When OpenAI finally launched the much-anticipated GPT-5, many users were disappointed by what seemed like an over-hyped model. Although GPT-5 brings faster responses, better reasoning and stronger multimodal skills, not everyone loved the change, especially because GPT-4 quietly disappeared from the drop-down model selector.
Upset users took to Reddit and social media to voice their concerns. Some say GPT-4’s tone and pacing just felt better.
OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, quickly acknowledged the feedback and, in an unprecedented move, even promised to bring back GPT-4, but for paid subscribers only.
For free ChatGPT users, there’s no way to switch back; GPT-5 is now the only option unless you pay for a Plus subscription. That means if you preferred GPT-4’s style, you’re either stuck adapting to GPT-5 or looking for an alternative.
If you’re in that camp, here’s the good news: GPT-4 isn’t gone. You can still use it for free through Microsoft Copilot.
How to get GPT-4 for free
Microsoft Copilot, built into Windows 11, Microsoft Edge, and Bing, runs on GPT-4 Turbo, a faster, more efficient version of GPT-4.
With the free tier, you can ask unlimited questions, generate text, brainstorm ideas, summarize documents and even create AI images. All you need is a Microsoft account.
You can launch Copilot in a few ways:
- Windows 11: Press Windows + C or click the Copilot icon on your taskbar.
- Microsoft Edge: Click the Copilot button in the sidebar.
- Bing.com: Sign in and start chatting.
Why it’s worth trying
GPT-4 Turbo in Copilot retains many of GPT-4’s strengths that users have gotten used to over two years. The detailed answers, strong reasoning and creative writing responses may feel more natural compared to GPT's shorter responses.
If you want more, Copilot Pro ($20/month) unlocks priority access to GPT-4 Turbo during peak times, more customization and Microsoft 365 integration. But for most people, the free version is plenty, and if you're going to pay $20/month because you want GPT-4, you could get a ChatGPT Plus subscription.
Final thoughts
GPT-5 may be OpenAI’s flagship, but GPT-4 hasn’t vanished (phew!). There are ways for users to get access to their beloved chatbot— even for free.
As someone who tests AI for a living, I encourage you to keep giving GPT-5 a try. Use GPT-4 in Copilot, but save a few prompts for GPT-5 so you can slowly get used to the new model. It's also a great time to try other chatbots, do some prompt dusting and discover why you prefer one chatbot over the other.
We’re drawn to what we know, yet it’s the unfamiliar that can truly shift our perspective.
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More from Tom's Guide
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