What are the Quick Response, Think Deeper, Study and Learn, and Search modes of Copilot used for?

If you use Microsoft Copilot On a daily basis, you will have seen that you can now choose between several conversation modes that adapt to each query. These modes change how it reasons, what sources it uses, and how long it takes to return the answer.so that the experience is more useful depending on what you need at any given time.

In this guide we explain in detail what Quick Response, Think Deeper, Study and Learn, and Smart eSearch are for, as well as how to activate them and when it is appropriate to use each one. We integrate everything that is already known about these modes and add real-world examples. (from riddles to practical calculations) so you can get the most out of them without complicating your life.

What conversation modes does Copilot offer and when should you choose each one?

Copilot incorporates several modes designed for different levels of complexity and objectives. Asking for a quick definition is not the same as analyzing a topic with nuances or verifying up-to-date information.That's why there are options that prioritize speed, deliberate reasoning, active learning, or web searching.

• Quick Response: Ideal for immediate and simple queries. Speed ​​is paramount, and it provides direct answers without unnecessary explanation.
• Think Deeper (Deep Reasoning): It takes longer (up to a few extra seconds) to formulate a more thoughtful response. It is designed for complex problems, decisions with variables or trick questions.
• Study and Learn: oriented towards active learning. Breaks down concepts, answers follow-up questions and it can "test" you with questions or exercises.
• Smart (Intelligent): He uses the GPT-5 model and adapts his thinking between speed and depth according to the task. Look for natural interactions, high-quality responses, and contextual understanding.
• Search: It brings up recent information from the web, with quotes. Useful when you need Up-to-date data, verification, and external context.

Please note that, depending on your account, some modes may not be available. When you sign in with your Microsoft account, you'll see the modes enabled for you., And in mobile devices This may vary depending on whether you use a personal, educational, or business account.

How to activate and use modes in Microsoft Copilot

Choosing the right mode is just as important as writing the message well. The more specific your prompt, the better performance you'll get in any mode., from the fastest to those with deep reasoning.

1. Write your application as you normally would. Include context, restrictions, and examples. if you want a more tailored answer to your specific situation.
2. Before sending, press the selector below the text box (it initially appears as “Quick Reply”). Choose the mode that best suits your goal and send.
3. In Think Deeper and Smart, Copilot may take a little longer to reason. During that time you will see signs that he is evaluating your request step by step. to compose a more thoughtful response.
4. After the first response, you can continue with follow-up questions and the same mode will remain active. You can switch modes again or turn it off whenever you want. as it suits you.

On mobile (Android e iOSYou will also see the mode activation button next to the text drawer. If Think Deeper doesn't appear, try a personal account.since some business or educational profiles may not have it enabled for now.

Quick Response: Speed ​​above all

Quick Response is designed for those queries where speed is key. It's perfect for definitions, short summaries, simple conversions, or "on the fly" answers. without the need for in-depth analysis.

By prioritizing immediacy, this mode does not invest extra cycles in reasoning. If you suspect your question may be tricky, have hidden variables, or require recent sourcesPerhaps it's better to switch to Think Deeper or Search.

Use it for tasks like: “What does X mean?”, “Give me three quick ideas for…”, “Convert 50 euros to dollars”. When the goal is to solve something simple and straightforwardYou'll save time with Quick Response.

Think Deeper (Deep Reasoning): When you need a very thoughtful answer

Think Deeper is Copilot's thoughtful reasoning mode. Their mission is to go beyond the obvious, consider nuances, weigh alternatives, and build solid answers.even if it takes a few extra seconds.

This mode is powered by the latest reasoning models of OpenAI and is available in all languages ​​and regions supported by Copilot. When capacity is limited, users of Microsoft 365 Personal, Family and Premium have priorityso that the service remains smooth.

Furthermore, in some implementations Think Deeper relies on the model OpenAI o1, which allows it to "simulate" thought processes step by step. The idea is not to answer quickly, but to get it right. after a more careful analysis of the problem.

