GPT-5.6 becomes the preferred model in Microsoft 365 Copilot

OpenAI said GPT5.6 will become the preferred model in Microsoft 365 Copilot, bringing the latest model series into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Copilot Chat, and Cowork. The update is aimed at helping users write, analyze, create, and collaborate with more capable AI support across everyday work tools. According to OpenAI, GPT5.6 is designed to produce more useful work per token and improve performance on complex tasks. In Word, it is intended to help draft and edit documents with fewer prompts. In Excel, it can assist with deeper data analysis. In PowerPoint, it may help turn early ideas into more polished presentations. Microsoft said the model will be available through Copilot and also via direct access to OpenAI models through the API. The companies framed the rollout as part of their ongoing partnership to expand AI features for Microsoft 365 customers.