Tag: OpenAI

  • GPT-5.6 Is Missing in Copilot Cowork? Turn On This Admin Setting

    GPT-5.6 Is Missing in Copilot Cowork? Turn On This Admin Setting

    GPT-5.6 is available in Copilot Cowork.

    But if you open the model picker and only see GPT 5.5, the problem may not be your Cowork license or the rollout.

    There is one Microsoft 365 admin setting you need to check first.

    OpenAI must be enabled as a Microsoft subprocessor before users can access the new OpenAI-operated models.

    Copilot Cowork model picker before GPT-5.6 models are enabled
    Before OpenAI is enabled as a Microsoft subprocessor, the Copilot Cowork model picker may show GPT 5.5 but not GPT 5.6 Sol or Terra.

    The hidden dependency behind GPT-5.6 in Cowork

    Microsoft now supports OpenAI-operated models in Microsoft 365 Copilot experiences. That is different from OpenAI models operated by Microsoft through Azure OpenAI.

    For GPT-5.6, Microsoft’s documentation is direct: if you want to use GPT-5.6, you need to enable OpenAI-operated models.

    That means the model picker is not the first place to troubleshoot. Start in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

    Where to enable OpenAI as a subprocessor

    You need to be a Global Administrator or AI Administrator to change this setting.

    Go to the Microsoft 365 admin center and follow these steps:

    1. Open Copilot.
    2. Select Settings.
    3. Select View all.
    4. Open AI providers operating as Microsoft subprocessors.
    Microsoft 365 admin center Copilot settings showing AI providers operating as Microsoft subprocessors
    In the Microsoft 365 admin center, go to Copilot > Settings > View all, then open AI providers operating as Microsoft subprocessors.

    Choose who gets access

    Expand OpenAI. From there, choose which users can access OpenAI-operated models:

    • All users
    • No users
    • Specific users and groups

    Then select Save.

    OpenAI subprocessor access settings in the Microsoft 365 admin center
    OpenAI is disabled by default in the current admin experience. Admins can enable it for everyone or scope access to specific users and security groups.

    For a pilot, I would start with Specific users and groups.

    This setting is applied at the provider level across supported Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Studio experiences. Scoping it to a security group gives you a clean way to test the new models with a small group before expanding access.

    What users see after the setting is enabled

    After the setting is saved, go back to Copilot Cowork and open the model picker again.

    In my tenant, the new choices appeared as:

    • GPT 5.6 Sol — the most capable GPT-5.6 model for complex work.
    • GPT 5.6 Terra — the balanced GPT-5.6 model for high-volume work.
    Copilot Cowork model picker showing GPT 5.6 Sol and GPT 5.6 Terra
    After enabling OpenAI as a Microsoft subprocessor, GPT 5.6 Sol and GPT 5.6 Terra appear in the Copilot Cowork model picker.

    That is the before-and-after test.

    If GPT-5.6 is missing, check the provider setting before you spend time troubleshooting the user, the browser, or Cowork itself.

    The governance detail admins should not skip

    Enabling this setting is not just a feature toggle. It is a data-processing decision.

    Microsoft says OpenAI operates these models as a Microsoft subprocessor under contractual safeguards and appropriate technical and organizational measures. Microsoft Product Terms, the Microsoft Data Protection Addendum, and Enterprise Data Protection apply, subject to Microsoft’s documented exclusions.

    There are also two details worth reviewing with your governance team:

    • OpenAI-operated models are currently excluded from in-country processing commitments where those commitments apply.
    • They are not currently available in GCC, GCC High, DoD, or sovereign clouds.

    Do not turn this on just because the new model names look interesting. Decide who needs access, document the data-processing change, and start with a controlled group.

    One rollout date to pay attention to

    Microsoft says OpenAI-operated models are currently disabled for customers. Starting July 24, 2026, they will be enabled for all users in eligible commercial tenants unless an admin explicitly selects No users.

    That makes this a setting every Microsoft 365 Copilot admin should review, even if the organization is not ready to use GPT-5.6 yet.

    The question is no longer just, “How do I turn GPT-5.6 on?”

    It is also, “Who should get it, and what should our policy be before the default changes?”

    The practical rollout pattern

    • Confirm the Global Administrator or AI Administrator who owns the setting.
    • Review the OpenAI subprocessor terms and data-processing notes.
    • Create a security group for the first Cowork users.
    • Enable OpenAI for that group.
    • Confirm GPT 5.6 Sol and Terra appear in the Cowork model picker.
    • Test real work with a small group before expanding access.
    • Review the setting again before the July 24 default change.

