Copilot's powerful new 'Think Deeper' feature is free for all users - how it works

In the fall, Microsoft unveiled its latest Copilot AI features and placed them in Copilot Labs, Microsoft's home for experimental features only available to Copilot Pro subscribers. Now, one of the standout features is moving out of Copilot Labs and into Copilot so all users can access it for free.

Available to all Copilot users

On Wednesday, Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman shared via an X post that the Think Deeper feature was made available for all Copilot users at no additional cost. The feature leverages OpenAI's O1 reasoning model to deliver higher-quality responses to complex prompts.  

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 is especially useful for STEM-related tasks such as coding, analysis, and advanced math problems. Other use cases include in-depth advice and planning.

OpenAI has kept its advanced reasoning model from free users, with the o1 model only available for paid subscribers, including ChatGPT Pro, Team, Edu, and Enterprise users. As a result, being able to access it for free in Copilot is a big opportunity for people who want to try it without shelling out the money.

Also: Microsoft's new Copilot+ Surface devices are built for business with Intel inside

The only caveat is that it doesn't have access to the internet, but Suleyman said in a comment on the X post that Microsoft is "working on it."

How to access Think Deeper

To access the feature, sign into Copilot using your Microsoft account. Once you do, next to the text box, you will see the "Think Deeper" button, which you can click to activate the model when answering your prompt. As a free user at the time of writing this article, I already had access to the feature.

Also: Microsoft's latest optional patch is a bug-fix bonanza for Windows 11 24H2

If you need help getting started, upon clicking "Think Deeper," you will be given sample prompts, as seen in the screenshot above. Beyond this feature, Suleyman shared that Microsoft has so much more in the pipeline. After trailing behind OpenAI for a bit, Microsoft may be gearing up to reclaim its throne.