I previously shared Local Route Launcher, a small open-source utility for launching a compatible ChatGPT desktop app with an existing HTTP proxy, without changing system proxy or DNS settings.
It started as a macOS project. Version 1.2.0 adds a Windows x64 installer, so Windows users can use the same basic workflow.
What’s in the Windows edition?
- A per-user EXE installer with the .NET runtime included—no separate runtime or developer tools required.
- English and Simplified Chinese, with light and dark themes.
- System tray controls for launching, closing and checking the app. Closing the launcher window keeps it accessible from the tray.
- Local diagnostics for proxy reachability, launch arguments and observed TCP connections.
The macOS DMG and menu bar controls remain available. Both editions are free and MIT-licensed.
Getting started
Keep an HTTP proxy you are authorized to use running, save its host and port, then fully quit ChatGPT and reopen it through the launcher. On Windows, the launcher searches for a compatible installation; you can also select ChatGPT.exe manually.
Compatibility and testing
Targets Windows 10 22H2 / Windows 11 x64 and macOS 13+ on Apple Silicon. A detectable Electron-based ChatGPT installation is required. Older native builds, Windows ARM64 and Intel Macs are unsupported; restricted Store packages may reject direct launch.
Windows installation, uninstall and launch behavior passed automated tests using an isolated fixture. A real signed-in ChatGPT session has not been validated. Connection checks are snapshots, not proof that all traffic follows the proxy settings; voice, WebRTC and UDP may behave differently.
Windows packages are unsigned; macOS packages are ad-hoc signed and not notarized. Verify the release origin and checksums, and keep system protections enabled.
Download v1.2.0 · Source code · Website
I’d welcome Windows compatibility reports: your OS and ChatGPT versions, installation source, and sanitized error details would be useful.
— Oliver
Independent project, not affiliated with or endorsed by OpenAI. ChatGPT is a trademark of OpenAI, used only to identify compatibility. No proxy service is provided. Use authorized networks and services in accordance with applicable laws and service terms.
