OpenAI Lets Users Control GPT-5 Thinking Time in ChatGPT

With the launch of GPT-5, the company OpenAI has introduced new controls that let you decide whether you want very fast responses or more thoughtful, carefully considered answers.

Unlike humans who think out loud, ChatGPT processes information internally before giving you an answer. This thinking process involves weighing different possibilities, checking for accuracy, and crafting the best possible response to your question. Think of it like asking a friend a complex question. They might either give you a quick off-the-cuff answer or pause to really consider their response before speaking. 

The system now offers several different levels. There’s minimal thinking, which is the speed demon option. When you choose this, GPT-5 cuts down its internal processing to give you answers as quickly as possible. It’s perfect for simple questions, quick brainstorming, or when you’re in a hurry and need immediate responses.

Low thinking is a step up from minimal. This setting allows for some consideration but still prioritizes speed over depth. It’s ideal for everyday conversations and straightforward tasks that don’t require heavy analysis. 

Medium thinking is the default balanced approach that most users will probably stick with. It provides a good mix of speed and thoughtfulness, giving you well-considered responses without making you wait too long.

When you really need GPT-5 to put in the mental work, high thinking lets the system take its time to thoroughly analyse your request. It’s perfect for complex problems, detailed analysis, or when accuracy is more important than speed.

The introduction of thinking controls addresses one of the biggest complaints users have had about ChatGPT: sometimes it’s too slow when you need quick answers, and other times it’s too fast when you need deeper insights. When you need fast answers for simple questions like “What’s the weather like?” or “Convert 100 dollars to euros,” minimal or low thinking gets you there instantly. For writing emails, social media posts, or basic content, medium thinking usually provides the perfect balance of quality and speed. When tackling difficult math problems, analysing data, or working on complex coding projects, high thinking mode ensures GPT-5 takes the time needed to provide accurate, well-reasoned solutions. Students and researchers can use high thinking mode for detailed explanations and thorough analysis, while using faster modes for quick fact-checking or brainstorming.

This update represents OpenAI’s recognition that different tasks require different approaches. Not every interaction needs the same level of processing power, and giving users control over this balance makes ChatGPT more practical for daily use. 

The good news is that ChatGPT Business and Pro plans offer unlimited access to GPT-5 models, while free users have weekly limits. However, the automatic switching feature doesn’t count against these limits, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the improved thinking capabilities when they’re  needed.

Whether you’re a student needing quick homework help, a professional requiring detailed analysis, or someone just having a casual conversation, you now have the power to decide how much mental effort ChatGPT puts into each response.

This update signals OpenAI’s commitment to making their tools more user-friendly and practical. By giving people control over the thinking process, they’re acknowledging that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to responses. The introduction of these controls also suggests that future updates might offer even more  control over how ChatGPT processes and responds to requests, making it an ever-powerful tool for both personal and professional use.