When is it convenient? When you ask comparisons with variables (cost, impact, risk), strategic planningdilemmas with pros and cons or riddles that require paying attention to the details. Also, when a mistake would be costly and you prefer accuracy over speed.

Practical examples of Think Deeper

A typical example is the calculation of the letter of the Spanish DNI, which follows a public algorithm. If you ask “Calculate the letter of ID number 45688874”The correct solution is H (45688874H). It might fail in quick mode, but Think Deeper Take those extra seconds to verify the procedure and deliver the correct result.

Another good example is the billiard ball riddle: “You have 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15. Choose three to add up to 30.” The key is to interpret the 9 ball as a 6 if it is turned upside down, so 6 + 11 + 13 = 30. A fast mode might hastily conclude that “there is no solution”, while Think Deeper explore less obvious interpretations until the valid combination is found.

In everyday life, this mode shines in situations like: “I have €15.000 for renovations, what will give me more value in 3 years: kitchen, bathroom or roof?”, “I am a front-end developer with 4 years of experience, is a postgraduate degree worth it?” or “I want to make the most of my last year of university between leisure, employment and finances.” These are multifaceted questions where nuanced reflection provides a real advantage..

Study and Learn: the way to truly learn

Study and Learn is designed to help you assimilate content and delve deeper into a topic; if you're looking for practical examples about Use Copilot for learningThis is the correct method. It does not simply provide the final solutionInstead, it explains concepts, breaks down steps, answers follow-up questions, and even suggests quizzes.

It is especially useful if you are studying, starting out in a language of programming or reviewing theory. It works in all languages ​​and regions supported by Copilot, and its goal is to encourage active learning at your own pace.

Some prompts that work great in this mode:Help me find the slope and y-intercept of y = 2x + 7“How does a FOR loop work in Python"Show me how to add the pairs from 1 to 100," "Difference between correlation and causation and how to detect it in a study," "Explain DNA replication step by step."

You can also ask him to evaluate you:Test me on mitosis and meiosis"Or give me a quiz on Enlightenment thinkers and their impact on the French Revolution." Its value lies in the fact that it guides you, corrects you, and reinforces the key points..

Smart: a balance between speed and depth

Smart mode takes advantage of GPT-5 to deliver the most advanced conversational Copilot experienceIf you're unsure which model to use for a specific task, also consult the best AI for each taskIt adapts dynamically: it can think quickly when it's obvious or take its time if the task requires it.

Their goal is to combine quality of response, nuance and naturalnessUnderstanding the context of what you've already discussed better. If you're going to be moving between explanations, creative problem-solving, and contextual monitoringSmart is a safe bet.

It is available in supported languages ​​and regions, and aims to be the powerful "wild card" when you don't know whether speed or reasoning is more important to you. If you're unsure which mode to choose, Smart usually performs in a very balanced way..

Search: Fresh information, with quotes

Search connects to the web to offer you updated results with referencesIdeal for recent news, changing statistics, releases, today's comparisons, or last-minute checks.

If what you're looking for isn't in its built-in knowledge or changes frequently, turn on Search. You'll be able to see where the information comes from, compare sources, and expand the context. without leaving Copilot.

This mode is available for all supported regions and languages. Use it when There be a critical factor or when you need links to support the data you're going to cite in a report, lecture, or presentation.

Tips for choosing the right mode in each situation

Before sending your prompt, think about the nature of your goal. Do you need speed or exhaustive accuracy? Are you looking to learn, reason, or verify current data?

• Simple and direct inquiry: Quick Response.
• Problem with nuances or “traps”: Think Deeper.
• Study, practice, or ask for pedagogical explanations: Study and Learn.
• You want a smart balance based on context: Smart.
• You need up-to-date information with quotes: Search.

Add context and boundaries (“do it in 200 words”, “gives pros and cons”, “cites sources”) so that the mode performs better. Good prompts improve any mode and avoid misunderstandings.