OpenAI's latest GPT-5 model promises to be the most advanced AI assistant yet, but for the millions of workers using Microsoft Copilot for their daily routines, the reality is a bit more nuanced. Microsoft announced last week that GPT-5, OpenAI's latest ChatGPT AI model, is now integrated across its Copilot services, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, GitHub Copilot and the standalone Copilot app.
While GPT-5 does deliver some noticeable improvements in polish, detail and helpfulness, the differences feel more like a software update than an impactful revamp. For professionals weighing whether to supplement their work Copilot toolkit with ChatGPT's premium offering, the question comes down to whether or not GPT-5 is enough of a leap forward to make any difference in your work.
The update introduces "Smart Mode," a real-time routing system that directs tasks to either a fast model or a deeper reasoning variant based on each user's intent and the complexity of the request. I spent hours testing GPT-5 in Microsoft Copilot to explore what you couldn't do before but can now, and how the latest model stacks up to the regular Copilot Quick Response mode. Here's what I found.
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What you couldn't do before, but can now with GPT-5
GPT-5 is now accessible across all platforms (web, Windows, macOS, mobile), getting a truly universal rollout in Microsoft. The goal was for Microsoft platforms to benefit from "deeper reasoning" as the underlying architecture includes one model for quick responses and another for deeper "thinking" that would be used for more complex tasks, with a router selecting between them automatically.
GPT-5 has already experienced backlash since its release on Aug. 7. Users quickly complained that the new model has a less conversational, more stuffy and corporate tone than previous models, which were initially replaced by GPT-5. In response, OpenAI made older models like GPT-4o available again.
While casual users were dissatisfied with the more corporate tone, it might be useful in the workplace. GPT-5 is also integrated into GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Code, enabling developers to handle larger-scale coding, refactoring and agentic workflows. Access is available through paid Copilot plans and can be enabled via administrative settings.
Copilot Studio users can also now select GPT-5 for their agents, using Smart Mode or opting for deeper reasoning when building automations or workflows.
"With the new Smart Mode, Copilot automatically adapts to your task and routes you to the most capable model, removing the need to switch or guess," The Copilot Team wrote. "Whether you're solving complex problems, writing creatively or turning ideas into visuals, Smart Mode delivers the smartest, most intuitive experience yet."
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