    The technical step takes a minute.

    The admin decision behind it deserves more attention.

    If GPT-5.6 is missing in Copilot Cowork, start with the OpenAI subprocessor setting.

    Sources

  • Maximize Efficiency with GPT-5 Router-Optimized Prompts

    Maximize Efficiency with GPT-5 Router-Optimized Prompts

    This prompt pack is around general use, if you would like a more focused pack focused on a specific industry or scenario, comment below.

    Below you will find the prompt pack in 3 formats

    Word doc download:

    Markdown download (word press wont let me upload markdown file so I have uploaded to my GitHub for download: FlowAltDelete/GPT-5-Router-Optimized-Universal-Prompt-Pack

    If you don’t want to download, I have also put the prompt pack below

    GPT‑5 Router‑Optimized Universal Prompt Pack (v1.1)

    What this is: A field‑tested, router‑aware prompt pack tuned for GPT‑5.
    How to use: Paste the Router Boost Header 2.0 above any task below, then use the upgraded prompt. Each item includes a fast audit (strengths, gaps, tuning) so you know why it works.


    Router Boost Header 2.0 (paste above any prompt)

    Task: [one sentence describing “done”].
    Context/Grounding: [paste facts/links/notes]. Cite sources if summarizing; don’t invent.
    Constraints: audience=[…], tone=[…], length=[…], locality=[region/laws], non‑negotiables=[…].
    Output Contract: [exact format/schema; if JSON, include a schema].
    Tool Grants: You may use internal reasoning, code execution, and structured output. Do not expose chain‑of‑thought; return only the final results.
    Mode: Choose fast for simple tasks, deep for complex ones; state the choice on one line before the output.
    Self‑Check: Validate constraints, factuality (vs. sources), and format before returning. If JSON, ensure it parses.
    Failure Policy: If blocked or context is thin, list missing info and ask 3 sharp questions; otherwise proceed with explicit assumptions labeled “Assumptions.”

    Tip: Keep the header short in production—only include fields that matter. If you need determinism, ask for “low‑randomness; no lateral riffs.”


    Universal GPT‑5 Prompt Pack v1.1**

    Below: for each prompt

    • Use when: best fit.
    • Strengths: what’s good already.
    • Gaps: what to tighten for GPT‑5.
    • Router tuning: small switches that improve results.
    • Upgraded prompt: copy/paste ready.
    • (Optional) Strict JSON variant: when you need machine‑readable output.

    1) Executive Summary (Any Topic)

    Use when: You need crisp, executive‑level clarity in 30–90 seconds.
    Strengths: Forces prioritization; covers timing and action.
    Gaps: Can drift into fluff; doesn’t enforce one‑line bullets; missing “evidence”.
    Router tuning: Demand one‑line bullets with bold labels; add “evidence” blip; enforce count.

    Upgraded prompt

    Create exactly **5 one‑line bullets** summarizing [topic/brief].
    Each bullet starts with a bold label: **What matters**, **Why now**, **Risks**, **Decision**, **Next actions**.
    Add ≤12 words per bullet. Include 1 source or metric if available.
    Mode: [fast/deep]. Return as a simple bullet list—no preamble.
    

    Strict JSON variant

    Return valid JSON:
    { "what_matters": "...", "why_now": "...", "risks": "...", "decision": "...", "next_actions": "..." }
    

    2) Research Plan (Adversarial)

    Use when: You must test a claim/feature beyond happy‑path.
    Strengths: Calls for metrics, data, adversarial tests.
    Gaps: No threat model; no instrument plan; no stop/continue math.
    Router tuning: Introduce threat model + falsification criteria; add power checks.

    Upgraded prompt

    Design an **adversarial research plan** to evaluate [claim/feature]. Include:
    1) Objectives & hypotheses (null + alt); 2) Success metrics & thresholds; 3) Threat model (abuse, edge cases);
    4) Data to collect (fields, sample size/power);
    5) Protocols (A/B, holdout, offline evals);
    6) Adversarial tests & red‑team scripts;
    7) Stop/continue rule with math;
    8) Reporting template (tables/plots).
    Mode: [fast/deep]. Output as a numbered outline.
    

    3) Decision Memo

    Use when: A one‑pager to choose among options.
    Strengths: Options, costs, risks, reversibility, rec.
    Gaps: No owner/date format; no “evidence” box; weak contingency.
    Router tuning: Add RACI owner/date; add 30/60/90 follow‑ups.

