What to know

  • Copilot’s GPT-4 model is now available to all users for free.
  • Copilot’s Creative and Precise modes are almost fully on the GPT-4-Turbo model, while the Balanced mode uses GPT-4-Turbo in certain cases only. 
  • To use GPT-4 for free on Windows (or the web), simply select either the ‘More Creative’ or ”More Precise’ mode. 

In a seemingly generous move, Microsoft is allowing everyone access to the GPT-4 Turbo model for Copilot for free. No more would this feature be reserved for only Copilot Pro subscribers. But GPT-4 Turbo isn’t enabled by default. Here’s how to use GPT-4 for free on Windows and take full advantage of the more advanced AI model.  

Here is how you can use GPT-4 for free on Windows

Microsoft’s Mikhail Parakhin took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the availability of GPT-4 Turbo which is now replacing GPT-4 in the Copilot free tier. 

However, only the ‘Creative’ and ‘Precise’ modes in Copilot will use GPT-4 Turbo. So, when you’re on copilot.microsoft.com, make sure to choose either the More Creative or More Precise options. The same applies to Copilot on Windows as well which is invoked by pressing Win+C. 

The ‘Balanced’ mode will use GPT-4-Turbo only “in certain cases only” as expounded further by Mikhail in the same X thread. Given how only a few weeks ago, GPT-4-Turbo was exclusively a Copilot Pro feature, it does beg the question of exactly what is the reason for Microsoft’s generosity.

Rumors suggest that OpenAI could be working on the next model – GPT-4.5 Turbo – which would make sense as to why there’s been a sudden shift to GPT-4 Turbo for free users. In any case, we’re glad that rapid advancements are trickling down to the common user at an equally rapid pace.