OpenAI Codex release notes: /cd switches projects in the same chat

OpenAI Codex CLI can now switch project directories inside an active chat. In alpha version 0.148.0-alpha.21, use /cd <path> in the terminal UI. The conversation stays in place, while subsequent turns, tools and prompts use the new directory.

Codex CLI is OpenAI Codex's command-line tool and terminal interface for agentic coding.

OpenAI Codex release notes: how /cd works

Run /cd ../another-project while no task is active. The path must exist and point to a directory. Relative paths resolve from the current working directory. The command does not expand shell shortcuts such as ~ or environment variables, so use an absolute path when needed.

After the switch, Codex reloads project configuration, instructions, skills, plugins, keyboard mappings, file search, hooks and approval roots. /pwd shows the active working directory. You can continue the same line of reasoning without Codex carrying the previous project's local rules into the next turn.

Source: OpenAI Codex PR #38894: Add /cd slash command to change working directory.

Codex doctor checks more of the local environment

The same alpha window expands codex doctor, Codex's built-in diagnostic command. Its report checks the installation, configuration, authentication, terminal, local storage, endpoint protection and reachability of the configured model provider. The checks do not attempt repairs. --summary produces a short report, while --json produces a redacted machine-readable report.

Source: OpenAI Codex PR #38795: doctor: add endpoint security checks.

Source: OpenAI Codex PR #38827: add OS/WSL storage checks.

Source: OpenAI Codex PR #38918: test configured provider endpoint.

Availability in Codex CLI 0.148 alpha

The changes are available in npm package @openai/codex version 0.148.0-alpha.21, which was on npm's alpha tag on August 18, 2026. The stable latest tag remained on 0.147.0. Treat these commands as alpha features until they reach a stable release.

Source: OpenAI Codex 0.148.0-alpha.21 on GitHub.

Source: npm registry metadata for @openai/codex.

Short example: use the new Codex feature

Human step in the Codex terminal UI:

/cd ../another-project
/pwd

Then send this prompt to the agent:

Verify the active project context. Read the project's instructions and configuration, then report which repository, instruction files, skills, hooks and approval rules are now in scope. Do not modify files.

A good response should:

• Name the new project directory and repository.
• Cite the instructions and settings it actually found.
• Distinguish active rules from missing items.
• Confirm that it changed no files.

For a quick environment check afterward, run this as a separate human terminal step:

codex doctor --summary