ChatGPT plants its flag on Copilot’s front lawn — 5 months after OpenAI snubbed Windows 11 for Apple despite Microsoft’s multi-billion dollar investment

ChatGPT plants its flag on Copilot’s front lawn — 5 months after OpenAI snubbed Windows 11 for Apple despite Microsoft's multi-billion dollar investment

What you need to know

  • OpenAI recently announced that it has started testing an early version of its ChatGPT desktop app on Windows.
  • The Windows desktop app is currently limited to ChatGPT Plus, Enterprise, Team, and Edu users, meaning you’ll need a $20 monthly subscription to access the tool.
  • The app works on Windows 10, but its capabilities are fairly limited. It doesn’t support the Advanced Voice Mode feature and OpenAI’s GPT Store.

As someone who has been closely following the tech industry for quite some time now, it seems OpenAI is finally stepping into the Windows ecosystem with its ChatGPT desktop app, albeit in a limited capacity for now. Given that I’ve witnessed Microsoft’s investment and strategic integration of OpenAI’s technology across various platforms, this move feels like a long-awaited response to the tech giant’s multi-billion dollar bet.


Previously this year, OpenAI unexpectedly launched its primary AI-driven chatbot, ChatGPT, only for Apple’s macOS. This decision drew varied reactions, given Microsoft’s significant financial investment and integration of the AI company’s technology across various layers of Microsoft’s technology infrastructure, such as Windows 11.

During an interview, Mira Murati (the former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer) explained their focus on deploying ChatGPT where most users are found, when asked about the lack of a Windows version. However, OpenAI hinted at plans to bring ChatGPT to Windows devices this year, without providing a specific timeline.

After five months since solely launching ChatGPT for macOS, OpenAI is now moving forward with their commitment, as reported by TechCrunch. This week, on what used to be known as Twitter, OpenAI announced that they have started testing a preliminary version of the Windows desktop application.

On the other hand, the enhanced Windows experience is exclusively for ChatGPT Plus, Enterprise, Team, and Edu subscribers at present. To utilize this feature, you’ll need to sign up or upgrade to any of these subscription plans. Keep in mind that OpenAI aims to provide the complete experience to all ChatGPT users later in the year.

According to OpenAI:

Using the latest desktop version of ChatGPT, you can discuss files and pictures with ease. This application provides you with the most recent advancements from OpenAI, giving you access to OpenAI’s o1-preview, our cutting-edge and highly intelligent model.

Will ChatGPT work in Windows 10?

ChatGPT plants its flag on Copilot’s front lawn — 5 months after OpenAI snubbed Windows 11 for Apple despite Microsoft's multi-billion dollar investment

The ChatGPT application from OpenAI can function on Windows 10, but it comes with significant limitations. Some of these compromises include the absence of the Advanced Voice Mode functionality and the integration with OpenAI’s GPT Store. At this point, it’s uncertain if these features will be added in the future.

In about a year, on October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10. Currently, Windows 10 leads the global desktop operating market with an impressive 62.79% share. Interestingly, its successor, Windows 11, has been gaining traction, rising from 23.64% in September to a current 33.37%.

Microsoft has been actively encouraging users to switch to its newest AI-enhanced operating system, even employing a persistent strategy with extensive full-screen advertisements.

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2024-10-20 17:18