You Can Now Use OpenAI’s Most Advanced o1 Model for Free in Copilot—Here’s How

Microsoft is making its AI assistant, Copilot, more intelligent and accessible by integrating OpenAI's o1 reasoning model for all users-without requiring a paid subscription. Previously available only to Copilot Pro and ChatGPT Plus subscribers, this advanced AI reasoning model is now free for every Copilot user.

The upgrade is powered by Think Deeper, a feature that enables Copilot to process complex queries more effectively. Instead of offering a quick response, the AI takes around 30 seconds to analyze a question from multiple perspectives before generating a well-structured and detailed answer.

How Think Deeper Enhances AI Responses

Think Deeper was first introduced in October 2024 as part of Copilot Labs, a testing space where Copilot Pro users could experiment with new AI tools. Now, Microsoft has rolled it out to all users, making step-by-step reasoning and structured problem-solving available for free.

The feature works similarly to ChatGPT Plus, allowing users to get more detailed explanations, structured responses, and logical breakdowns of complex topics. Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman announced the expansion on LinkedIn, emphasizing that "tens of millions" of users will now benefit from the advanced reasoning tool.

What Can Users Do with Think Deeper?

Think Deeper enhances Copilot's ability to handle complex, multi-layered queries. Some of its most practical applications include:

• Career Planning: Whether switching industries or advancing in a current role, Copilot can break down career moves into actionable steps, including education paths, job search strategies, and industry trends.

• Project Management: Users can input large-scale projects, and the AI will generate detailed roadmaps-whether for fitness goals, work deadlines, or travel itineraries.

• Comparing Options: From choosing between job offers to selecting the best investment strategy, Think Deeper helps analyze pros and cons with a logical approach.

• Learning New Topics: The feature is useful for understanding historical events, scientific concepts, or technical subjects, providing well-structured insights instead of surface-level answers.

A Strategic Shift in AI Accessibility

By offering Think Deeper for free, Microsoft is positioning Copilot as a more compelling alternative to OpenAI's premium ChatGPT Plus service. Until now, advanced reasoning models were mostly restricted to paid AI tools, making this move a significant step toward democratizing AI-driven productivity.

The expansion also comes at a time when Microsoft is reportedly exploring ways to reduce its dependence on OpenAI for AI integration across Microsoft 365 Copilot and Azure AI. While Microsoft remains a major investor in OpenAI, this development signals the company's efforts to make AI tools more independent and widely available.

Mustafa Suleyman hinted at more upcoming AI developments, stating, "We've got so much more in the pipeline right now that I can't wait to tell you about." With AI becoming increasingly central to Microsoft's product ecosystem, this free upgrade could be a preview of bigger AI advancements ahead.

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