OpenAI has introduced a new feature called Computer History in the ChatGPT macOS application. The capability converts local user activity into training-style data so the assistant can learn how a person works, suggest automations, or resume interrupted tasks.
How Computer History works
Computer History builds a timeline from user events, which both ChatGPT and Codex can reference when assisting with workflows. According to OpenAI, the feature does not capture screenshots, videos or audio; it operates solely from recorded "events." Media capture is explicitly excluded.
Tech coverage has compared the capability to Microsoft’s controversial Windows Recall tool: both aim to make it easier to find past actions, continue work, or propose automation based on previous behavior.
Privacy controls and user choice
Because the feature processes local activity, it raises privacy considerations. OpenAI has made the feature optional: it is not enabled by default and must be turned on by the user in the app settings. Users can exclude specific applications and websites so that Computer History will ignore them in all cases. Items can also be deleted manually from the device by the user.
The feature automatically ignores browser incognito/private tabs.
Availability
OpenAI is rolling out Computer History initially to subscribers. At present, access requires the paid ChatGPT Pro tier, or an eligible enterprise or education subscription.
The new feature may prompt further discussion about privacy and on-device learning, but OpenAI’s current implementation emphasizes opt-in activation and user controls.
