codex - 💡(How to fix) Fix Codex Desktop: configurable default root for new project ideas and fast iterations

What variant of Codex are you using?

Codex Desktop App

What feature would you like to see?

Please add a supported setting for the default root folder used when Codex creates new local projects / projectless workspaces.

This is important for fast iterations and new ideas. When trying quick prototypes, scratch apps, or multiple exploratory projects, Codex should create files inside the user's normal development directory instead of a hardcoded/default location. Right now each new idea adds friction: files land outside the expected project tree, cleanup is harder, and the workflow becomes slower than it needs to be.

Desired behavior:

• Codex Desktop setting for default root folder for new generated/projectless projects.
• Documented config.toml key if UI setting is not desired.
• New projects/workspaces created under that root by default.

Example:

[desktop]
projects_root = "/Users/<user>/Documents/software"

or another documented supported key.

Current behavior / workaround attempts

I tried adding this manually:

[desktop]
projects_root = "/Users/<user>/Documents/software"

It appears to be ignored, and the official config reference does not document a supported key for this. Opening/creating a project once from the desired parent folder also does not reliably change the default.

Why this matters

Codex is very useful for rapid experiments, small app ideas, and quick local prototypes. Configurable project root would remove repeated manual folder selection and keep all generated projects where developers already organize their code.

Related: #22875 and #19909.