Microsoft Copilot: Effort control for models in Cowork

Microsoft Copilot Cowork now lets users select effort levels (Light, Medium, High) in the model picker to control response quality, speed, and usage. This feature, rolling out globally by late August 2026, requires no admin action but may need user guidance on effort selection.

[What and Why:]

Copilot Cowork now includes effort levels in the model picker, giving users more control over how Cowork responds to different types of work. Users can select Light effort for simpler tasks, keep Medium effort for everyday work, or choose higher effort levels when more complex analysis and reasoning are needed. This enhancement helps users balance response quality, speed, and usage consumption based on the needs of each task.  

The model picker is integrated directly into the compose experience, making effort selection available where users start working. Medium is usually the default effort level but this may vary across models to meet the Cowork quality bar. A user's selected effort level persists across future Cowork tasks until they change it. Effort levels are rolling out in Copilot Cowork for web, Windows, and Mac.

[Rollout Schedule:]

• General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in late August 2026 and is expected to complete by late August 2026.

[Impact on Your Organization:]

Who is affected:

• Users with access to Copilot Cowork.

Platforms/Services: Microsoft Copilot Cowork.

• Users will be able to select an effort level directly from the model picker in the compose experience.
• The selected effort level influences the balance between response quality, response speed, and usage consumption.
• Credit usage varies based on the actual work performed and is not tied to a fixed cost per effort level.
• Existing model availability and governance controls remain unchanged.

[Action Required / Recommendations:]

No admin action is required.

Organizations may want to inform users about the new effort level options and provide guidance on selecting the appropriate level for different work scenarios.

[Compliance Considerations:]

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.