L068 · How AI thinks · 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.

01 · The idea

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.

02 · Think of it like this

The context window is the notepad on the desk during one meeting. Memory is the small card of notes about you the assistant keeps in a drawer for next time.

03 · Do it now

04 · Quick check

You start a new chat and the assistant knows your job. Why?