Microsoft is shaking up the AI space by giving Windows users free access to OpenAI’s powerful o1 model through Copilot’s new “Think Deeper” feature. This move significantly reduces the cost of accessing advanced AI, which previously required an expensive subscription.
By integrating high-level AI reasoning directly into Copilot, Microsoft is making AI more accessible to a wider audience, from students and researchers to developers and business professionals. Instead of paying $200 per month for unlimited access, users can now leverage state-of-the-art AI capabilities at no cost.
This strategic move not only strengthens Microsoft’s position in the AI race but also puts pressure on competitors like Google’s Gemini and Meta’s Llama, who are still monetizing access to their advanced models. By offering premium AI capabilities for free, Microsoft is making AI more democratic while encouraging more people to adopt Copilot as their go-to AI assistant.
AI That Was Once $200/Month Is Now Free
OpenAI first introduced the o1 model in December, branding it as their most powerful AI model. But there was a catch—full access required a ChatGPT Pro subscription at $200 per month. OpenAI’s more affordable ChatGPT Plus plan ($20/month) also provided access, but with limitations.
Now, Microsoft has changed the game. Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft’s AI chief, announced that Copilot users can access the o1 model for free, everywhere. This is done through the “Think Deeper” function in Copilot, which takes a few extra seconds to generate more thoughtful, well-researched responses compared to the standard Copilot experience.
How to Use “Think Deeper” in Copilot

The Think Deeper feature isn’t a search engine; instead, it specializes in detailed research, analysis, and problem-solving. It can help explain complex topics, generate code, or provide in-depth insights on historical events and scientific concepts.
Open the Copilot app on Windows or go to copilot.microsoft.com.
Sign in with your Microsoft account. Ensure the “Think Deeper” toggle is ON before asking your question.
Once enabled, Think Deeper takes a few moments to process and delivers a more advanced response than standard AI assistants, making it ideal for research, coding, and complex problem-solving.
No Hidden Costs – At Least for Now
Microsoft hasn’t hinted at any future costs for Think Deeper. There’s no subscription fee, credit system, or Microsoft 365 tie-in (yet). While Microsoft previously experimented with paid AI features through its Microsoft 365 Copilot Plus plan, there’s no indication that Think Deeper will follow that model.
What’s Next for AI?
The AI industry moves at lightning speed, and OpenAI has already introduced a newer model, o3, which reportedly delivers even more complex, human-like reasoning. This next-generation AI is said to be significantly better at software development and logical problem-solving, but it’s almost guaranteed not to be free.
For now, Windows users have unprecedented free access to one of OpenAI’s most advanced AI models—something that previously cost $200 a month. Whether this remains free long-term or becomes a limited-time strategy to boost Copilot adoption remains to be seen.