Quoting OpenAI

OpenAI has released information regarding the operational boundaries of its ChatGPT Work platform. The service functions differently depending on whether users access it through cloud-based web and mobile interfaces or the dedicated desktop application.

Cloud-based work is processed entirely in the cloud, while the desktop application is designed to interact with local files and other desktop software, provided the user grants specific permissions. A key limitation at launch is that these two environments do not sync. Conversations initiated in the cloud version are not visible within the desktop application, and threads or local files managed on the desktop remain restricted to that specific computer.

This separation highlights the technical challenges of maintaining data consistency across different computing environments. By keeping desktop data local, OpenAI establishes a clear boundary for sensitive files, though this design choice creates a fragmented user experience where information cannot be easily accessed across all devices.