    Upgraded prompt

    Write a one‑page decision memo for [choice]. Include:
    - Context (1 para) with constraints & evidence;
    - Options (3): summary, costs (one‑time/run), risks, reversibility;
    - Recommendation: **one** choice with rationale;
    - Owner + Decision date; 30/60/90‑day checkpoints;
    - Contingency triggers & rollback plan.
    Mode: [fast/deep]. Keep ≤400 words.
    

    4) Project Plan One‑Pager

    Use when: Turn messy notes into plan.
    Strengths: Scope, milestones, owners, risks, comms, RAID.
    Gaps: No critical path; RAID often hand‑wavy.
    Router tuning: Add dates & simple Gantt list; RAID as compact table.

    Upgraded prompt

    From these notes: [paste], produce a one‑page plan with:
    1) Scope (in/out);
    2) Milestones (name, owner, date) in order;
    3) Critical path (1‑3 bullets);
    4) Comms cadence (who, channel, freq);
    5) RAID summary table (Risk/Assumption/Issue/Dependency → owner, impact, mitigation);
    6) Acceptance criteria (bullet list).
    Mode: [fast/deep]. Keep it skimmable.
    

    5) Meeting → Decisions

    Use when: Converting raw notes to what matters.
    Strengths: Decisions & actions separation.
    Gaps: No owners on decisions; action status taxonomy missing.
    Router tuning: Add decision owner + rationale; status enum.

    Upgraded prompt

    Convert these notes: [paste] into:
    A) **Decisions** list (decision, owner, rationale, date);
    B) **Actions** table {owner, step, due, status ∈ [New, In‑Progress, Blocked, Done]}.
    Mode: [fast/deep]. No commentary, just the two sections.
    

    Strict JSON variant

    { "decisions": [ { "decision": "", "owner": "", "rationale": "", "date": "" } ],
      "actions": [ { "owner": "", "step": "", "due": "", "status": "New|In-Progress|Blocked|Done" } ] }
    

    6) Cold Email Trio

    Use when: 3‑touch outbound sequence.
    Strengths: Problem → proof → ask. Short.
    Gaps: ICP nuance; weak personalization; missing CTA micro‑asks.
    Router tuning: Insert first‑line personal hook; vary asks.

    Upgraded prompt

    Write **3 cold emails** for [offer] to [ICP].
    Email 1: name the **patterned pain**; end with a 10‑min micro‑ask.
    Email 2: social proof/insight (number/metric), 1 sentence case study.
    Email 3: crisp ask with 2 time options.
    Each ≤120 words, 5‑7 sentences, no fluff. Include a {First‑line personalization} placeholder.
    Mode: [fast/deep].
    

    7) LinkedIn Authority Post

    Use when: Thought leadership for execs + builders.
    Strengths: Structure, framework, prompt.
    Gaps: Risk of buzzwords; no proof.
    Router tuning: Require 1 mini‑case and 1 number.

    Upgraded prompt

    Write a LinkedIn post on [topic] for execs + builders:
    - 3 punchy paragraphs (≤60 words each);
    - 1 mini‑framework (3 bullets, named);
    - 1 thought prompt (1 line);
    - Include one concrete number or example; avoid buzzwords.
    Mode: [fast/deep]. No hashtags unless asked.
    

    8) X Post (Bold, No Hashtags)

    Use when: High‑signal micro‑take.
    Strengths: Tight character limit, bold stance.
    Gaps: Might overrun chars; no proof token.
    Router tuning: Enforce count; include 1 fact word/number.

    Upgraded prompt

    Write one confident X post on [insight/news]. ≤240 chars.
    Format: HOOK — TAKEAWAY. Include **one** concrete fact or number.
    No hashtags. No emoji at the end. Mode: [fast/deep].
    

    9) YouTube Kit

    Use when: Fast ideation + structure.
    Strengths: Titles, open, chapters.
    Gaps: Title length drift; missing viewer promise.
    Router tuning: Enforce title count/length; add “who it’s for.”

    Upgraded prompt

    For a video on [topic], produce:
    - **10 titles** (<60 chars);
    - A two‑sentence cold open that states who it’s for and the promise;
    - Chapter list with timestamps (estimate) and outcomes per chapter.
    Mode: [fast/deep]. No clickbait lies.
    

    10) Content Angle Generator

    Use when: Topic expansion without repetition.
    Strengths: Rich buckets.
    Gaps: Duplicates; vague angles.
    Router tuning: Enforce uniqueness + sample headline.

    Upgraded prompt

    List **25 distinct content angles** for [niche/product] across:
    how‑to, contrarian, teardown, story, data, tutorial, tool, myth vs fact.
    For each: 1‑line angle + a sample headline. No repeats. Mode: [fast/deep].
    

