Unlocking Microsoft's 'Think Deeper': Free Access to OpenAI's o1 Model

Imagine being handed the keys to a high-performance luxury sports car—for free. This is what Microsoft is figuratively doing with the introduction of the "Think Deeper" toggle for its Copilot AI experience. Partnering with OpenAI, Microsoft is giving users free access to the powerful, normally expensive, o1 reasoning model developed by OpenAI—a model that usually costs up to $200 per month for full access on ChatGPT Pro.
Here’s everything you need to know about this groundbreaking inclusion in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, how it works, and what this means for both casual and advanced users alike.

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What’s the Deal with OpenAI’s o1 Model?​

OpenAI released the o1 model in December 2024, showcasing its incredible reasoning and computational prowess. This AI can solve complex mathematical problems—accurately tackling Math Olympiad-level questions 86% of the time—and demonstrates PhD-level problem-solving skills in STEM fields. In short, o1 isn’t just a chatbot; it’s a computational juggernaut wrapped in an AI layer.
Until now, this model was locked behind a hefty $200 monthly subscription (ChatGPT Pro) or a more modest $20 per month to access it in a throttled format (ChatGPT Plus). But thanks to Microsoft’s integration efforts, anyone with a Microsoft Account can use this cutting-edge reasoning model completely free, via the new "Think Deeper" toggle in Copilot AI.

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What Exactly Is "Think Deeper"?​

The "Think Deeper" feature is essentially a turbocharged upgrade for the Copilot AI tool. Standard Copilot AI is already deeply integrated within Microsoft 365 programs like Word, Excel, and Outlook, aiming to help you write, organize, and calculate more efficiently. However, "Think Deeper" represents a significant leap in Copilot’s capabilities.
When toggled on via the Copilot interface, "Think Deeper" extends beyond surface-level problem-solving to provide enriched contextual analysis. Think of it like asking a teacher for homework help and getting not only the answer but also a detailed breakdown of how they arrived at it, a brief history of the problem, and even some trivia to make it stick. That’s how powerful and versatile this feature can be.
For example:

• Without Think Deeper: You input a basic SAT-level math question, and Copilot hands you the solution with step-by-step instructions.
• With Think Deeper: Alongside the solution, Copilot adds motivational context (“Why math matters”), digs into historical contributions of the mathematician behind the formula, and presents additional insights related to your query.

This enhancement isn’t just limited to mathematic computations either; it has the flexibility to dive into advice, extensive planning, or problem-solving tasks in an imaginative, uncanny way.

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How Do You Use It?​

Using Think Deeper is refreshingly simple:

• Log In: Access Copilot via its web-based chat platform (copilot.microsoft.com) or through the Copilot app. You’ll need any standard Microsoft account to get started.
• Locate ‘Think Deeper’: Once logged into the Copilot interface, you’ll find a small toggle-like icon in the text box’s right-hand corner. Clicking on this changes it into the "Think Deeper" icon, highlighted in black to indicate that the feature is activated.
• Experiment Freely: Enter prompts ranging from trivia-based questions to complex data analysis tasks, and watch the AI’s intricate response.

Think Deeper’s versatility supports use cases from college students navigating calculus derivatives to entrepreneurs drafting business strategies—and even those just looking for quirky, intelligent conversation starters.

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How Does This Really Stack Up Against ChatGPT?​

So, is Think Deeper essentially "ChatGPT Pro on steroids"? The short answer is yes. The underlying o1 model breathes new life into Microsoft 365 Copilot by effectively democratizing an AI tool that was previously exclusive to high-spenders.

Areas Where It Excels:​

• Rich Contextual Responses: Unlike generic AI answers, Think Deeper layers in narratives, additional suggestions, and related trivia, offering a more holistic view on deeply technical or philosophical questions.
• Direct Access via Copilot: Integrated directly into Microsoft’s ecosystem, it’s both browser-friendly and app-based, leveraging Microsoft’s interface for those already familiar with using Word, Excel, and other tools.
• Cost Advantage: $0 beats even the "affordable" $20 ChatGPT Plus subscription any day of the week.

However, it’s not all wins for Microsoft. Expanding such capabilities might create a strain on its computational resources, which likely depend on OpenAI’s API infrastructure. Will Microsoft gatekeep certain capabilities in the future, redirecting more advanced Think Deeper functionalities to paid tiers? While there’s no direct mention of this, corporate AI models often introduce freemium versions with eventual monetization plans. (Fingers crossed it stays free!)

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Hidden Price Underneath the “Freebie”? A Subtle Microsoft 365 Price Hike​

Not all is sunshine and rainbows on this announcement. While Microsoft markets Think Deeper as "free for all users," it just so happens that Microsoft 365 plans are slated to increase in cost for personal plans during their upcoming billing cycles.
This strategy could be interpreted as a clever way to bundle AI features like Think Deeper into the allure of existing subscriptions. While the feature itself is free to use for now, your continued access to it via updated Microsoft plans might cost you.
We’ll have to wait and see if Microsoft clarifies whether Think Deeper will eventually tie into premium Copilot memberships in the same way other advanced AI tools are trending.

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Why Should You Care?​

For average Windows users, this development effectively means you now have access to one of the most sophisticated AI reasoning systems on the planet—free of charge—using simple tools you already know and love. No credentials? You still win via the Copilot toggle.

Broader Implications:​

• For Students & Professionals: Think Deeper could revolutionize assignment help, technical planning, and workplace collaboration without digging deeper into your wallet.
• For Competitors: Rivals like Google’s Bard or standalone OpenAI models may now face stiffer competition. Offering this powerful AI with zero cost attached, runs counter to the broader AI monetization trend, where users have been accustomed to forking over fees.
• For the AI Landscape: This might usher in an era where foundational AI models become freely accessible while value-added services sprout monetization layers.

What’s clear is this move from Microsoft is about more than just generosity; it’s strategy. By adding immense value to its existing ecosystem—and giving "freemium" vibes to cutting-edge models—Microsoft is pushing the envelope for how AI infiltrates everyday workflows.

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Takeaways​

Here’s what you can do right now:

• Explore Think Deeper yourself by signing into your Microsoft Copilot account.
• Prepare yourself for potential fallout—be it subscription price increases or eventual scalability limits.
• Keep watching competitors like Google and OpenAI, which will likely respond in kind.

What’s your take on Microsoft’s bold move? Would you explore Think Deeper, or are you skeptical about these subtle pricing strategies? Let us know in the WindowsForum.com comments section!

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Source: Digital Trends Microsoft lets you use ChatGPT’s priciest AI model for free