Key Points
- The ChatGPT Windows app is currently available only to Plus, Teams, Enterprise, and Edu subscribers via the Microsoft Store.
- The app uses OpenAI’s new o1 model, which offers enhanced reasoning capabilities, though responses take slightly longer.
- The app can be launched alongside other applications and includes an Alt+Space shortcut for quick access.
- Users can generate images within the app using OpenAI’s DALL-E tool and text-based queries.
OpenAI has officially started testing a new Windows app for ChatGPT, bringing its AI-powered chatbot to desktop users. Currently, the app is available for early access to select users—specifically those subscribed to ChatGPT Plus, Teams, Enterprise, or Edu plans. The app can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store, but its full release for all users is expected later this year, according to an announcement by OpenAI on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.
The ChatGPT Windows app is compatible with devices running Windows 10 (version 17763.0 or newer) and Windows 11, and it integrates OpenAI’s latest o1 language model. This new model is designed to handle complex reasoning tasks, although it takes slightly longer to respond to queries. OpenAI has emphasized that this additional processing time reflects the model’s increased intelligence and capacity for nuanced reasoning.
Similar to the macOS version, the Windows ChatGPT app allows users to interact with the chatbot through a dedicated companion window, enabling easy multitasking with other apps. The app also includes a quick-launch feature via the Alt+Space shortcut, making it more accessible. Users can also submit typed queries and files for the AI to analyze. The app also supports DALL-E, allowing users to generate images alongside text-based responses.
One feature notably missing from this early version is the Advanced Voice mode, which allows users to interact with the AI using voice commands. OpenAI has not provided a specific timeline for its release, but it is expected to be included in the full version of the app when it rolls out to the general public.
For those who do not want to pay for ChatGPT Plus, which starts at $20 per month, or download the Windows app, OpenAI’s free web-based version of ChatGPT remains available, albeit with some limitations. Another option for Windows users is Microsoft Copilot, which is integrated into newer Windows PCs and can be accessed using a dedicated Copilot key. Users can even customize the key to launch ChatGPT instead.
In addition to ChatGPT, other AI platforms are competing in the space. Microsoft’s Copilot+ and Google’s Gemini offer premium AI features at $20 monthly. VeniceAI offers an uncensored AI platform for users seeking a free alternative, providing more flexibility in the types of questions and content it allows.
