktop application no longer exists. It has been supplanted by a modified Codex version featuring an unattractive pop up window similar to lower quality third party offerings.

A Windows edition of the revised application arrives soon. Windows users will encounter the same reductions in capability along with higher costs. No resentment is intended.

Underlying motives

The rationale is clear. Standard chat usage falls under lower cost tiers including the free option the eight dollar monthly Go plan or the twenty dollar monthly Plus plan. That matches the current tier in use.

Codex users focused on coding require at least the one hundred dollar monthly Pro plan to accomplish substantial work. Agent driven AI consumes significant tokens.

ChatGPT Work also relies on agents. Lower tier plans will likely limit usage quickly after brief Work sessions. Greater Work adoption increases revenue for OpenAI. The expensive data centers require substantial funding.

Further oddities appear. The updated application is actually Codex. The initial launch after the change displays this welcome screen.

The interface promotes the Codex icon over the ChatGPT one. The about screen confirms the application identifies itself as ChatGPT despite Codex branding.

Label one indicates Codex while label two shows ChatGPT. This becomes the standard view. The task list on the left reflects recent Codex activity from a VS Code project.

Codex itself is not flawed. It serves as the coding environment. It does not replace the tool previously used for everyday tasks such as eyeglass prescription adjustments. That original tool is missed.

Switching between Codex and the agentic ChatGPT Work mode occurs via a drop down menu. Selecting ChatGPT Work produces this view.

The display remains identical with only the mode changed. ChatGPT Work operates as Codex with an added mode. OpenAI previously began merging non coding agent tasks and desktop controls into Codex.

The project list matches the earlier Codex version at position one. Standard ChatGPT history is absent. Access occurs through the small Chat button at position two.

Locating standard chat functions

Hovering over the Chat button reveals the five most recent queries. Recent examples include searches for Bluetooth enabled kitchen scales. Individual histories vary.

Clicking the Chat button opens a compact pop up window.

The window resembles typical third party prompts. The full ChatGPT layout is missing. An Open icon launches a new window.

The familiar chat sidebar is absent. Widening the window yields only extra space. Selecting See all displays prior chats across the full window without a sidebar list of projects GPTs or Library items. The favored screenshot and Work With tools remain unavailable in Codex or Work modes.

The conclusion is straightforward. Avid desktop application users will likely shift away. Work and Codex provide benefits yet differ from prior experience.

Codex performs well for its intended coding purpose. The addition of agentic Work mode is acceptable. Yet OpenAI did not need to eliminate ChatGPT desktop functions. A separate tab or mode switch could have preserved access.

Browser access remains viable

ChatGPT continues through the browser interface. Pinned items projects and chat history persist in the sidebar. GPT specific features and Library also remain accessible.

The Work tab supports multi step agent projects in the cloud. Desktop execution requires the dedicated application.

Browser users can continue without interruption. Desktop reliant users face limitations.

OpenAI has been contacted regarding plans to restore desktop functionality for regular ChatGPT users. Updates will follow any response.

Both cloud and local ChatGPT Work versions will be tested against Claude Cowork. Further coverage follows after an adjustment period.

Does ChatGPT Work justify replacing the traditional desktop experience? Comments are welcome below.

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