codex-windows-fast-patch-skill

# Codex Windows Fast Patch Skill > Skill by [ara.so](https://ara.so) — Codex Skills collection. This skill guides AI agents to restore local patches and feature toggles in Codex Desktop on Windows after upgrades invalidate them. It handles Fast Mode, Computer Use, plugins, browser control, locale settings, and feature gates. ## What This Project Does `codex-windows-fast-patch-skill` provides PowerShell workflows and scripts to: - Re-apply Windows MSIX patches after Codex Desktop upgrades - Restore Fast Mode (`service_tier=priority`) in both request paths and settings UI - Keep locale/i18n enabled to prevent language resets - Register and repair local plugin marketplace configurations - Unlock in-app browser, browser pane, and Chrome/browser_use disabled by feature gates - Refresh Windows Computer Use compatibility files - Unlock "Any App" / "任意应用" in Computer Control when region/org-gated - Fix Codex mobile/connection page remote control settings stuck on login - Auto-backup `config.toml` before overwrites - Auto-update skill from GitHub before each use **Platform:** Windows only. Relies on MSIX package structure, PowerShell, `Get-AppxPackage`, `makeappx.exe`, `signtool.exe`, Windows environment variables, and Windows Computer Use helper paths. ## Installation Clone the repository and copy skill files to Codex: ```powershell $source = (Get-Location).ProviderPath if (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath (Join-Path $source 'SKILL.md'))) { throw 'Run this command in codex-windows-fast-patch-skill repository root.' } $dest = Join-Path $env:USERPROFILE '.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch' New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $dest | Out-Null Copy-Item -Force -LiteralPath (Join-Path $source 'SKILL.md') -Destination $dest Copy-Item -Recurse -Force -LiteralPath (Join-Path $source 'agents') -Destination $dest Copy-Item -Recurse -Force -LiteralPath (Join-Path $source 'scripts') -Destination $dest Copy-Item -Recurse -Force -LiteralPath (Join-Path $source 'references') -Destination $dest ``` Restart Codex Desktop to reload skill metadata. ## Key Scripts and Commands ### 1. Complete Repatch Workflow Re-applies all patches (Fast Mode, locale, browser gates, marketplace, Computer Use): ```powershell powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\repatch-codex-windows.ps1" ``` **Parameters:** - `-RegisterMarketplaceOnly`: Only fix marketplace config without MSIX patching - `-SkipMarketplace`: Skip marketplace registration - `-SkipComputerUse`: Skip Computer Use file refresh ### 2. Marketplace-Only Repair Fix plugin marketplace without touching MSIX: ```powershell powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\repatch-codex-windows.ps1" -RegisterMarketplaceOnly ``` ### 3. Computer Use Helper Installation Install or verify Computer Use compatibility files: ```powershell # Install/repair powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\install-computer-use-local.ps1" # Verify only (no changes) powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\install-computer-use-local.ps1" -VerifyOnly ``` ### 4. MSIX/ASAR Patching Core patching logic for Fast Mode, locale, and browser gates: ```powershell powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\patch_codex_fast_mode_windows_msix.ps1" ``` This script: 1. Locates Codex MSIX package via `Get-AppxPackage` 2. Extracts MSIX to temp directory 3. Unpacks `resources/app.asar` using `npx asar` 4. Patches JavaScript files for Fast Mode UI, request paths, locale, and browser gates 5. Repacks ASAR, updates MSIX manifest version 6. Creates new MSIX package with `makeappx.exe` 7. Signs with development certificate via `signtool.exe` 8. Uninstalls old package, installs patched version ### 5. Backup Management Create backup of Codex config, skills, MCP, and marketplaces: ```powershell powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\manage-codex-backups.ps1" -Action Backup ``` List existing backups: ```powershell powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\manage-codex-backups.ps1" -Action List ``` Restore from backup: ```powershell powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\manage-codex-backups.ps1" -Action Restore -BackupPath "C:\path\to\backup.zip" ``` **Backup