ChatGPT can now keep tabs on what you’re up to in case you need reminding later

OpenAI recently gave upgrades to its GPT-5.6 models, improving accuracy and reasoning adaptability, while also reducing unnecessary information. On the heels of that rollout, the company is also rolling out an update for ChatGPT. This update will introduce a new feature for the chatbot.

The new feature coming to ChatGPT is called “Computer History.” As OpenAI explains, Computer History is an optional feature that’s designed to learn from what you’re already doing. It does this by recording your activity across websites and apps, turning that data into memories and a timeline that the chatbot can recall.

For example, you could ask something like “What was I debugging yesterday,” and the chatbot will provide the information to remind you. According to OpenAI, this feature will also allow ChatGPT to recognize patterns in how you work so it can recommend skills and automations you may be interested in.

Is this just Windows Recall by another name?

Based on the description, the feature honestly sounds a lot like Microsoft’s controversial Windows Recall tool. If you remember, when Recall was announced, it received heavy push back. Subsequently, the feature was delayed to address security issues. However, there are some important distinctions between the two.

One of the biggest differences is that Computer History is an opt-in feature, where Windows Recall was initially announced as an on by default feature. Recall continuously takes screenshots of what you’re doing, while OpenAI says its feature only records interaction events using operating-system activity and accessibility data and does not capture your screen or audio. Additionally, you’ll be able to choose which apps and websites can contribute to interaction events.

That’s not to say that Computer History doesn’t come with risks. OpenAI’s announcement does have a disclaimer that warns that the feature can contain sensitive information. This information isn’t encrypted by Computer History and other programs on your computer could potentially access that data.

Availability

If you feel comfortable giving AI that much access to what you’re doing on you’re computer, then you might want to give this a try. Computer History will be available for desktop Mac users on ChatGPT Pro, Business, and Enterprise. It won’t be available in all regions, however. The markets that are excluded include the UK, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area (EEA). The new feature is replacing the Chronicle research preview, says OpenAI.