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ChatGPT Computer History on Mac: Capture, Storage, and Security Risks
Computer History records interaction events from selected Mac apps and websites, keeps raw event files locally for up to 48 hours, and creates memories that remain until deleted. It is off by default, requires Memories, and is available to Pro users or to Business and Enterprise members whose administrators enable a...
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Key takeaways
- Computer History records interaction events from selected Mac apps and websites, keeps raw event files locally for up to 48 hours, and creates memories that remain until deleted.
- It is off by default, requires Memories, and is available to Pro users or to Business and Enterprise members whose administrators enable access.
- Limit included apps and sites, pause collection for sensitive work, and delete memories you no longer need; stopping collection alone does not remove existing files.
AI Prompt
openai.comCreate a landscape editorial hero image for this Studio Global article: How does OpenAI’s Computer History feature for the ChatGPT macOS app work, including what it captures, where and for how long it stores data. Article summary: Computer History is an opt-in feature in the ChatGPT macOS app that turns activity from selected apps and websites into a timeline and memories ChatGPT and Codex can use. Its main trade-off is that the resulting memory f. Topic tags: general, documentation, general web. Style: premium digital editorial illustration, source-backed research mood, clean composition, high detail, modern web publication hero. Use reference image context only for broad subject, composition, and topical grounding; do not copy the exact image. Avoid: logos, brand marks, copyrighted characters, real person likenesses, fake screenshots, UI text, readable text, watermarks, charts with fak
Computer History helps ChatGPT and Codex pick up work from activity in selected Mac apps and websites without requiring you to explain the context again. The privacy trade-off is not a permanent recording of your screen: it is a set of activity-derived memories stored on your Mac as readable files. 2
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What does Computer History capture?
The feature creates a stream of interaction events from apps and websites you allow. OpenAI’s documentation lists examples including clicks, typing, keyboard shortcuts, app switches, and context exposed through macOS accessibility features. It does not record screenshots, screen recordings, microphone input, or system audio, and OpenAI says private browsing is excluded. Interaction events can still reveal sensitive context about what you are doing. 2
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Where does the data go, and how long does it stay?
There are two kinds of files to distinguish:
- Raw interaction events stay in the ChatGPT app’s local data container for up to 48 hours before deletion. The activity is processed into summaries; locally stored raw files should not be mistaken for a guarantee that OpenAI’s systems never process the information.
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- Generated memories are plain-text files stored on the Mac. Unlike the short-lived raw events, they remain until the user deletes them and can provide ChatGPT and Codex with context for later work.
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These Computer History files are distinct from ordinary chat uploads and screenshots, which OpenAI describes under the macOS app’s broader file and chat retention policies. 8
Who can enable it?
Computer History is off by default and requires Memories. ChatGPT Pro users can opt in. For Business and Enterprise, a workspace administrator must first enable access, after which individual members can choose whether to turn it on. OpenAI’s September 2026 release notes also list availability in the EEA, Switzerland, and UK for Pro, Business, and Enterprise, subject to those plan-specific controls. 2
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Why are unencrypted memories a concern?
Computer History does not encrypt its memory files at the feature level. Security reporting notes that another program running under the same macOS user account may be able to read them without administrator privileges. That makes the files a potential target for an infostealer that has already compromised the account: the attacker could obtain a lasting summary of work and activity, even after the raw event files have expired. This is an additional exposure after compromise, not evidence that turning on Computer History installs malware. 18
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There is a separate prompt-injection risk. Content from an allowed page or app may include instructions intended for an AI assistant rather than for the reader. If that content enters a memory and is later used as context, ChatGPT or Codex could mistake it for a direction to follow. OpenAI describes prompt injection as a security challenge and recommends limiting an agent’s access to sensitive data and credentials. 17
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How to reduce the risks
If you do not need activity-based context, leave Computer History off. Otherwise, include only the apps and websites you need, pause collection during sensitive work, and regularly inspect and delete history you no longer want. Turning collection off addresses future capture; check existing memories separately. 4
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Treat remembered material from websites and apps as untrusted context before allowing an assistant to run commands, use credentials, or send information to an external service. Limit an agent’s permissions to the task at hand. These precautions reduce potential exposure, but they do not make readable local memory files safe from malware already operating as your macOS user. 16
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What is the short answer to "ChatGPT Computer History on Mac: Capture, Storage, and Security Risks"?
Computer History records interaction events from selected Mac apps and websites, keeps raw event files locally for up to 48 hours, and creates memories that remain until deleted.
What are the key points to validate first?
Computer History records interaction events from selected Mac apps and websites, keeps raw event files locally for up to 48 hours, and creates memories that remain until deleted. It is off by default, requires Memories, and is available to Pro users or to Business and Enterprise members whose administrators enable access.
What should I do next in practice?
Limit included apps and sites, pause collection for sensitive work, and delete memories you no longer need; stopping collection alone does not remove existing files.