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How-To · 6 min read

You're Probably Using the Wrong AI Model. Here's Where to Change It.

Default = often the cheapest, not the best. Same prompt, different model = different quality. Where to change it in Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini—below.

If cost isn't an issue, use the latest model.

Newer models (GPT-4o, Claude 3.5, Gemini 2.0, etc.) usually give better results. Pick the top-tier option when you can.

Microsoft Copilot

Web (copilot.microsoft.com) or in Word/Outlook. Selector at top of chat or near input.

  1. Open Copilot.
  2. Click the dropdown (Balanced / Creative / Precise or GPT-4o).
  3. Pick Creative or Precise—or GPT-4o if your plan has it.
Copilot interface with model selector circled at top of chat pane Click here →
Click the model dropdown to change it.

ChatGPT

Model name at top of chat. Free = one option; Plus = full list.

  1. Open a chat.
  2. Click the model name (e.g. GPT-4o mini) at the top.
  3. Choose GPT-4o or o1 for quality; mini for speed.
ChatGPT interface with model selector at top of chat Click here →
Click the model dropdown at the top.

Claude

claude.ai. Selector at top of chat or in sidebar.

  1. Open claude.ai.
  2. Find the model dropdown (top or sidebar).
  3. Pick Sonnet (general) or Opus (complex / long docs).
Claude interface with model selector Click here →
Click the model selector (top or sidebar).

Gemini

gemini.google.com. Selector at top or near the input.

  1. Open gemini.google.com.
  2. Find the model dropdown.
  3. Pick Flash (speed) or 1.5 Pro (reasoning).
Gemini interface with model selector Click here →
Click the model selector.

Quick comparison

Tool Use latest when you can Where
Copilot Creative / Precise or GPT-4o Top of chat or input
ChatGPT GPT-4o / o1 Top of chat
Claude Claude 3.5 Sonnet / Opus Top or sidebar
Gemini Gemini 2.0 Flash / 1.5 Pro Top of chat

Check your model before you start. If cost isn't a concern, stick with the latest.

Explore AI 101 Prompt Library