Now that ChatGPT has its own Windows app, the question of whether it's worth picking up Microsoft's Copilot, which is already present in Windows 11, is in the spotlight.
With the two sharing the stage, you should know where ChatGPT shines vs. Copilot. So, we've put together four reasons why you might prefer the ChatGPT app on Windows and where it shines.
Instant access with Alt + Space
Quick access to a tool is always a major selling point, which is why Copilot's native home on Windows is attractive. But, with the ChatGPT app, you just have to press Alt + Space to open a chat window instantly. This is true regardless of what you are already doing or if you are juggling many other tasks.
Imagine you're writing a document and you want to ask AI for help to improve your word choice or check grammar. There is no need to open the Copilot app; Just press Alt + Space, type your query and get an answer. Copilot often requires opening an app; Even with just one button to open it, it still feels a bit slower than the ChatGPT app.
Access chat history on all devices
As someone who uses multiple devices and not all of them use Microsoft operating systems, the most obvious benefit of the ChatGPT app is that it syncs my account and chat history with the web portal, my mobile app, and anywhere else I use ChatGPT. If I'm using ChatGPT on my desktop with the Windows app and I want to continue the conversation while taking the train, I can pick up the conversation and continue, and vice versa, once I return home.
On the other hand, Copilot is pretty integrated into Microsoft 365, which is great for staying in Word or Excel but doesn't allow me to carry a conversation from my desktop to my mobile. So if I ask Copilot to help me generate some party ideas, I'll have to wait until I'm on another Windows device before I can continue the conversation. ChatGPT's ability to stay connected across devices makes a big difference if you work on the go and want to keep all your AI conversations contained in one platform.
Image analysis for visual projects
One of the best features of ChatGPT is its ability to analyze the images you upload. Enter a photo and AI will interpret what's happening in the image, something Copilot doesn't currently offer.
I've regularly used this feature in the mobile app with complex graphics or multiple seemingly contradictory parking signs on a street pole, even with photos of recipes to determine ingredients. This type of image-based support isn't yet part of Copilot's toolset, so when all you have are images and words aren't enough, ChatGPT is the preferred option.
Access to plugins and the GPT store (coming soon)
This is still more anticipation than actual reality, but the ChatGPT app for Windows will have access to OpenAI's GPT store along with plugins created by other companies to work with the AI chatbot. That means more customization and new ways to use the AI chatbot are on the horizon. For example, you can link a content calendar plugin to ChatGPT to get its responses and other specialized tools.
Copilot is great for how it combines with Microsoft apps, but otherwise it doesn't have the kind of flexibility that the GPT Store provides (although that's still speculative for now). So while both the ChatGPT for Windows app and the built-in Copilot provide Windows users with plenty of AI tools and features, ChatGPT has enough unique advantages to make it more attractive in many cases. That could certainly change as Microsoft continues to improve Copilot, but I suspect you'll see an increase in the use of Windows ChatGPT and a drop in Copilot for the foreseeable future.