Lesson 68 · 2 min
Context window vs memory
The context window is what a chatbot sees in this chat, while memory features save some facts about you for future chats.
Inside one conversation, the chatbot sees your messages through its context window. Close the chat and start a new one, and by default it starts blank.
Many assistants now offer memory. They save short notes about you, like your job, your language or your preferences, and quietly add them to new chats. Some can also look back through your past conversations.
This is handy, since you stop repeating yourself. It also means the tool keeps personal details over time. A wrong or old note can colour every answer too.
Check your settings. Most tools let you see what is remembered, edit or delete single notes, switch memory off, or use a temporary chat that is not saved. Look there before you share anything sensitive.
Do it now
See what it remembers
- 1. Open the settings of the chatbot you use most and look for memory or personalisation.
- 2. Read the saved notes, if any. Delete anything wrong or too personal.
- 3. In a new chat, ask the question below.
What do you remember about me from earlier chats or saved memory? List each item and where it came from. If you have no memory of me, say so.
Quick check
Keep going
Next →AI's electricity and waterWords from this lesson
- Context window
- The maximum amount of text an AI can look at in one go. Anything beyond it is forgotten for that conversation.
- Memory
- A chatbot feature that saves facts about you between conversations so you do not have to repeat them.