    11) Product Spec from Idea

    Use when: Move from idea to v1.
    Strengths: Users, JTBD, metrics, scope.
    Gaps: Test plan vague; acceptance criteria missing.
    Router tuning: Add measurable acceptance + de‑scoping rules.

    Upgraded prompt

    Turn this idea into a lean product spec:
    - Users & JTBD; key use cases;
    - Success metrics (leading/lagging) with targets;
    - V1 scope (must/should/could) and out‑of‑scope;
    - Acceptance criteria (measurable);
    - Test plan (happy path, edge, abuse).
    Mode: [fast/deep]. ≤500 words.
    

    12) UX Critique

    Use when: Actionable UI improvements.
    Strengths: Issues + fixes.
    Gaps: Evidence often light; microcopy not tested.
    Router tuning: Severity scale + before/after microcopy.

    Upgraded prompt

    Critique the UX of [flow/screen]. Deliver:
    - 10 issues with severity ∈ {P0, P1, P2}, evidence, and concrete fix;
    - A before→after microcopy table (3–5 rows);
    - One quick win and one deeper redesign note.
    Mode: [fast/deep].
    

    13) CSV Data Brief

    Use when: Shape an analysis plan before coding.
    Strengths: Questions → steps → visuals.
    Gaps: Schema ambiguity; data checks missing.
    Router tuning: Add sanity checks + exact chart types.

    Upgraded prompt

    Given CSV schema: [columns], produce:
    1) 5 decision‑driven questions;
    2) Validation checks (types, nulls, outliers);
    3) Analysis steps;
    4) Exact visuals/tables to produce (chart type, axes, groupings).
    Mode: [fast/deep]. No code unless asked.
    

    14) Code from Spec

    Use when: From spec to runnable core.
    Strengths: Architecture, snippets, tests, edges.
    Gaps: Env assumptions; complexity unbounded.
    Router tuning: Pin language/runtime; include complexity notes.

    Upgraded prompt

    Given this spec: [paste], provide:
    - Architecture diagram (text) and key components;
    - Core code snippets in [language/runtime] with minimal deps;
    - Tests (unit/integration) and fixtures;
    - Failure/edge cases + graceful handling;
    - Complexity & trade‑offs section.
    Mode: [fast/deep]. Keep idiomatic.
    

    15) Code Review + Refactor

    Use when: Improve safety & clarity with a plan.
    Strengths: Smells, hotspots, steps, tests.
    Gaps: Lacks risk scoring; migration path unclear.
    Router tuning: Add impact x effort; phased plan.

    Upgraded prompt

    Review this code: [paste]. Deliver:
    - Findings by category (correctness, security, perf, clarity);
    - Hotspots with complexity signals;
    - Refactor plan in small, safe steps with tests;
    - Risk/Impact vs Effort matrix (P0/P1/P2);
    - Before/after snippet for 1 key function.
    Mode: [fast/deep].
    

    16) Strict JSON Every Time

    Use when: Machine‑readable output required.
    Strengths: Clear schema.
    Gaps: No parser check; no enum constraints.
    Router tuning: Include enums & validation note.

    Upgraded prompt

    Return **only valid JSON** for [task]. Schema:
    {
      "title": "string",
      "summary": "string",
      "risks": ["string"],
      "actions": [ { "owner": "string", "step": "string", "eta": "YYYY-MM-DD" } ],
      "metrics": ["string"]
    }
    No prose. Validate keys, types, and date format before returning.
    

    17) SOP / Checklist

    Use when: Repeatable, low‑variance execution.
    Strengths: Steps + gates + recovery.
    Gaps: Timing windows; roles not explicit.
    Router tuning: Add roles & time boxes.

    Upgraded prompt

    Draft a step‑by‑step SOP for [process]. Include:
    - Prereqs & roles;
    - Steps with time boxes;
    - Quality gates with pass/fail checks;
    - Common failure recovery & escalation ladder.
    Mode: [fast/deep]. Output as a checklist.
    

    18) Positioning & ICP

    Use when: Sharpen message‑market fit.
    Strengths: ICP, pains, alts, value prop, messages, pitch.
    Gaps: Jobs vs pains; proof tokens missing.
    Router tuning: Add JTBD & proof lines.

    Upgraded prompt

    Define positioning for [product]. Provide:
    - ICP traits (firmographic + behavioral);
    - JTBD and top pains (ranked);
    - Alternatives (do‑nothing included);
    - Value proposition (benefit + proof);
    - 3 key messages;
    - 3‑line elevator pitch.
    Mode: [fast/deep].
    

