Microsoft Now Lets Windows 11 Users Run OpenAI’s GPT Model Locally — For Free

Microsoft is bringing a powerful AI tool straight to Windows 11 users — and the best part? You won’t need to pay for it or rely on cloud connections. The company has added OpenAI’s GPT-OSS 20B model to its Windows AI Foundry platform, giving users access to a capable AI that can run directly on their own computers.

Why This Is Big News

For years, advanced AI models like GPT have been tied to cloud services. But now, Microsoft is flipping the script by letting users run a robust GPT model entirely on their PCs. This means faster performance, greater privacy, and no more worrying about server outages or internet lag. If you’ve got a decent graphics card (think 16GB VRAM or higher), you’re good to go.

What Can This AI Do?

Unlike some of OpenAI’s larger models that generate images, videos, and audio, the GPT-OSS 20B is designed for practical reasoning tasks. It can help with coding, automate workflows, and handle complex command-based tasks — all happening right on your system. It’s not flashy, but it’s incredibly useful for developers, tinkerers, and anyone who wants to build smart tools that don't rely on external servers.

A Shift in AI Accessibility

What makes this move exciting is the open-weight license OpenAI has provided. In simple terms, it means developers and tech enthusiasts can now work with GPT models more freely, without being locked behind paid APIs or closed systems. Microsoft integrating this into Windows 11’s AI Foundry is a strong signal that powerful AI is becoming a standard feature, not a luxury service.

Who Will Benefit?

• Developers wanting AI agents for local applications.

• Privacy-conscious users who prefer not sending data to external servers.

• Users in low-internet regions needing AI support without cloud dependency.

Microsoft has hinted that this is just the start. Soon, similar capabilities may arrive on other platforms like macOS and their upcoming Copilot+ PCs.

What’s Next?

For now, if you’re on Windows 11 and have the required hardware, you can start experimenting with this local GPT model through AI Foundry. It’s a big leap toward making AI more personal and customizable, giving users more control than ever before.