Depending on the complexity of your question, you may want Microsoft Copilot to invoke AI models that are faster or that can spend more time reasoning over a response. Copilot supports multiple conversation modes: 

  • Quick response: Provides straightforward, instantaneous responses.

  • Think Deeper: Takes up to 10 seconds to provide a more thoughtful response.

  • Study and learn: Optimized to explain concepts and guide you to an answer, rather than just providing direct answers.

  • Smart: Use the GPT-5 model to respond. Thinks deeply or quickly depending on the task.

  • Search: Brings you the most up-to-date answers from the web, with citations.

Some conversation modes may only be available when signed in to Copilot.

How to use conversation modes in Microsoft Copilot

  1. Type a prompt into Copilot. All modes benefit from your prompt being as specific as possible.

  2. Press (or tap) "Quick response" under your prompt and select an appropriate mode to activate it before you submit your prompt.

  3. Think Deeper and Smart may take some additional time to consider and respond to your prompt. During that time, Copilot will share its chain of thought while evaluating your prompt and preparing a response.

  4. After Copilot provides a response, you can continue to the same conversation mode to ask to ask follow-up questions. The selected mode will remain active until you disable it.

Think Deeper 

Think Deeper is a conversation mode in Copilot that can provide more detailed, thoughtful responses. It enhances your interactions with Copilot, allowing for in-depth exploration of complex topics, nuanced perspectives, and detailed problem-solving.

Think Deeper is powered by the latest reasoning models from OpenAI.

Use of Think Deeper in Copilot is not limited, but Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, and Premium users have priority access whenever capacity is limited. Think Deeper works in all supported Copilot regions and languages.  

Example prompts to use with Think Deeper

Here are some prompt ideas to get you started with Think Deeper: 

  • I have $15K to use on a home renovation. I’m deciding between a kitchen island, updated bathroom, or replacing the roof. What would increase the value of my home more over the next 3 years?

  • I'm a front-end software engineer with four years of experience. Should I pursue a graduate degree? What are the pros and cons, things I should consider, and impact to my earning potential?

  • I want to make sure I make the most of my last year of college. Can you help me plan what I should or shouldn’t do with my time? I want to get a good job right away but also enjoy my last year with friends and stay in touch with them after I graduate. I need to be ready financially to be out on my own.

Study and learn

Study and learn mode helps you master new material and deepen your understanding on a topic.  It is designed to support active learning by breaking down complex concepts, answering follow-up questions, and providing clear explanations at your pace. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ You can also ask Copilot to quiz you about certain topics.

Study and learn mode is available to all Copilot users and works in all supported Copilot regions and languages.  

Example prompts to use with study and learn

Here are some prompt ideas to get you started with study and learn mode:

  • Help me figure out the slope and y-intercept of the line y = 2x + 7

  • How does a FOR loop work in Python, and can you show me how to use it to sum all even numbers from 1 to 100?

  • What’s the difference between correlation and causation, and how can I tell if a study is showing one or the other?

  • Can you explain how DNA replication works, step by step?

  • Test my understanding of mitosis and meiosis in Biology.

  • Quiz me on Enlightenment thinkers and their influence on the French Revolution.

Smart

Smart mode is powered by GPT-5, giving you Copilot’s most advanced reasoning and conversation abilities. It’s designed for high-quality answers, nuanced understanding, and more natural, context-aware interactions. This mode is especially helpful when you need reliable insights, clear explanations, or creative problem-solving.

Smart mode is available to all Copilot users and works in all supported Copilot regions and languages.  

Search

Copilot Search helps you quickly find up-to-date information from the web. It’s designed to bring you relevant, accurate results so you can get answers, check facts, and explore current topics without leaving Copilot. This mode is especially useful when you need timely information that goes beyond what’s already built into Copilot.

Copilot Search is available to all Copilot users and works in all supported Copilot regions and languages.  

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