ChatGPT gets new Computer History feature: What it is, how it works

ChatGPT's new Computer History feature can remember your activity across apps and websites on Mac. Here's how it works and what it means for users.ChatGPT gets a new Computer History feature on Mac.OpenAI is bringing something new to ChatGPT, a way to remember what you do on your computer. The company named it the Computer History feature for the ChatGPT desktop app on Mac, which can keep track of your activity across selected apps and websites.The idea is pretty simple: instead of having to explain to ChatGPT what you were doing earlier, the AI can look back at your computer activity and use that context in future conversations. OpenAI announced the feature on X, saying, “ChatGPT can now remember your activity across the apps and websites on your computer.”The feature is off by default, so users have to turn it on themselves. You can also choose which apps and websites can contribute to your Computer History, pause the collection, and review or delete your history whenever you want.What is ChatGPT Computer History and how does it work?Think of Computer History as a searchable diary of what you have been doing on your Mac, except ChatGPT can actually use that diary to make its answers more useful. For example, if you take a break from work and later ask ChatGPT what you were doing before the break, it can use your Computer History to help answer. You could also ask it to find a document you recently viewed or give you a summary of your day's work.The feature replaces OpenAI's earlier Chronicle research preview, but it works differently. Chronicle relied on screenshots to understand what was happening on your screen. Computer History instead uses activity data exposed through macOS accessibility features, including things such as clicks, typing, keyboard shortcuts and switching between apps. OpenAI says the feature can also help ChatGPT spot repetitive tasks. So, if you keep doing the same workflow again and again, ChatGPT may suggest turning it into a skill or automation.Who can use Computer History?Computer History is currently available to ChatGPT Pro, Business and Enterprise users on the Mac desktop app. For Business and Enterprise accounts, an administrator needs to enable access before individual users can turn the feature on.There are also some regional limitations. The feature is initially unavailable in the European Economic Area, Switzerland and the UK.For users who do have access, the important part is that Computer History remains optional. You decide whether to turn it on, which apps and websites can contribute to the history, and when to pause or delete the collected activity.- EndsPublished On: Aug 14, 2026 11:37 IST