In a bold move that could reshape the AI landscape, Microsoft is offering free access to OpenAI’s o1 model, a highly advanced artificial intelligence previously locked behind ChatGPT’s $200/month Pro subscription. This comes through Copilot’s new “Think Deeper” feature, which promises more thoughtful, detailed responses—at no cost to users.
With no clear limitations announced yet, Microsoft is making premium AI reasoning more accessible than ever, challenging OpenAI’s paid model and setting a new standard for AI availability.
Table of Contents
🚀 Microsoft’s Game-Changer: Free Access to OpenAI’s o1 Model
For those unfamiliar, OpenAI’s o1 model was released in December 2024, and CEO Sam Altman hailed it as the company’s most powerful AI model to date. However, there was a catch:
🔴 ChatGPT Pro users needed to pay $200 per month for unlimited access.
🔴 ChatGPT Plus users ($20/month) could use it, but only with limited access.
That changed on Wednesday, January 31, 2025, when Mustafa Suleyman, Chief of Microsoft AI, announced that Copilot users everywhere would now have access to the o1 model—for free.
This completely disrupts the AI pricing model, potentially giving millions of users access to high-level AI capabilities without paying a cent.
Verizon Partners with ForgiveCo to Erase $10M in Debt for North Carolina Hurricane Victims
🧐 How to Use Copilot’s “Think Deeper” for Free AI Access
Copilot’s “Think Deeper” feature is where the magic happens. Unlike the standard Copilot tool, which often delivers quick, surface-level answers, Think Deeper:
✔ Processes responses more thoroughly
✔ Provides deeper insights and analysis
✔ Generates more complex outputs, including code
📌 How to Access It:
1️⃣ Open Copilot on Windows or go to copilot.microsoft.com.
2️⃣ Sign in with your Microsoft account (required for access).
3️⃣ Enable “Think Deeper”—make sure the toggle is switched on.
4️⃣ Enter your question or request and wait a few seconds for the enhanced AI response.
📢 What Think Deeper Does Well:
✅ In-depth research (e.g., climate science, historical events, and technical analysis)
✅ Complex problem-solving (e.g., logical puzzles, software engineering, and math problems)
✅ Code generation and explanation (e.g., developing a Windows app from scratch)
📢 What It Can’t Do:
🚫 Real-time search results → Information is only updated through October 2023.
🚫 Instant answers → Since the model processes deeper responses, it takes a few extra seconds to generate replies.
💰 Is Microsoft Planning to Charge for This?
Surprisingly, Microsoft has not announced any pricing structure for Think Deeper, nor has it hinted at potential charges down the line.
🟢 Unlike OpenAI’s tiered pricing for ChatGPT, Microsoft’s offering is completely free.
🟢 Unlike Microsoft 365 Copilot, which introduced a hidden credit system, Think Deeper appears to have no usage limits—yet.
However, AI models evolve quickly. OpenAI has already unveiled “o3”, a new model with even greater problem-solving abilities. It’s unlikely that will be free, meaning Microsoft’s strategy could shift in the future.
For now, Windows users have an unprecedented opportunity to use one of the world’s most advanced AI models at no cost—a move that could pressure competitors to rethink their pricing strategies.
📌 The Future of AI Accessibility: What This Means for You
🔹 Free AI = More Innovation
With free access to high-level AI, more students, developers, researchers, and creators can use advanced AI tools without financial barriers.
🔹 The AI Subscription Model Is Under Pressure
OpenAI and other AI providers may have to rethink their pricing now that Microsoft has set a new benchmark for AI accessibility.
🔹 Microsoft’s AI Push Is Just Beginning
If Think Deeper remains free, it could significantly boost Windows adoption, solidifying Microsoft as a leader in AI democratization.
Tesla Confirms Cybertruck’s Stainless Steel Exoskeleton Won’t Be Used in Future Vehicles
DeepSeek: The Chinese AI Startup Disrupting the Global AI Industry
Beyond AI Hype: Three Strategic Steps to Transform Accounting Firms with Practical AI Integration
🛠️ Final Thoughts: A Free AI Powerhouse for Windows Users
This unexpected but revolutionary move by Microsoft could reshape how people access and use AI, especially for complex problem-solving, deep research, and software development.
With no clear limits in place (yet), Copilot’s Think Deeper offers free access to an AI model previously locked behind a $200/month paywall—a potential game-changer in the AI arms race.
If you’re a Windows user, now is the time to explore what this powerful AI can do—while it’s still free. 🚀
Leave a Reply