Key Takeaways:
Microsoft has announced that all Copilot users now have free access to OpenAI’s O1 reasoning model, an AI system designed to enhance problem-solving and complex reasoning.
Previously, O1 was only available to ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) and Pro ($200/month) subscribers, making this a significant shift in AI accessibility.
“Today we’ve made Think Deeper free and available for all users of Copilot. This now gives everyone access to OpenAI’s world class o1 reasoning model in Copilot, everywhere at no cost.”
This means users can now access an advanced AI model for free within Microsoft Copilot, eliminating the need for an OpenAI subscription.
What Is the O1 Reasoning Model?
OpenAI introduced the O1 reasoning model in September 2024, designed to improve AI’s ability to analyze and logically process queries before responding.
Unlike standard AI models prioritizing speed over accuracy, O1 spends more time “thinking” before generating answers, resulting in better-structured and more reliable responses.
How Does O1 Compare to Other AI Models?
Microsoft has integrated O1 into Copilot’s Think Deeper feature, allowing free-tier users to experience high-quality AI reasoning for the first time.
Think Deeper is a Copilot feature powered by O1 that enables AI to spend additional processing time on queries, leading to more in-depth, structured responses.How Think Deeper Works
How to Access It?
Who Benefits the Most?
However, Think Deeper does not have internet access, meaning it cannot fetch real-time data or fact-check against live sources.
“The o1 model was trained to ‘think before it speaks,’ and as a result, takes a bit longer to process your query—around 30 seconds, according to Microsoft.”
This slower response time is the tradeoff for higher-quality, more reliable AI answers.
Why Is Microsoft Making This Move?
Microsoft’s decision to offer O1 for free comes at a pivotal moment in the AI industry, as competition intensifies.
Response to Deepseek R1 and Global AI Competition
Microsoft’s decision to remove the O1 paywall follows the rise of Deepseek R1, a Chinese AI model that has gained attention for offering free reasoning capabilities.
“Following a surge in popularity for Chinese AI app Deepseek and its free reasoning model this week, frequent OpenAI collaborator Microsoft is helping America’s AI leader drop the paywall on its own reasoning model.”
While Microsoft has not explicitly stated that Deepseek influenced its decision, the timing suggests a competitive response.
By making O1 free for Copilot users, Microsoft is ensuring that its AI ecosystem remains attractive against rising international competitors.
This is a major win for users, as advanced AI reasoning is now accessible without a paid subscription. However, users should be aware of some limitations: ⚠ Limited availability during peak hours – Free-tier users may experience restricted access when demand is high.What This Means for Users
⚠ No real-time browsing – Think Deeper cannot fetch live internet data, making it less effective for fact-checking.
⚠ Slower response times – Each response takes ~30 seconds, which may feel sluggish for users seeking quick answers.
Despite these constraints, Microsoft’s decision allows more people to experience high-quality AI reasoning for free.
“The possible uses here are really infinite. I’m genuinely so excited that our tens of millions of users are all getting this opportunity. We’ve got so much more in the pipeline right now that I can’t wait to tell you about.”
This suggests Microsoft is planning additional AI upgrades in Copilot throughout 2025.
Copilot’s Growing Role in Microsoft’s Ecosystem
However, some users have expressed concerns about Copilot’s evolving role.
Kevin Okemwa of Windows Central noted that some users feel Copilot is becoming “too conversational” instead of remaining a productivity tool.
As Microsoft refines Copilot, balancing AI-driven engagement with practical utility will be critical.
Microsoft’s move to make OpenAI’s O1 reasoning model free within Copilot is a game-changer for AI accessibility.
While Think Deeper has limitations, it significantly enhances Copilot’s AI capabilities—at no cost to users.
For now, Microsoft Copilot users can explore a powerful new AI reasoning tool for free.
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