options:** - `-IncludeDependencyDirs`: Include `node_modules`, etc. (may be large) - `-IncludePluginCache`: Include plugin cache directories - `-IncludeTmpBundledMarketplaces`: Include `.tmp\bundled-marketplaces` ### 6. Skill Auto-Update Update skill from GitHub before use (called automatically by workflow): ```powershell powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\update-skill-from-github.ps1" ``` ## Configuration ### Config.toml Backup Before modifying `~/.codex/config.toml`, scripts automatically create timestamped backup in `~/.codex/backups/config/`. ### Marketplace Configuration Local plugin marketplace registered in `config.toml`: ```toml [plugin_marketplaces] local = "file://C:/Users/YourUser/.codex/.agents/plugins" ``` Marketplace manifest structure: ``` ~/.codex/.agents/plugins/ ├── marketplace.json # Required root manifest └── manifests/ ├── plugin1.json └── plugin2.json ``` ### Computer Use Paths Windows Computer Use helper paths in environment variables: ```powershell $env:COMPUTER_USE_HELPER_PATH = "C:\path\to\computer-use-helper.exe" ``` Or in Codex config: ```toml [computer_use] helper_path = "C:\\path\\to\\computer-use-helper.exe" ``` ## Usage Patterns ### Pattern 1: Quick Computer Use Fix User reports: "Computer Use shows missing-helper-path error" Agent should: ```powershell # Verify current state powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\install-computer-use-local.ps1" -VerifyOnly # If verification fails, install/repair powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\install-computer-use-local.ps1" ``` Restart Codex Desktop after fix. ### Pattern 2: Marketplace Corruption User reports: "`codex plugin list` throws marketplace manifest error" Agent should: ```powershell # Repair marketplace only (safe to run in current Codex session) powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\repatch-codex-windows.ps1" -RegisterMarketplaceOnly ``` Check if `~/.codex/.agents/plugins/marketplace.json` exists and is valid JSON. ### Pattern 3: Fast Mode Not Working User reports: "Fast Mode toggle missing or requests don't include service_tier=priority" Agent should use **external agent or PowerShell session** (not current Codex Desktop): ```powershell # Run full repatch (will stop and reinstall Codex) powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\repatch-codex-windows.ps1" ``` After patching, verify in Codex Desktop: 1. Check Fast Mode toggle appears in settings 2. Capture network request to `/v1/responses` and confirm `service_tier=priority` parameter ### Pattern 4: Language Reset to English User reports: "Codex resets to English after restart despite language setting" Agent should: ```powershell # Repatch includes locale/i18n fix powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\repatch-codex-windows.ps1" ``` Patch log should show: `locale i18n patch result: patched` or `already-patched` ### Pattern 5: Browser Control Disabled User reports: "Chrome browser_use grayed out or browser pane missing" Agent should: ```powershell # Repatch includes browser gate unlocking powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\repatch-codex-windows.ps1" ``` After restart, check Codex Desktop logs for: ``` browser_use_availability_resolved: available=true, reason=local-patched ``` Verify Chrome plugin: ```powershell codex plugin list # Should show: chrome@openai-bundled - installed, enabled ``` Check native messaging host manifest exists at path referenced in registry or manifest file. ### Pattern 6: Pre-Upgrade Backup Before major Codex upgrade: ```powershell # Create full backup including dependencies powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\manage-codex-backups.ps1" -Action Backup -IncludeDependencyDirs ``` After upgrade issues, restore: ```powershell # List backups to find pre-upgrade timestamp powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\manage-codex-backups.ps1" -Action List # Restore powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\manage-codex-backups.ps1" -Action Restore -BackupPath "C:\path\to\codex-backup-20260520-143022.zip" ``` ## Verification Examples ### Verify Fast Mode Patch After patching, capture network traffic in Codex Desktop: ```javascript // In browser DevTools or network capture // Look for POST to /v1/responses