ChatGPT as an assistant on your computer – how does OpenAI's new feature work?

In 2024, OpenAI introduced a feature that allows ChatGPT to perform tasks directly on the user's computer. Today, in 2026, this option is even more advanced – but does it really make daily work easier? We examine how it works, what it can do, and what its limitations are.

ChatGPT as a desktop assistant – what does it mean?

The video "ChatGPT can now perform tasks on your computer" from The AI Advantage channel shows how OpenAI has expanded its model's capabilities with so-called "Actions" (or "AI Agents"). The idea is that ChatGPT doesn't just answer questions, but can also perform specific actions on a local computer – for example, searching through files, editing documents, or generating reports.

In practice, this means that instead of manually opening Excel and filtering data, you can ask ChatGPT to do it for you. It sounds like a revolution, but what does it look like in reality?

How does the "Actions" feature in ChatGPT work?

The mechanism is simple in concept but requires a few configuration steps:

• Code generation: ChatGPT creates a script (usually in Python) that performs the task – e.g., searching folders for PDF files and summarizing their content.
• Local execution: The script is executed on your computer, not in the OpenAI cloud. This means that data does not leave your device (at least in theory).
• Action approval: The user must manually confirm each action, which is intended to prevent unauthorized activities.

The video shows an example where ChatGPT:

• Searches the drive for PDF files from 2024.
• Extracts text from them using the PyPDF2 library.
• Summarizes the content and returns the result.

This is just one of many possible applications. Theoretically, the feature can integrate with any program that has an open API – from Excel to web browsers.

What can and can't ChatGPT do as an "agent"?

Advantages and practical applications

The "Actions" feature can be particularly useful in:

• Automating repetitive tasks: e.g., generating weekly reports from Excel data.
• Analyzing large datasets: ChatGPT can search through folders, extract key information, and present it in a clear format.
• Integrating with office tools: e.g., automatically filling out spreadsheets based on data from emails.
• Assisting developers: e.g., generating code snippets, debugging, or analyzing logs.

In 2026, the feature is more refined than it was in 2024. OpenAI has added, among other things, better support for operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and more ready-made templates for various industries.

Limitations and challenges

Despite its potential, the "Actions" feature has several significant limitations:

• Requires technical knowledge: Although OpenAI tries to simplify the process, you still need to know the basics of programming (e.g., Python) or use ready-made templates.
• Not all applications are supported: ChatGPT can only integrate with programs that have an open API. Not every office application or specialized software will be compatible.
• Security concerns: Running scripts on a local computer carries risks. OpenAI has introduced control mechanisms, but experts warn of potential vulnerabilities (e.g., malicious scripts, data leaks).
• Availability: In 2024, the feature was limited to ChatGPT Plus subscribers. It is unclear whether it is available to free users in 2026.

It is also worth remembering that ChatGPT does not operate completely autonomously. Each action requires user approval, which limits the risk but also reduces convenience.

How to start using "Actions" in ChatGPT?

If you want to try this feature, you must:

1. Install a development environment: Python (version 3.8 or newer) is usually required with appropriate libraries (e.g., openai, PyPDF2, pandas).
2. Get an OpenAI API key: Available for ChatGPT Plus subscribers or enterprise users.
3. Configure the integration: This can be done manually (e.g., via OpenAI documentation) or by using ready-made desktop applications, such as ChatGPT Desktop.
4. Define the task: Describe to ChatGPT what it should do (e.g., "Search the 'Documents' folder and find all Excel files from 2026").
5. Approve execution: ChatGPT will generate a script that you must run.

For non-technical people, the process can be complicated. OpenAI is working on simplifying the interface, but for now, the feature is aimed primarily at users with basic programming knowledge.

What do experts and users say?

Reactions to the "Actions" feature are mixed. Some experts, such as Andrej Karpathy (former Director of AI at Tesla), praise it for its potential in automating office work. Others point out the limitations and risks.

On internet forums, such as Reddit, users share their experiences:

• Positive: "I saved several hours a week generating reports from Excel."
• Negative: "The feature is cool, but you can't use it without Python basics."
• Warnings: "Be careful with scripts – it's better to check what ChatGPT generates before running it."

Tech media, such as The Verge or TechCrunch, emphasize that "Actions" is a step towards full AI integration with everyday tools, but it still lacks polish and ease of use.

Is "Actions" the future of automation?

The "Actions" feature in ChatGPT shows how artificial intelligence can change the way we work. In 2026, it is more advanced than at the time of its launch, but it is still not perfect. Its greatest advantages are:

• The ability to automate repetitive tasks.
• Integration with popular office tools.
• The potential to accelerate analytical work.

However, for the feature to become truly groundbreaking, OpenAI must:

• Simplify the interface for non-technical users.
• Expand the list of supported applications.
• Increase security and control over generated scripts.

It is also worth remembering that OpenAI is not the only company working on such solutions. Competitors, such as Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini, are also introducing similar features. Who wins this race depends on who better integrates AI into everyday tools.

Summary: Is it worth trying "Actions" in ChatGPT?

If you have basic technical knowledge and want to automate part of your work, the "Actions" feature might be useful for you. It allows you to save time on repetitive tasks and can be particularly helpful in data analysis or file management.

However, if you are not comfortable with programming or use non-standard applications, the feature might prove too complicated. It is also worth keeping security issues in mind – always check what ChatGPT generates before running a script on your computer.

In 2026, "Actions" is no longer a novelty, but it is still an evolving feature. Its future depends on how OpenAI handles technical and security challenges. One thing is certain: artificial intelligence is increasingly entering our computers – and how we use it depends solely on us.

If you want to learn more about how AI is changing our work, read our post about AI agents at work or check out whether artificial intelligence has become a "second intelligence".

Sources

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dB6pOolO7io