How GPT-5 is Transforming Microsoft 365 Copilot for Work

GPT-5 has arrived in Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Studio, providing a smarter, more flexible way to get work done.  

Built to think across different types of tasks, GPT-5 helps Copilot respond faster to routine needs and dive deeper when a problem calls for careful reasoning. 

Prioritising speed for simple tasks, and depth for more complex tasks  

Microsoft has paired GPT-5’s advanced capabilities with Copilot’s work-focused experience. Rather than using a single one-size-fits-all model, Microsoft Copilot now evaluates each prompt and selects the most appropriate GPT-5 variant for the job.  

For straightforward requests (like quick clarifications, short summaries or simple edits) Copilot leans on the high-throughput GPT-5 path so you get concise answers quickly.  

For open-ended questions or tasks that require multi-step thinking, Copilot routes the task to GPT-5’s deeper reasoning mode. In this mode, it can create a plan, gather context and verify conclusions before returning fuller, more reliable responses. 

This gives you support from smarter assistant that can adapt more quickly to tasks; fast when speed matters, and more deliberate where accuracy and nuance are important.  

When and how you can start using GPT-5 in Copilot 

If you’re already using Microsoft 365 Copilot, GPT-5 is available now. It’s ready to work across your everyday applications (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, etc.) and draw on your emails, documents, calendar and meeting notes to deliver contextualised responses. 

You may notice a new “Try GPT-5” button inside Copilot Chat. Select this option to switch to GPT-5 and unlock its latest reasoning capabilities.  

GPT-5 in Copilot Studio 

You can also use GPT-5 in Copilot Studio, Microsoft’s easy-to-use platform for building custom agents.  

Custom agents, powered by GPT-5, can handle more sophisticated tasks, like multi-step workflows and detailed processes.  

Simply select GPT-5 as your agent’s model to enable deeper reasoning and richer, more adaptive outputs. 

Researcher in Copilot  

While GPT-5 has made Copilot smarter and more capable for day-to-day tasks, Researcher steps in when work requires serious depth. 

Researcher is designed for moments you need comprehensive analysis, evidence, synthesis and context across a broad set of sources. It can gather and analyse information from your organisation’s data and the web, and combine it into a structured, well-reasoned output. 

It’s a go-to tool for work that requires methodical, multi-source reasoning, like in-depth reports, analyses and board-ready insights.   

Not heard of Researcher? Find out more in this video:

Try GPT-5 for yourself 

The best way to understand GPT-5’s impact in Microsoft 365 Copilot is to see how it can handle your work. Here are a few practical prompts you can try to experience its range of capabilities.  

1. Understand your communication and working style

Try a prompt for personal development, or to prepare for a performance review:   

Review my recent chats and emails to summarise my communication style, core values, strengths, weaknesses, skills and areas I can improve professionally.

2. Catch up and plan ahead

If you’ve been away and need to quickly get up to speed in a team project:   

Summarise the latest updates on [project/initiative] and outline three clear next steps I should take this week.

3. Turn data into decisions

Convert raw data into actionable recommendations: 

Use the attached customer feedback spreadsheet to create a concise executive summary that highlights key themes and where to focus next quarter’s investment.

4. Refine a key document

Produce polished reports, proposals or customer documents:   

Review the attached project plan and suggest three improvements that would make it stronger. Include reasoning for each and sample text I can use.

5. Capture lessons learned

Finalise projects and set a clear direction:  

Reflect on our recent [project or event]. Summarise what worked well, what could improve next time. Draft a short ‘lessons learned’ summary for the team. 

Start using GPT‑5 in Copilot  

GPT‑5 is now live in Microsoft Copilot, ready to deliver smarter, context-rich responses across your emails, documents, meeting notes and more. It's also available via the web for users without a Copilot license.  

Start experiencing the full potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot. Discover how ADITS’ Microsoft services can help you leverage Copilot and GPT‑5 to work smarter.