Module 1: Welcome and getting set up
Check training and memory settings
Allow 5 minutes, including any practice below.
Review three separate controls
A training setting, a memory setting, and your business's data rules do different jobs. Review all three.
1. Model improvement
On a signed-in personal web account, open the account menu. Select Settings > Data controls > Improve the model for everyone. Turn it off and select Done if shown.
With that setting off, new conversations are not used to train OpenAI models. They can still stay in your history. If you select thumbs up or thumbs down on a response, the conversation associated with that feedback may still be used for model training, even after you opt out. Avoid submitting feedback on conversations containing information your workplace has not approved for that use. Business and Enterprise have different workspace protections and admin controls.
2. Memory
Open Settings > Personalization > Memory. Review the controls your account shows. Turn memory off for this beginner practice unless your organisation has approved its use. Available controls can differ.
Turning memory off does not delete old chats. Deleting a chat alone may leave a separately saved memory. Review stored memories and relevant source chats or files if you need to remove information.
3. Temporary chat
For a practice conversation you do not want in your history, start a new chat and select Temporary. If offered, choose Unpersonalized before sending the first message.
While it stays temporary, the chat is not used for model improvement and does not create or update memories. OpenAI may keep a copy for up to 30 days for safety. Saving it converts it to a regular chat with your account's settings.
Important: These settings do not give permission to upload confidential or personal information. Use only fictional or approved public material in this course.
Five-minute exercise
- Confirm your approved account or workspace.
- Find the model-improvement setting if your account has it.
- Review memory controls. Use the cautious practice settings above.
- Find Temporary chat and the personalization choice if available.
- Write a private note of what you changed. Do not post a screenshot of your account settings to a public chat.
If a control is missing, use the official help page or ask your administrator. Do not switch to a personal account to bypass a work restriction.