Microsoft 365 Copilot switches to a faster OpenAI model for shorter answers
Microsoft added OpenAI's GPT-5.5 Instant model to Copilot and Copilot Studio on May 7. The change targets everyday work tasks with clearer and more concise responses. Users with a Copilot licence get priority access. Those without see the model as GPT-5.5 Quick response in the chat selector. The update also improves image analysis and STEM performance while reducing the need for follow-up prompts.
Before this update Copilot often returned generic or wordy replies that forced users to ask again or rephrase. That pattern reinforced the habit of ignoring the tool after one disappointing try. Now responses arrive tighter and more relevant to office workflows. The real shift is that the same licence suddenly wastes less time on clarification, yet most users will never notice because they stopped experimenting months ago.
Analysis
Ignore the hype and treat this as a second chance at the tool you already pay for. Open Copilot in Outlook today and paste one messy email thread to see whether the new model surfaces actions faster than your current manual sort.
Citation
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