or similar // Request body should contain: { "service_tier": "priority", // ... other params } ``` Or check patch log output: ``` fast-mode UI patch result: patched fast-mode request patch result: patched cable-verification: service_tier=priority detected in request ``` ### Verify Computer Use ```powershell # Check helper path in environment $env:COMPUTER_USE_HELPER_PATH # Or check Codex logs for # computer_use_helper_path_resolved: C:\path\to\helper.exe # Verify file exists Test-Path $env:COMPUTER_USE_HELPER_PATH ``` ### Verify Browser Control ```powershell # Check plugin codex plugin list | Select-String "chrome" # Expected: chrome@openai-bundled - installed, enabled # Check native messaging host manifest # Windows: Check registry key or manifest file referenced by Codex # Should point to existing chrome-native-host.json ``` Real smoke test: ```javascript // In Codex Desktop, trigger browser control // Should successfully read tab title like "Example Domain" ``` ### Verify Marketplace ```powershell # Check marketplace.json exists Test-Path "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\.agents\plugins\marketplace.json" # List plugins codex plugin list # Check config.toml Get-Content "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\config.toml" | Select-String "plugin_marketplaces" # Should show: [plugin_marketplaces] # local = "file://C:/Users/..." ``` ## Troubleshooting ### Issue: "makeappx.exe not found" Install Windows SDK or locate makeappx: ```powershell # Search Windows SDK paths Get-ChildItem -Recurse -Path "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits" -Filter "makeappx.exe" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue # Add to PATH or update script with full path ``` ### Issue: "Certificate not trusted" Create and trust development certificate: ```powershell # Create certificate $cert = New-SelfSignedCertificate -Type CodeSigningCert -Subject "CN=Codex Dev" -CertStoreLocation "Cert:\CurrentUser\My" # Export and import to Trusted Root Export-Certificate -Cert $cert -FilePath "codex-dev.cer" Import-Certificate -FilePath "codex-dev.cer" -CertStoreLocation "Cert:\LocalMachine\Root" ``` ### Issue: "ASAR unpack failed" Ensure `npx` and `asar` package available: ```powershell # Check Node.js installed node --version # Check asar npx asar --version # If missing, install npm install -g asar ``` ### Issue: "Codex won't start after patch" Restore from backup: ```powershell # Find backup powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch\scripts\manage-codex-backups.ps1" -Action List # Restore config only $backupPath = "C:\path\to\backup.zip" Expand-Archive -Path $backupPath -DestinationPath "$env:TEMP\codex-restore" Copy-Item "$env:TEMP\codex-restore\config.toml" -Destination "$env:USERPROFILE\.codex\config.toml" ``` Or reinstall original Codex MSIX from Windows Store. ### Issue: "Fast Mode still not working after patch" 1. Verify patch log shows `patched` not `already-patched` (confirms changes were made) 2. Completely restart Codex Desktop (kill all processes) 3. If using CPA upstream, ensure CPA override rule forces `service_tier=priority` for Codex model 4. Capture network request and verify `service_tier=priority` in request body 5. Check Codex subscription status (Fast Mode requires valid subscription) ### Issue: "Skill updates fail from GitHub" Skill auto-updates require network access to `https://github.com`. If behind firewall or VPN: ```powershell # Manually update skill cd $env:USERPROFILE\.codex\skills\codex-windows-fast-patch git pull origin main # Or re-run installation steps from fresh clone ``` Auto-update failures won't block skill usage; agent will continue with current local version. ## CPA Upstream Configuration If Codex uses CPA as upstream proxy, local `service_tier=priority` patch alone is insufficient. Configure CPA override rule: - **Model**: The model name handling Codex requests (e.g., `gpt-4-0125-preview`) - **Parameter**: `service_tier` - **Type**: String - **Value**: `priority` This ensures upstream processes requests via Fast/Priority path. ## When to Use This Skill ### Safe for Current Codex Session - Computer Use helper missing or invalid path - Plugin marketplace config corrupted - Marketplace manifest structure broken - Verifying patch status without changes