Install ChatGPT + Codex in VS Code (Step-by-Step Guide)
March 12th, 2026 10:23 AM Mr. Q Categories: Programming
What This Guide Covers
This guide shows exactly how to install and use ChatGPT Codex inside Visual Studio Code so you can:
- edit code with AI assistance
- refactor files
- generate documentation
- analyze entire repositories
- review changes before committing to GitHub
This setup works especially well for JavaScript, Python, and web development projects.
Summary (Quick Overview)
If you want the short version:
- Install Visual Studio Code
- Open Extensions
- Install the Codex extension
- Sign in with your ChatGPT account
- Open your project folder
- Start using Codex in the sidebar
The full detailed walkthrough is below.
Step 1 — Open Visual Studio Code
Click:
Start Menu
→ Search Visual Studio Code
→ Click Visual Studio Code
When VS Code opens you should see:
- Explorer (files)
- Search
- Source Control
- Run
- Extensions
Step 2 — Open the Extensions Panel
In the left sidebar click the Extensions icon.
It looks like:
four small squares forming a block.
Or use the shortcut:
Ctrl + Shift + X
This opens the VS Code Marketplace.
Step 3 — Search for the Codex Extension
At the top of the Extensions panel you will see a search bar.
Type:
Codex
Look for the extension published by OpenAI.
Step 4 — Install Codex
Click the extension.
Then click the Install button.
VS Code will download and install the extension.
If the Codex icon does not appear after installation:
File → Restart VS Code
Step 5 — Open the Codex Panel
After installation a new icon will appear in the left sidebar.
Click the Codex icon.
This opens the Codex interface inside VS Code.
Step 6 — Sign In With ChatGPT
When the Codex panel opens you will see a Sign In button.
Click:
Sign in with ChatGPT
A browser window will open.
- Log into your ChatGPT account
- Approve the connection
- Return to VS Code
Your account is now linked.
Users with these plans typically have access:
- ChatGPT Plus
- ChatGPT Pro
- Business
- Enterprise
- Education
Step 7 — Open Your Project Folder
Click:
File
→ Open Folder
Select your project directory.
Example:
HTML-JavaScript-Gaming
Click:
Select Folder
VS Code will now load your project files.
Codex can now read your repository structure.
Step 8 — Start Using Codex
Open the Codex sidebar and try prompts like:
Explain this repository structure
Refactor this file
Generate documentation for this module
Find dead code
Add comments to this function
Codex can:
- read multiple files
- suggest edits
- generate code
- explain complex logic
Optional: Install WSL for a Better Windows Experience
Some developer tools run more smoothly in Linux environments.
WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) allows Windows to run Linux tools.
If you want to install it:
Open PowerShell as Administrator
Run:
wsl --install
Restart your computer.
Then install the WSL extension in VS Code.
This lets VS Code run inside a Linux environment while still using the normal Windows interface.
For most web projects this step is optional.
Recommended VS Code Extensions
These extensions work well alongside Codex.
Live Server
Runs your web project locally.
ESLint
Finds JavaScript errors automatically.
Prettier
Formats your code automatically.
GitLens
Improves Git history and code tracking.
Example Workflow
A typical development workflow looks like this:
Open VS Code
→ Open your project folder
→ Use Codex to generate or edit code
→ Review changes
→ Commit to GitHub
This keeps you fully in control of what gets committed.
Tips for Using Codex Effectively
Be specific in your prompts.
Instead of saying:
fix this code
Say:
refactor this function to remove duplicated logic
You will get much better results.
Also try asking Codex to:
- explain unfamiliar code
- write tests
- generate documentation
- suggest performance improvements
Final Thoughts
Installing Codex in VS Code creates a powerful development workflow.
You get:
- AI-assisted coding
- repository-wide understanding
- faster refactoring
- easier documentation
while still keeping full control over your codebase.
This setup is ideal for projects like:
- game engines
- web applications
- automation tools
- open-source repositories