ChatGPT and Codex introduce Computer History for cross-app work context on Mac

OpenAI is rolling out Computer History in the macOS ChatGPT desktop app. When enabled by the user, it turns activity across apps and websites into memories and a timeline that ChatGPT and Codex can use to find recent work, recap activity, and suggest skills or automations.

Published 9/4/2026, 2:39:01 PMLast updated 9/4/2026, 2:39:01 PMAutomated review publication

Computer History is being introduced for Pro, Business, and Enterprise users on macOS. Users can choose which apps and websites contribute data, pause collection from the menu bar, and inspect or delete their history. OpenAI says the feature does not include screenshots in the history and does not record microphone input or system audio.

With the feature enabled, ChatGPT and Codex can use recent cross-app context to answer questions such as which Google Doc the user last viewed. They can also help follow up on related tasks, such as checking whether a document was shared in an earlier group conversation. Repeated activity patterns may trigger suggestions to turn workflows into skills or automations.

The interaction stream is temporarily stored on the Mac. Although the system is centered on events such as clicks, typing, and app activity, the official documentation says it may also include text and other context available through macOS accessibility features. Availability is being expanded gradually, with the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom listed as coming soon in the cited announcement.

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Computer Historylearn.chatgpt.com · supporting

Computer History turns your activity across apps and websites into memories and a timeline that ChatGPT and Codex can reference. You can ask natural questions about recent work, pick up where you left off, understand patterns in how you work, and turn repeated workflows into skills or automations. Your history starts only after you choose to turn it on. You control which apps and websites contribute, can see and pause collection from the macOS menu bar, and can inspect or delete your history at any time. [...] ## Privacy and local storage Computer History stores the interaction-event stream temporarily on your Mac so ChatGPT and Codex can generate memories and build suggested workflows. The stream can include activity such as clicks and typing, along with text and other context available through macOS accessibility features. Computer History does not include screenshots in your history or record microphone input or system audio. Private-mode web browsing activity is never included.