chatgpt-cli is a tool that lets you control the ChatGPT Desktop App on macOS using easy commands. It acts as a bridge between your ChatGPT subscription and different MCP clients like Claude and OpenCode. Using accessibility features, it automates tasks so you can program your AI backend without extra setup.
This tool is primarily for macOS but this guide shows you how to get started on Windows if you use macOS applications inside Windows or virtual machines. It is designed for users who do not write code but want to automate ChatGPT functions through a command line or server interface.
Before downloading, make sure your system matches these requirements:
- Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
- Internet connection for downloading files and running ChatGPT Desktop App
- Basic familiarity with downloading and running software on Windows
- Access to a macOS environment if you plan to connect to the macOS app remotely (such as a Mac or virtual machine)
- At least 4 GB of free disk space
- Administrative rights to install software
- Control ChatGPT Desktop App on macOS via commands
- Works with other MCP clients like Claude and OpenCode
- Uses accessibility to automate ChatGPT tasks
- Runs as a lightweight server or command line tool
- No coding skills needed to use basic controls
- Automate your ChatGPT experience without complex setup
- Connect multiple AI clients to your existing ChatGPT subscription
- Run your own AI backend on macOS remotely
- Use your AI tools with simple commands
Follow these steps to download and begin using chatgpt-cli on your Windows PC.
Visit the releases page by clicking the big download button below. This page lists all available versions.
On the releases page:
- Look for the latest version at the top.
- Download the
.zipor.exefile suitable for Windows if provided. - If no Windows files are listed, you may need to use a macOS system or virtual machine to run chatgpt-cli directly.
If you downloaded a .zip file:
- Right-click the file.
- Choose "Extract All".
- Select a folder to extract the files and click "Extract".
If you downloaded an .exe installer:
- Double-click the installer file.
- Follow the instructions on screen to complete installation.
Locate the program folder or Start Menu shortcut:
- Double-click the main executable to launch chatgpt-cli.
- If it opens a command window, this is normal.
chatgpt-cli works by accessing the ChatGPT Desktop App on macOS. Here are ways to connect:
- Use a Mac on the same network with the desktop app installed.
- Connect via remote desktop or virtualization solutions.
- Ensure your macOS environment is set up to allow accessibility access for chatgpt-cli.
Once connected, you can enter commands like:
chatgpt-cli ask "Your question"— sends a prompt to ChatGPT.chatgpt-cli start server— runs chatgpt-cli as a server for MCP clients.chatgpt-cli help— lists available commands.
No programming is needed, just type your commands and press Enter.
chatgpt-cli communicates with the ChatGPT Desktop App using macOS accessibility automation features. This allows it to simulate user actions and capture responses without needing official APIs or credentials beyond your normal subscription.
Commands you send are translated into accessibility actions–clicks, typing, reading screen output–and returned as text for your scripts or MCP clients.
This method gives flexible AI control while remaining easy to use.
Make sure the ChatGPT Desktop App and chatgpt-cli have permissions:
- Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Accessibility.
- Add the ChatGPT Desktop App and chatgpt-cli to the list.
- Restart apps if needed.
If you run chatgpt-cli server on macOS but want to connect from Windows:
- Ensure the server port is open in firewall settings.
- Use your Mac’s IP address to connect.
- Confirm your network supports local traffic between machines.
- Check if your antivirus or firewall blocks it.
- Make sure you extracted all files if using a zip.
- Verify you are running it on a supported macOS or Windows environment.
- Confirm chatgpt-cli has accessibility permissions on macOS.
- Make sure ChatGPT Desktop App is running and logged in.
- Check network connections if using remote setup.
- Check your internet connection.
- Try using a different browser.
- Verify you have enough disk space.
- Visit the project GitHub page for more information.
- Check the issues tab for common problems and fixes.
- Explore MCP client documentation for connecting chatgpt-cli as backend.
chatgpt-cli does not collect or transmit your data beyond controlling your local ChatGPT Desktop App. All actions happen on your machine or trusted network devices. Your OpenAI subscription data stays private through the official app.
Once installed, try simple commands to see responses from ChatGPT. You can then expand by connecting with MCP clients or building automation workflows using chatgpt-cli as your AI backend.
Access the latest release here: