OpenAI has added a new feature to ChatGPT that controls the “thinking duration” for GPT-5 Thinking. Plus, Pro, and Business users can now choose Light, Standard, Extended, and Heavy options.
Thinking control feature: OpenAI has introduced a new update to its chatbot ChatGPT, which addresses a long-standing issue for users. Following the launch of GPT-5 and its advanced version GPT-5 Thinking, many users had complained that the chatbot often took an unusually long time to answer simple questions.
Addressing this problem, OpenAI has now introduced the Thinking Control feature, which allows users to decide how long the chatbot can "think" before answering a question.
How the Thinking Control Feature Works
OpenAI announced this new feature on its official X account (formerly Twitter). According to the company, this update was introduced following feedback from users who felt a lack of control over responses in GPT-5 Thinking.
When users switch to the GPT-5 Thinking model, a new "Thinking" option will appear below the prompt bar. It will have four different modes:
- Light – Fastest responses.
- Standard – Answers at a normal pace.
- Extended – Answers after a slightly longer thinking period.
- Heavy – Longest thinking time, for complex and in-depth answers.
Through this feature, users can control the model's thinking duration based on their needs and the complexity of the question.
Who Can Use It?
However, this feature is not available to all ChatGPT users. It is primarily for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Business tier users.
- Users of the Free tier and ChatGPT Go subscriptions do not yet have access to this feature because they do not have access to the GPT-5 Thinking model.
- Plus and Business users can access Standard and Extended modes.
- Only Pro users will get all four options, including Light and Heavy modes.
Furthermore, this feature is currently only available on the website and has not yet been implemented on desktop or mobile apps.
New Improvements to ChatGPT
Along with introducing this feature, OpenAI has also worked on other improvements for ChatGPT. Earlier this week, company CEO Sam Altman announced that ChatGPT's Personalization Page is being updated.
On the new page, users will be able to control the following options from a single interface:
- Personality Configuration
- Custom Instructions
- Memories
These changes will allow users to customize the chatbot's behavior and responses according to their needs. OpenAI states that the new personalization page will be available worldwide by the end of this week.
Benefits for Users
With the introduction of the Thinking Control feature, ChatGPT users will gain several benefits:
- Need fast answers? – Get immediate responses by choosing Light mode.
- Need complex and thoughtful answers? – Select Heavy mode.
- Personalized Control – Users now have complete control over the AI's thinking duration.
- Improved Productivity – Longer-thinking answers will only appear when necessary; otherwise, quick responses will save time.
This feature will make ChatGPT's user experience more fluid and adaptable.
