Microsoft recently released a major update for Windows 10 and 11 users, with its Copilot app now supporting GPT-5-powered Smart Mode. This feature, which began rolling out gradually on August 7th and is now widely available in several regions, including the United States, represents a new competitive landscape for AI assistants.
Unlike OpenAI's implementation, Microsoft Copilot utilizes a unique "network routing" technology. Testing has shown that while the Copilot app itself is native, its compose box automatically accesses new models through Azure, meaning users can enable GPT-5 Smart Mode without having to update the app. This seamless upgrade experience significantly improves user convenience. For example, the feature has been quietly released in Copilot version 1.25073.146.0.
Notably, Microsoft's restrictions on free users are significantly more relaxed than those for ChatGPT. Testing has shown that ChatGPT free accounts can only send 10 messages using GPT-5 before being downgraded to the less powerful GPT-5-mini model, and the "think" feature is limited to once per day. In contrast, while Copilot hasn't explicitly announced specific limits, testing has shown that it allows up to five "think" requests per day, significantly outperforming the free version of ChatGPT. In a test answering 10 complex Python questions, Copilot's accuracy was comparable to ChatGPT's, and the "think" feature automatically enabled three times, demonstrating its powerful reasoning capabilities.
For the average user, experiencing this feature is simple. Simply visit copilot.microsoft.com in your browser or download the Copilot app from the Microsoft Store. Once you're logged into your Microsoft account, "Intelligent" mode will automatically appear. If you don't see the feature yet, simply wait patiently for a server-side push notification. This low-barrier access, coupled with more relaxed usage restrictions, gives Microsoft Copilot a distinct advantage over competing AI assistants and provides free users with a service quality close to that of a paid experience.
