Codex scheduled tasks only run after I manually open Codex and keep my Windows laptop awake and unlocked, preventing fully autonomous execution

Codex
1

Hi OpenAI team,

My recurring Codex task works correctly once Codex is open and the Windows laptop is awake and unlocked.

However, the task does not run autonomously. The laptop must remain powered on, awake, and unlocked, and I have to manually start or initialize Codex before the scheduled workflow can execute.

Is there a supported way for Codex to:

  • start automatically in the background,
  • wake with Windows,
  • run scheduled tasks without manual initialization,
  • and continue working while the laptop is locked or sleeping?

Thanks.

Saron

2

Hi @saron.touma , for what i understand, you are running Codex app (Chatgpt app now) . The app runs on local so if any schedule was created on the app (locally) it will need the app open to run.
If the laptop goes to “sleep” after x amount of time with no use, then the app, or any other app, wont run. What i suggest is:

  • either turn off the “sleep” mode of the laptop,
  • under settings → connections → “Keep this PC awake”. This option can be useful if you have connections configured. This would give you the ability to remotly control codex app and, if that option is ticked, keeps the PC awake if it has, as you do, a timer for it to go to “sleep” if inactive.

When app is open and pc is awake, scheduled tasks do not need manual initialization. Locked does not impact app execution, but you need to have the app running.

Best,
João

3

Hey Joao,

Many thanks for your reply! Just to clarify: I only put the laptop into sleep/energy-saving mode; I don’t shut it down. I have already enabled the “Awake” and “Stay Awake” settings in Windows.

I also leave the ChatGPT desktop app open, as well as WhatsApp Desktop, and the laptop remains connected to the internet.

However, today the scheduled task was once again not executed while the laptop was inactive. It only started after I actively used the laptop again and woke it up. This time, I didn’t even receive the WhatsApp notification.

So unfortunately, despite the settings mentioned above, the scheduled task still does not seem to run reliably while the laptop is in sleep/energy-saving mode.

Would it perhaps make more sense to set up the agent/task in the online ChatGPT environment instead of running it locally on my laptop? Ideally, I would also like to be able to monitor or intervene in the task from my phone if necessary, since I always have my phone with me. Would this be a more reliable setup for scheduled or automated tasks?

Kind regards,

Saron

4

Hey @saron.touma ,

Sleep mode on a computer means the CPU, harddrive, etc, stop working to save power. Its like being powered-off BUT on a light sleep that only needs you to open the lid for it to wake up. That is why, on sleep mode, nothing runs, even schedules.

This is different from power-saving mode. On this mode, if i’m not mistaken, it only reduces hardware performance to save power and it also prevents some background processes from running. Maybe (and i stress MAYBE) on energy saving mode, any background process from codex is also “limited”. You can go to APPs → Installed APPs → find chatGPT app. On the 3 dots you will see advanced settings and under background app permissions i believe chatgpt is set to power optimised (it will be limited by energy saving mode), change it to “always” so it is always able to run in the background.

5

Hi @saron.touma, and thanks @joao.martins for the helpful explanation about sleep and local tasks.

Moving the task online may be an option if it can work with uploaded files or connected tools. Scheduled tasks guide explains the web setup. If your workflow needs files or desktop apps on your laptop, the computer still needs to stay awake with the desktop app running.

One clarification about locking: tasks that use Computer Use to control Windows desktop apps need an unlocked session.

You can check progress and send instructions from your phone using the setup in Remote connections. For local tasks, the laptop still needs to remain awake and online.

If runs are also missed while those requirements are met, please contact support@openai.com with your app version and an example scheduled run time, including your timezone.

-Sandra