Reported by @eternal ibex
Bug Report: Codex Desktop Chrome plugin on Windows becomes half-installed and cannot expose Chrome backend
`Steps to Reproduce`
- On Windows, install/enable the Codex Chrome plugin.
- Install the Codex Chrome Extension in Chrome.
- Restart Chrome and Codex Desktop.
- Try to use Chrome backend / claim a logged-in Chrome tab.
- If it fails, reinstall the plugin or extension.
- Check native host + bundled plugin state.
`Expected Result`
Codex should detect the installed/enabled Codex Chrome Extension and expose a Chrome browser backend.
agent.browsers.list() should include a Chrome/extension backend, and agent.browsers.get("extension") should allow Codex to list and claim logged-in Chrome tabs.
`Actual Result`
Codex only exposes the in-app browser.
Error:
Browser is not available: extension
Observed:
- Native host manifest existed, but HKCU NativeMessagingHosts key was missing.
- After registry fix, Chrome launched extension-host.exe, but Codex still did not expose Chrome.
- openai-bundled marketplace became incomplete, making Chrome disappear from Add/plugin menu.
`Environment`
Windows, Codex Desktop, Google Chrome 136.0.7103.114 Codex Chrome Extension ID: hehggadaopoacecdllhhajmbjkdcmajg Native host name: com.openai.codexextension Chrome extension version observed: 1.1.4 Chrome profile: Default Observed May 11-12, 2026