ChatGPT Desktop Adds Computer History Feature to Track User Actions

OpenAI has added a new “Computer History” feature to its ChatGPT desktop app for macOS, designed to turn users’ everyday actions into training data that can inform future interactions. The system records a timeline of activities—such as document edits, code writing, and web browsing—that ChatGPT and its Codex engine can reference when a user makes a request. According to Ari Weinstein, Product and Engineering Manager at OpenAI, the feature is opt‑in, allowing users to exclude specific apps or websites and delete individual entries for finer control.

The feature is intended to help the model learn how a user works, suggest automations, and pick up tasks that were left incomplete. It automatically ignores content accessed in incognito or private browsing modes, and it can be turned off entirely. By building a contextual history, ChatGPT can provide more personalized and efficient responses, potentially reducing the time users spend repeating information or re‑explaining context.

OpenAI’s announcement, shared on X, highlights the company’s ongoing effort to improve user experience through context-aware AI. While the feature promises greater productivity, it also raises questions about data privacy and user consent, prompting users to review the new settings and manage their activity logs as needed.