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Connect ChatGPT desktop

Use the Codex agent in ChatGPT desktop with models, MCP tools, and skills through Unity Gateway. ChatGPT subscriptions aren't supported through Unity Gateway.

Prerequisites​

You need your Databricks workspace URL, access to the models and tools you want to use, and the latest version of ChatGPT desktop.

If your admin has already configured your device, follow your organization's launch instructions.

Install ug, then run this command in an interactive terminal:

Bash
ug configure --agents codex

Select your workspace and sign in. This command configures both the Codex CLI and the installed ChatGPT desktop work agent for the same workspace. If prompted, approve the system configuration update with your device password. ug configures the Unity Gateway connection and OAuth token refresh.

On Windows, run the command from an elevated terminal. ChatGPT desktop on Windows requires Codex 0.156.0 or later to apply the configuration.

Open or restart ChatGPT desktop, then start a Codex conversation. Use the model picker to change models.

Add MCP tools and skills​

Use ug to add the MCP servers and skills available through your workspace:

Bash
ug mcp add --agents codex
ug skills add

Open or restart ChatGPT desktop after configuration. Enter /mcp to check MCP connections. Skills are available from ~/.agents/skills/.

For manual model, MCP, and skill configuration, see Connect Codex. Those settings apply to both the Codex CLI and ChatGPT desktop.

Limitations​

This setup configures both the Codex CLI and ChatGPT desktop. The configuration applies to all conversations in both, and their inference routes through Unity Gateway.

ChatGPT desktop supports open models through Unity Gateway. Smart Routing isn't supported in ChatGPT desktop.

Troubleshooting​

  • ChatGPT desktop asks for OpenAI sign-in: Rerun ug configure --agents codex interactively and complete the system configuration update. On Windows, run it from an elevated terminal. The CLI profile alone doesn't configure ChatGPT desktop. For manual setup, check that model_provider is at the top level and requires_openai_auth = false is in the provider table. Don't add that flag to a provider that uses an auth table for OAuth token refresh.

  • A model is missing: Check your model permissions. Set model to its full Unity Catalog name in the active configuration and start a new conversation.

  • An MCP or skill connection fails: Check the URL, permissions, and connector error. For manual connections, also check token expiration. For ug setup problems, run ug doctor.

  • Workspace sign-in works, but a tool asks you to log in: Open the login link returned by the MCP, sign in to the external provider, then retry the call. Workspace and provider sign-in are separate steps.

Next steps​

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