GPT-5 Rolls Out in Microsoft 365 Copilot: What You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

• GPT-5 is rolling out in Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Studio, offering adaptive assistance across devices and apps.

• Smart Mode automatically switches between quick answers and deeper reasoning depending on your request.

• Availability may vary by app, region, and subscription tier, with some features requiring paid access.

• Rollout is in progress, so users may see the update at different times.

Understanding GPT-5 in Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft is introducing GPT-5, the latest AI model from OpenAI, into Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Studio¹. This upgrade is part of a broader rollout that began August 7, 2025, and will reach users in stages.

GPT-5 brings two distinct processing approaches:

• Fast responses for straightforward questions.

• Deeper reasoning for complex or multi-step tasks.

This flexibility comes through Smart Mode (also called real-time routing), which automatically selects the best approach for each request².

Copilot Studio: Building Custom Assistants

Copilot Studio gives users the ability to create tailored AI assistants—also known as “agents”—to handle specific tasks. With GPT-5, you can:

• Choose between a speed-focused model and a reasoning-focused model.

• Let Smart Mode decide automatically³.

For example, a Copilot Studio project managing customer queries could answer routine questions instantly while spending more time on detailed problem resolution. This helps both technical and non-technical users create tools that adapt naturally to varied scenarios.

Integration Across Microsoft Tools

The GPT-5 update reaches multiple Microsoft services, ensuring consistency:

• Microsoft 365 Copilot – supports writing, summarizing, and organizing work in Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams⁴.

• GitHub Copilot – offers developers context-aware code suggestions (requires a paid plan).

• Azure AI Foundry – provides safer, managed AI capabilities for business⁵.

Copilot Studio users benefit from this integration by embedding their custom assistants into workflows that span these platforms.

Smart Mode in Action

Smart Mode improves efficiency by adapting to your needs:

• Simple requests: Find a meeting time or a quick fact instantly.

• Complex work: Draft reports, analyze data, or summarize large documents with deeper reasoning.

• Dynamic switching: Move between modes during the same conversation without interruptions.

This means Copilot Studio agents can handle a mix of tasks without you needing to adjust settings.

Availability and Access

While GPT-5 is rolling out across Microsoft services, access depends on:

• Platform – Windows, Mac, web, iOS, and Android devices are supported, but the update may appear at different times depending on the app.

• Subscription level – Some services, such as GitHub Copilot and advanced Microsoft 365 Copilot features, require a paid plan.

• Region – Rollout schedules may vary by location.

Users may already see GPT-5 in certain apps, while others could receive it over the coming weeks.

Safety and Privacy

Microsoft has emphasized that GPT-5 in Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Studio follows enterprise-grade security and privacy practices:

• Content filtering prevents harmful or irrelevant responses.

• Data privacy controls ensure user data is not stored unnecessarily.

• Compliance and governance features meet organizational needs for sensitive information⁵.

These safeguards apply to both individual and organizational use.

Everyday Advantages

The pairing of GPT-5 and Copilot Studio offers practical benefits:

1. Reduced guesswork – Smart Mode chooses the right processing approach automatically.

2. Better conversation flow – Improved context handling makes follow-up questions more effective.

3. Cross-platform consistency – Works across devices and apps with the same capabilities.

4. Custom solutions – Copilot Studio lets you design assistants that fit specific tasks without advanced technical skills.

Why It Matters

This update is about more than just a model upgrade—it’s about making everyday work smoother. Whether you’re summarizing meeting notes, drafting important emails, or building a custom Copilot Studio solution for your business, GPT-5:

• Adapts to your request in real time.

• Maintains consistent performance across Microsoft services.

• Provides built-in safety and privacy protections.

Conclusion

The GPT-5 rollout in Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Studio delivers more adaptable and context-aware assistance across devices and tools. With Smart Mode handling the technical choices for you, the experience is faster, more relevant, and easier to use. While availability depends on your subscription, platform, and region, the upgrade brings meaningful improvements that can benefit work, projects, and productivity—once it reaches you.

Citations

1. Microsoft Copilot Blog. “Available today: GPT-5 in Microsoft 365 Copilot.” Microsoft, 7 Aug. 2025.
2. Microsoft Copilot Blog. “Available today: GPT-5 in Microsoft Copilot Studio.” Microsoft, 7 Aug. 2025.
3. The Verge. “Microsoft brings GPT-5 to Copilot with new smart mode.” The Verge, 7 Aug. 2025.
4. Washington University Information Technology. “GPT-5 Arrives in Microsoft 365 Copilot.” WUSTL IT, 8 Aug. 2025.
5. Azure Microsoft Blog. “GPT-5 in Azure AI Foundry: The future of AI apps and agents starts here.” Microsoft Azure, 7 Aug. 2025.