Does Computer History take screenshots of my Mac?

Computer History does not take screenshots. OpenAI's documentation says it captures no screenshots, screen recordings, microphone input or system audio, and that private browsing is excluded. It records interaction events only — clicks, typing, keyboard shortcuts and app switches — and only from the apps and websites you choose to allow.

Which plans and regions can use Computer History?

Computer History runs only in the ChatGPT desktop app on macOS, on the Pro, Business and Enterprise plans. Business and Enterprise admins must grant access before members can opt in. OpenAI says it is not currently available in the European Economic Area, Switzerland or the United Kingdom, and it does not work through an API key or Amazon Bedrock.

How is Computer History different from Chronicle?

Chronicle was OpenAI's earlier research preview and worked by capturing screenshots. Computer History replaces it with a system that reads interaction events through macOS accessibility features instead, as 9to5Mac reported. OpenAI describes Computer History as a rebuilt system rather than a renamed version of Chronicle.

Is Computer History data used to train OpenAI models?

Computer History event files are sent to OpenAI's servers to generate memories, and OpenAI says it does not keep those files after processing unless required by law. The data is not used for model training unless your own data controls permit it. The resulting memory files stay on your Mac until you delete them.

What are the risks of turning Computer History on?

OpenAI warns that Computer History files can hold sensitive information, are not encrypted, and may be readable by other programs running as your macOS user. OpenAI also says the feature raises the risk of prompt injection from content in apps and websites, and advises switching it off during conversations with people who have not agreed to it.

OpenAI · 2026-08-13 · major

Computer History — ChatGPT builds a memory from your Mac activity

Computer History is an opt-in ChatGPT feature for macOS. It turns clicks, typing and app switches into memories that ChatGPT and Codex can use. It records interaction events, not screenshots, and is off by default.

OpenAI documentation card for the ChatGPT Computer History feature

ChatGPT for Mac can now build memories from what you do in your apps, using interaction events instead of screenshots.

Quick facts

Maker	OpenAI
Platform	ChatGPT desktop app for macOS
Plans	Pro, Business, Enterprise
Default	Off — opt-in
What it records	Clicks, typing, shortcuts, app switches
Local event retention	Up to 48 hours
Not available in	EEA, Switzerland, UK

What is it?

Computer History turns recent activity across allowed apps and websites into memories and a searchable timeline that ChatGPT and Codex can read. OpenAI shipped it in the ChatGPT desktop app for macOS on August 13, 2026, switched off by default. Pro users can turn it on themselves, while Business and Enterprise members need an admin to grant access first.

How does it work?

An interaction-event stream is built from the apps and websites you allow — clicks, typing, keyboard shortcuts and app switches — with no screenshots, screen recordings, microphone input or system audio. OpenAI periodically starts a short-lived Codex session that summarizes those events into plain-text memory files, stored on the Mac under ~/.codex/memories/extensions/skysight/. Temporary event files stay on the machine for up to 48 hours before they are processed and removed.

Why does it matter?

Work spreads across many apps, and Computer History lets ChatGPT pick up a half-finished task without being told the whole story again. It can also spot steps you repeat and suggest turning them into skills or automations. The trade-off is exposure: OpenAI's own warnings say the local files are not encrypted, that other programs running as your macOS user may be able to read them, and that the feature raises the risk of prompt injection from content in the apps and sites you allow.

Who is it for?

Mac users on ChatGPT Pro, Business or Enterprise

Frequently asked questions

Does Computer History take screenshots of my Mac?: Computer History does not take screenshots. OpenAI's documentation says it captures no screenshots, screen recordings, microphone input or system audio, and that private browsing is excluded. It records interaction events only — clicks, typing, keyboard shortcuts and app switches — and only from the apps and websites you choose to allow.
Which plans and regions can use Computer History?: Computer History runs only in the ChatGPT desktop app on macOS, on the Pro, Business and Enterprise plans. Business and Enterprise admins must grant access before members can opt in. OpenAI says it is not currently available in the European Economic Area, Switzerland or the United Kingdom, and it does not work through an API key or Amazon Bedrock.
How is Computer History different from Chronicle?: Chronicle was OpenAI's earlier research preview and worked by capturing screenshots. Computer History replaces it with a system that reads interaction events through macOS accessibility features instead, as 9to5Mac reported. OpenAI describes Computer History as a rebuilt system rather than a renamed version of Chronicle.
Is Computer History data used to train OpenAI models?: Computer History event files are sent to OpenAI's servers to generate memories, and OpenAI says it does not keep those files after processing unless required by law. The data is not used for model training unless your own data controls permit it. The resulting memory files stay on your Mac until you delete them.
What are the risks of turning Computer History on?: OpenAI warns that Computer History files can hold sensitive information, are not encrypted, and may be readable by other programs running as your macOS user. OpenAI also says the feature raises the risk of prompt injection from content in apps and websites, and advises switching it off during conversations with people who have not agreed to it.

Try it

ChatGPT for macOS → Settings → Computer History (off by default)