Give ChatGPT access to your own computer
Ask ChatGPT on your phone or browser to sort files, edit files and run commands, and the work happens on your computer.
Get started freeSee it in action
- Shellway sends the request to your computer.
- Your computer does the work and reports what changed.
- ChatGPT shows you the result in the chat.
What ChatGPT can do with Shellway
Files and folders
Read, search (by name or by text), edit part of a file, move and organise files on your computer, including batch jobs.
Terminal and programs
Run git, npm, Python and other commands on your real machine, not a cloud sandbox. Start a dev server or another program that keeps running, check on it and stop it.
Text and data
Read text, CSV, Markdown and code files and write new reports as files. For Excel, Word or PDF files your AI can use programs already installed on your computer.
From any device
Ask from your phone while your computer at home does the work.
Set up ChatGPT
First install the Shellway app on your computer and pair it from your dashboard. Then:
Turn on Developer mode
In ChatGPT, open Settings, then Apps & Connectors, then Advanced settings, and switch on Developer mode. It is available on ChatGPT plans that include it.
Create the Shellway connector
Menu names change from time to time, so look for the option to add a custom connector. Choose Create, name it Shellway, paste
https://mcp.getshellway.com/mcpas the server URL and choose OAuth for authentication.Sign in
ChatGPT opens a Shellway window. Sign in with Google and allow access.
Use it in a chat
In a new chat, open the + menu, pick Developer mode and switch on Shellway. Then ask for what you need.
Questions
Does my computer need to be on?
Yes. ChatGPT can reach your computer only while it is on and the Shellway app is running.
Can ChatGPT delete my files?
Yes, if you ask it to, because it works with your real files. To prevent changes, start the Shellway app with --readonly: your AI can then read, search and list files but cannot write, edit, move or create anything, run commands or start programs.
Does it work on Windows and Mac?
The Shellway app needs Node.js 22 or newer and runs on Linux, macOS and Windows. Linux is the most tested, so tell us if you hit a problem elsewhere.
Does it work from my phone?
Yes. Anywhere ChatGPT runs with your account, it can reach your paired computer.