Use the model dropdown in the upper-right to switch to GPT‑5.2—and pick the right response mode for speed or deeper reasoning
Microsoft has started rolling out OpenAI’s GPT‑5.2 into Microsoft 365 Copilot—including Copilot Chat—so you can choose the newest model directly from the model selector.
GPT‑5.2 comes in two strengths: an efficient, everyday option (“Instant”) and a deeper reasoning option (“Thinking”), which is exactly why Microsoft also gives you Quick Response and Think Deeper styles for how much “thinking time” Copilot should spend.
Below is a practical, step-by-step guide to turning on GPT‑5.2 using the upper-right dropdown, plus a quick playbook for when to choose GPT‑5.2 Quick Response versus GPT‑5.2 Think Deeper.
1) What GPT‑5.2 in Copilot Chat Actually Means (In Plain English)
GPT‑5.2 is now available in Microsoft 365 Copilot via the model selector, which means you can explicitly pick it for a chat when you want the newest capabilities.
Microsoft describes GPT‑5.2 as combining GPT‑5.2 Thinking (best for complex problems and strategic insights) and GPT‑5.2 Instant (efficient for everyday writing, translation, and skill-building).
OpenAI also positions GPT‑5.2 as improved for professional work—like creating spreadsheets, building presentations, writing code, and handling complex multi-step projects—especially when you select the deeper “Thinking” variant.
2) Step-by-Step: Switch to GPT‑5.2 Using the Upper‑Right Dropdown
Good to know: UI labels can evolve during rollout, but Microsoft confirms GPT‑5.2 is selectable from the model selector/model menu in Copilot Chat.
Step 1 — Open Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat
Open Copilot Chat in the Microsoft 365 Copilot experience you use (web/app/in-app side pane).
If you’re in Copilot Chat already, you’re in the right place—model selection happens inside the chat experience.
Step 2 — Find the model selector in the upper‑right
In Copilot Chat, Microsoft has surfaced model controls at the top of the chat—Microsoft’s own support guidance previously referenced a top-right control (for example, “Try GPT‑5”).
As GPT‑5.2 rolls out, you’ll use the same general area to open the model selector dropdown (often showing the currently selected model).
Step 3 — Open the dropdown and select “GPT‑5.2”
Click the dropdown in the upper-right and choose GPT‑5.2 from the list.
Microsoft explicitly states: “GPT‑5.2 is accessible in the model selector in both Copilot Chat and Copilot Studio.”
Step 4 — Choose your response style: “Quick Response” or “Think Deeper”
Microsoft introduced a mode selector so users can pick how much reasoning Copilot applies: Auto, Quick response, or Think deeper.
“Quick response” is designed to answer right away, while “Think deeper” spends longer for better answers—often around ~10 seconds in consumer Copilot documentation.
When you pair these modes with GPT‑5.2, you’re effectively choosing between a fast path aligned with “Instant” tasks and a deeper path aligned with “Thinking” tasks.
Step 5 — Start prompting (your mode choice can persist)
Microsoft notes that your mode choices persist across chats and the feature is enabled by default as it rolls out.
So once you pick a mode you like, Copilot can remember it for future chats until you switch it again.
3) Why Two Modes? The Benefits of GPT‑5.2 “Quick Response”
GPT‑5.2 Quick Response = speed, clarity, and momentum
Microsoft describes Quick response as providing straightforward, instantaneous answers.
In the GPT‑5 mode selector language, Quick response is “Copilot answers right away,” which is ideal when you don’t need extended reasoning.
This aligns well with Microsoft’s description of GPT‑5.2 Instant as efficient for everyday writing, translation, and skill-building.
Use “Quick Response” when you want:
- Fast drafting & rewrites (email polish, tone adjustments, short summaries).
- Translation and short-form content where latency matters more than deep analysis.
- Rapid Q&A and quick definitions to keep moving.
Example “Quick Response” prompts
- “Rewrite this paragraph to be more concise and executive-friendly.”
- “Translate this into Spanish and keep the tone professional.”
- “Summarize this email thread in 5 bullets.”
Bottom line: Quick Response helps you maintain flow—especially when you’re iterating quickly.
4) The Benefits of GPT‑5.2 “Think Deeper”
GPT‑5.2 Think Deeper = better structure, fewer gaps, stronger reasoning
Microsoft explains Think Deeper as taking additional time to provide a more thoughtful response (often up to ~10 seconds in Copilot guidance).
In the GPT‑5 mode selector language, Think deeper is “Copilot thinks longer for better answers,” which is exactly what you want for multi-step work.
This pairs naturally with GPT‑5.2 Thinking, which Microsoft positions as best for complex problems and strategic insights.
OpenAI also emphasizes that GPT‑5.2 (especially its “Thinking” variant) is designed to handle complex, multi-step projects, with improvements in long-context understanding and tool use.
Use “Think Deeper” when you want:
- Tradeoff analysis (options, pros/cons, risks, recommendations).
- Planning & strategy (roadmaps, project plans, stakeholder narratives).
- Complex synthesis across longer documents or multi-source context (where available).
Example “Think Deeper” prompts
- “Create a decision memo comparing Option A vs Option B, including risks, assumptions, and a recommendation.”
- “Draft a 90-day plan with milestones, owners, dependencies, and a communications plan.”
- “Break this problem into steps, then propose 3 approaches and tell me which is safest and why.”
Bottom line: Think Deeper is for when quality and completeness matter more than a near-instant response.
5) A Simple Cheat Sheet: Which One Should You Pick?
Pick GPT‑5.2 Quick Response if… you’re drafting, rewriting, translating, or asking a straightforward question and want minimal waiting.
Pick GPT‑5.2 Think Deeper if… you’re doing planning, complex reasoning, multi-step analysis, or want a more thorough answer with clearer structure.
6) “I Don’t See GPT‑5.2 in My Dropdown”—Common Reasons (and Fixes)
- It’s still rolling out: Microsoft says GPT‑5.2 begins rolling out and should reach all eligible users in the coming weeks.
- Licensing/priority access differences: Copilot Chat capabilities (including models) can vary depending on whether you have a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, with licensed users receiving priority access.
- Your org UI may show “Try GPT‑5” first: Microsoft previously surfaced a top-right GPT control during the GPT‑5 transition, and the UI can change as features progress from toggle to full selector.
If you suspect rollout timing, the best practical move is to check again later (or after your Microsoft 365 apps update), because Microsoft expects staged availability as the deployment completes.
7) The Big Picture: Why GPT‑5.2 in Copilot Chat Is a Win
Microsoft’s framing is simple: GPT‑5.2 becomes more powerful “at work” because Copilot applies it inside Microsoft 365, where it can support insights and planning across common productivity workflows (as your licensing and tenant configuration allow).
And because GPT‑5.2 is built to be stronger on long context and complex professional tasks, you can reach for “Think Deeper” when you want higher-quality reasoning—and use “Quick Response” to stay fast for everyday work.
Quick takeaway
Open Copilot Chat → click the upper-right model dropdown → select GPT‑5.2 → choose Quick Response for speed or Think Deeper for heavier reasoning.
Microsoft