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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChatGPT can tailor replies using saved memories and relevant details from past chats. Depending on your account and settings, it may also use Custom Instructions, Library files, or connected apps. To change what influences answers, review Settings > Personalization; to remove a detail fully, check and delete it wherever it is stored—not just in chat history.
What information can shape ChatGPT’s answers?
OpenAI describes two personalization features: saved memories and Reference chat history. Saved memories are details retained separately from the conversations where they first appeared. Reference chat history can provide relevant context from past conversations; OpenAI says ChatGPT does not search every past chat for every answer, but looks for useful context when it is likely to improve a response.
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Depending on plan, region, platform, and workspace settings, answers may also be influenced by Custom Instructions, files in Library, or connected apps. The Memory summary is a high-level view, not necessarily a complete inventory of every source that may affect a response. See OpenAI’s Memory FAQ for the current feature guidance.
Choose the control that matches what you want to change
| Control | What it changes | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| Reference chat history | Stops using information drawn from past chats for personalization, if the control is available. OpenAI says remembered information from past chats is scheduled for deletion from its systems within 30 days. | It does not delete the original chats or saved memories. |
| Saved memories | Lets you review, manage, or remove details saved as memories. | Turning Memory off does not delete past chats. |
| Custom Instructions | Changes direct guidance you provide about how ChatGPT should respond. | It is distinct from contextual details developed through Memory. |
| Temporary Chat | Provides a one-off chat that does not create or update memories. | It may still use existing memories and Custom Instructions if you choose the personalized option at the start. |
| Improve the model for everyone | Controls a separate data use related to model improvement. | It does not hide or delete saved chats or change Memory settings. |
These controls have different scopes: a single conversation, past-chat references, saved details, direct instructions, or model improvement. Choose based on whether you want to stop future use, remove stored information, or delete the original material.
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Review or change Memory and past-chat references
- Open Settings > Personalization > Memory.
- Review the controls available to your account. Depending on the Memory experience, these may include Memory, Reference saved memories, Reference chat history, a summary, and management tools.
- Use the available controls to correct or remove a detail. You can also ask ChatGPT what it remembers, then make corrections or requests to remove items.
- If you want to stop past-chat-derived personalization, turn off Reference chat history, if available. This does not remove saved memories or the original chats.
Controls and labels can vary by plan, region, platform, and workspace. If your workspace is managed and a control is unavailable, an administrator may need to help. OpenAI also notes that personalization controls do not disable limited safety and security uses of context in rare, high-risk situations.
Delete a remembered detail from all the places it may exist
Deleting a conversation alone may leave a saved memory; turning off Memory does not delete the conversation. For a more complete removal, check each place the information may have been stored:
- Saved memories: remove the detail using Memory management controls.
- Chats: delete the conversation where you shared or discussed it. Check archived chats as well.
- Library: review and remove relevant files, if applicable.
- Connected apps: disconnect an app to prevent future access. Disconnecting it does not delete past conversations that used its content.
OpenAI’s guidance says you may need to delete both the saved memory and the chat where it originated, and check other locations where the same information appears. Consult the Memory FAQ for current account-specific details.
Set direct preferences with Custom Instructions
Use Settings > Personalization > Custom Instructions to give direct guidance about responses—for example, a preferred level of detail or formatting. Custom Instructions are different from Memory: they are instructions you set, while Memory can develop from conversations and other available sources. The relevant controls are described in OpenAI’s Custom Instructions guide.
Use Temporary Chat for a one-off conversation
- Start a new Temporary Chat.
- At the start, select the unpersonalized option if you do not want the chat to refer to existing memories or Custom Instructions. The choice cannot be changed once the conversation has begun.
- Continue in Temporary Chat. It will not create or update memories and will not appear in history unless you save it.
Temporary does not mean never retained: OpenAI says it may retain a copy for up to 30 days for safety purposes. Saving a Temporary Chat converts it to a regular chat subject to your account settings. Details are in the Temporary Chat FAQ and Data Controls FAQ.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep personalization separate from model-improvement settings
Improve the model for everyone serves a different purpose from Memory and other personalization features. Turning it off does not delete saved chats or stop ChatGPT from using personalization settings. If your goal is to change what ChatGPT recalls or uses to tailor a reply, adjust Memory, Reference chat history, Custom Instructions, or Temporary Chat as appropriate; use model-improvement settings for their separate data-use choice. OpenAI explains that distinction in its Data Controls FAQ.
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