Open Codex Computer Use
👾 Open Computer Use – Open-Source Alternative to Codex Computer Use
What is Open Codex Computer Use?
Open Codex Computer Use is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to 👾 open computer use – open-source alternative to codex computer use
👾 Open Computer Use – Open-Source Alternative to Codex Computer Use
This server falls under the Coding Agents category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- 👾 Open Computer Use – Open-Source Alternative to Codex Compu
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
NPM
npx -y open-computer-useManual Installation
npx -y open-computer-useConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use Open Codex Computer Use
Open Codex Computer Use is an open-source, cross-platform computer use MCP server that enables AI agents to control desktop applications on macOS, Linux, and Windows through accessibility APIs rather than pixel-level screen capture. It serves as a freely available alternative to proprietary computer use services, exposing tools like `list_apps`, `get_app_state`, and `press_key` that let AI assistants enumerate running applications, read their UI state, and send keyboard inputs — all without requiring visual screen analysis.
Prerequisites
- Node.js 18+ installed on your machine
- The open-computer-use npm package installed globally
- On macOS: Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions granted to your terminal application (prompted on first run)
- An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Codex CLI
Install the open-computer-use package globally
Install the package globally with npm so the `open-computer-use` command is available system-wide.
npm install -g open-computer-useCheck system permissions (macOS)
Run the built-in doctor command to verify that Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions are granted. If not, follow the prompts to grant access in System Settings.
open-computer-use doctorInstall the MCP server into your AI client
Use the built-in install command to automatically register the server with Claude Code. Alternatively, configure it manually in claude_desktop_config.json.
# Install directly into Claude Code
open-computer-use install-claude-mcp
# Or into Codex
open-computer-use install-codex-mcpAdd manual MCP configuration (if not using install command)
Add the server block to claude_desktop_config.json for Claude Desktop.
{
"mcpServers": {
"open-computer-use": {
"command": "open-computer-use",
"args": ["mcp"]
}
}
}Verify the server works with a test call
From the command line, make a direct tool call to list running applications and confirm everything is working.
open-computer-use call list_appsOpen Codex Computer Use Examples
Client configuration
claude_desktop_config.json entry for the Open Codex Computer Use MCP server.
{
"mcpServers": {
"open-computer-use": {
"command": "open-computer-use",
"args": ["mcp"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
Prompts demonstrating computer control through the list_apps, get_app_state, and press_key tools.
- "List all currently running applications on my computer"
- "What is the current state of the TextEdit application?"
- "Press Command+C to copy the selected text"
- "Get the UI state of my browser and tell me what tabs are open"
- "Send the keyboard shortcut to open a new Finder window"Troubleshooting Open Codex Computer Use
macOS shows 'permission denied' or tools return empty results
Run `open-computer-use doctor` to check permission status. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and add your terminal application. Do the same under Screen Recording if prompted.
'open-computer-use: command not found' after npm install
The global npm bin directory may not be on your PATH. Run `npm bin -g` to find the path and add it to your shell profile (e.g., `export PATH="$(npm bin -g):$PATH"` in ~/.zshrc).
Server starts but AI client cannot connect to it
Ensure you are running the server with `args: ["mcp"]` in your config — running without arguments starts the CLI mode, not the MCP stdio server. Restart your MCP client after updating the config.
Frequently Asked Questions about Open Codex Computer Use
What is Open Codex Computer Use?
Open Codex Computer Use is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that 👾 open computer use – open-source alternative to codex computer use It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install Open Codex Computer Use?
Install via npm with the command: npx -y open-computer-use. Then add the server configuration to your AI client's JSON config file (e.g., claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json).
Which AI clients work with Open Codex Computer Use?
Open Codex Computer Use works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is Open Codex Computer Use free to use?
Yes, Open Codex Computer Use is open source and available under the MIT license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Set Up Open Codex Computer Use in Your Editor
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Quick Config Preview
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