OpenAI patches ChatGPT desktop after user backlash over redesign

Backlash prompts quick fix

OpenAI has released a patch for its ChatGPT desktop application after a wave of user complaints about a recent redesign. Many users reported that the overhaul made the interface harder to navigate and removed features they relied on for daily work.

The company acknowledged the feedback on social media and in support forums. Within days, it pushed an update that restores some of the original layout options and brings back keyboard shortcuts that had been dropped.

According to early user reports, the patch also improves how the app handles long conversations and file uploads. Some users, however, note that not all requested changes have been fully addressed.

What the redesign changed

The earlier redesign, rolled out earlier this month, consolidated menus and moved frequently used buttons to new locations. Users complained that the changes broke their workflow and made the desktop version feel less intuitive than the web interface.

Power users, including developers and writers, said the redesign removed quick-access buttons for code snippets and formatting tools. Others pointed to a slower response time when switching between chat threads.

OpenAI has not disclosed how many users lodged complaints. But the company's support page shows a spike in related tickets during the first week after the redesign went live.

Enter ChatGPT Work

Separately, OpenAI is testing a new mode called 'ChatGPT Work' aimed squarely at office goers and small business owners. Early adopters report that the mode can handle up to 95% of tasks that typically require hiring or coding skills.

The feature, still in beta, automates repetitive workflows like drafting emails, generating reports, and managing schedules. It also integrates with popular office tools such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.

Analysts say this move positions ChatGPT as a serious productivity tool rather than just a chatbot. The company appears to be targeting freelancers and solopreneurs who want to reduce operational overhead.

Skills feature saves time

In a related development, Forbes recently tested ChatGPT's 'Skills' feature and reported that it saved hours of boring, repetitive work. The feature lets users teach the AI specific tasks, such as formatting data or summarising long documents, and then run them on command.

Unlike custom GPTs, Skills are designed to be lightweight and reusable across different conversations. Users can share them with teams, making it easier to standardise workflows without writing code.

Early feedback suggests Skills could be a hit with administrative staff and project managers. But some users caution that the feature still struggles with complex, multi-step instructions.

OpenAI is expected to roll out Skills more broadly in the coming weeks. The company has not announced a timeline for the full release of ChatGPT Work.