Microsoft tells staff to default to OpenAI model in GitHub Copilot
Microsoft AI coding projects shift to GPT-5.6 Sol in GitHub Copilot by default See why Microsoft is tightening model choices to cut costs and boost results
Microsoft is asking developers working on internal AI coding projects to use OpenAI’s flagship GPT5.6 Sol model by default in GitHub Copilot, according to a memo from CoreAI executive vice president Jay Parikh.
The guidance is part of a broader effort to improve efficiency and make better use of the company’s AI token spending. Microsoft said staff can still choose other models, including options from Anthropic, Google, xAI, and Microsoft itself, but GPT5.6 Sol should be the standard choice for most work.
The move comes as major tech companies face closer scrutiny over heavy AI infrastructure spending and growing pressure from investors to show returns. Microsoft also continues to manage its relationships with both OpenAI and Anthropic as the AI coding market becomes more competitive.