    19) Competitive Teardown

    Use when: Side‑by‑side clarity.
    Strengths: Features, UX, pricing, moat, switching costs, objections.
    Gaps: Buyer role nuance; evidence weak.
    Router tuning: Add role lens + cite artifacts.

    Upgraded prompt

    Compare [your product] vs [competitor] for [buyer role]. Cover:
    - Features & UX (table);
    - Pricing (typical deal sizes/TCO);
    - Moat & switching costs;
    - Buyer objections + crisp replies;
    - Evidence links (docs, screenshots) if available.
    Mode: [fast/deep].
    

    20) Policy First Draft (Non‑Legal)

    Use when: First pass policy with clarity.
    Strengths: Rules, examples, do/don’t, escalation.
    Gaps: No scope/authority; review cadence missing.
    Router tuning: Add scope, owner, review cadence.

    Upgraded prompt

    Draft a **non‑legal** first‑pass policy for [topic]. Include:
    - Scope & definitions; policy owner;
    - Rules with examples; do/don’t lists;
    - Compliance checks & escalation path;
    - Exceptions process;
    - Review cadence and change log placeholder;
    - Legal review placeholder.
    Mode: [fast/deep].
    

    21) 7‑Day Learning Plan

    Use when: Focused upskilling in a week.
    Strengths: Daily objectives, resources, practice, quiz.
    Gaps: Entry level varies; no capstone.
    Router tuning: Add diagnostic + capstone.

    Upgraded prompt

    Build a 7‑day learning plan for [skill/exam]. Include:
    - Day 0 diagnostic (what to skip/focus);
    - Daily objectives, resources (≤3/day), and practice tasks;
    - Daily self‑quiz (5 Qs) with expected answers;
    - Day 7 capstone task with rubric.
    Mode: [fast/deep].
    

    22) Negotiation Prep

    Use when: Plan the conversation before the room.
    Strengths: Goals, walk‑away, BATNA, concessions, questions, opening.
    Gaps: Counter‑plays; objection map missing.
    Router tuning: Add opponent map + scripts.

    Upgraded prompt

    Create a negotiation brief for [deal]. Include:
    - Goals; walk‑away; BATNA;
    - Concession strategy (give/get);
    - Questions to surface interests;
    - Opening script;
    - Objection map with counters;
    - Opponent/alignment map (roles, power, interests).
    Mode: [fast/deep].
    

    23) Landing Page Copy

    Use when: Write conversion‑first copy.
    Strengths: Section list, direct tone.
    Gaps: Segment nuance; FAQ weak.
    Router tuning: Add segment option + proof elements.

    Upgraded prompt

    Write a landing page for [offer]. Sections:
    - Headline + subhead (clear promise);
    - Value bullets (3–6) with outcomes;
    - Proof (logos, testimonial lines, metrics);
    - CTA (primary + secondary);
    - FAQ (5–7 Qs).
    Optional: provide a variant for [segment].
    Mode: [fast/deep].
    

    24) Automation Blueprint

    Use when: Design automations with ROI.
    Strengths: Triggers, steps, data, errors, alerts, ROI.
    Gaps: SLAs; run‑costs; auditability.
    Router tuning: Add SLAs, idempotency, and cost model.

    Upgraded prompt

    Propose automations for [workflow]. Include:
    - Triggers & prerequisites;
    - Steps with systems & data sources;
    - Error handling (retries, dead‑letter, idempotency);
    - Alerts/observability (what, who, channel, thresholds);
    - SLAs & run‑cost model;
    - ROI estimate (baseline vs future, payback).
    Mode: [fast/deep].
    

    Bonus: Mini Switches You Can Add Anywhere

    • “Low‑randomness, no lateral riffs.” For deterministic outputs.
    • “Use a verification pass: compare output vs. constraints, fix before returning.”
    • “If citing, append a short sources list with titles + links.”
    • “Label assumptions explicitly if context is thin.”
    • “Return a ‘How to use this output’ note in one line.”

    Final Notes

    • Keep the Router Header lean; the power comes from clear Output Contracts and tight constraints.
    • Prefer JSON when downstream automation is needed; prefer skimmable bullets when humans are the primary consumer.
    • If you need extra toughness, combine “adversarial” and “self‑check” lines.

    Changelog v1.1 (this doc): Added threat models, self‑check, enum statuses, strict JSON variants, SLAs/costs for automation, and decision‑date/owner fields for memos.