What ChatGPT Memory keeps
When enabled, ChatGPT Memory can remember relevant preferences and details from chats and other available sources. Depending on plan and region, those sources can include past chats, saved memories, custom instructions, saved files, and connected-app content such as Gmail. OpenAI explains ChatGPT Memory.
It does not preserve every detail from every conversation, and remembered information can change as context changes. Its memory summary is a high-level view, not a complete inventory of information and sources. OpenAI explains ChatGPT Memory.
What Claude Code carries between sessions
Claude Code begins each session with a fresh context window. CLAUDE.md files provide user-written instructions, while auto memory stores learnings and patterns such as preferences, corrections, and ongoing project context. Claude Code memory documentation.
Auto memory is stored as plain Markdown in a project-specific directory. Claude Code loads the first 200 lines or 25KB of MEMORY.md at session start, and loads topic files on demand. Claude Code memory documentation.
What these memory systems do not keep
ChatGPT Memory does not guarantee that every conversation detail will be retained. Turning off Memory leaves past chats intact, and turning it back on may create new memories from chat history that remains. OpenAI explains ChatGPT Memory.
Claude Code skips auto-memory facts it can derive from the codebase or that CLAUDE.md already states. Its auto memory is machine-local, shared across worktrees and subdirectories of one repository, but not shared across machines or cloud environments. Claude Code memory documentation.
Memory settings and files have different controls
ChatGPT stores saved memories separately from chat history. Deleting a chat does not automatically delete a related saved memory, and deleting a saved memory does not remove mentions from past conversations. OpenAI explains ChatGPT Memory.
Turning off Reference chat history schedules information remembered from past chats for deletion within 30 days, but leaves original chats intact unless you delete them. It does not delete explicitly saved memories. OpenAI explains ChatGPT Memory.
Claude Code auto-memory files are plain Markdown that users can inspect, edit, or delete. CLAUDE.md and auto memory are context, not enforced configuration; Claude Code documentation recommends a PreToolUse hook to block actions regardless of Claude's decision. Claude Code memory documentation.
How a personal knowledge base can complement assistant memory
Assistant memory can personalize an assistant with remembered context. A personal knowledge base can organize material you choose to save and retrieve. See personal knowledge bases and ways to give AI context for related approaches.
KnowMan saves articles and links, reads and tags them, answers questions with citations, and keeps memories such as claims, decisions, and playbooks.
Where KnowMan fits
KnowMan is a personal knowledge base for saved reading and notes you want to ask questions about. Its MCP server is a local stdio server, so it is not available to clients that accept only remote MCP servers. Read how the KnowMan MCP server works and how to connect AI to your notes before choosing a setup.
Questions people ask
Does ChatGPT remember every conversation?
No. ChatGPT Memory does not retain every detail from every conversation, and what it considers relevant can change over time. OpenAI explains ChatGPT Memory.
Does Claude Code remember between sessions?
Claude Code starts with a fresh context window, while CLAUDE.md files and auto memory carry context across sessions. Auto memory is machine-local and is not shared across machines or cloud environments. Claude Code memory documentation.
Can deleting a ChatGPT chat delete its saved memory?
No. Saved memories are stored separately, so deleting the original chat does not automatically remove a related memory. Deleting the memory also does not remove mentions from past conversations. OpenAI explains ChatGPT Memory.
Can a personal knowledge base replace assistant memory?
KnowMan saves articles and links, answers questions with citations, and keeps saved claims, decisions, and playbooks. The right role for a personal knowledge base depends on your needs and workflow.