Microsoft brings OpenAI’s open-source GPT model to Windows PCs

Microsoft has made OpenAI’s new open-source GPT model available on Windows through its AI Foundry platform, marking the first time users can run an OpenAI model locally on Windows. The lightweight gpt-oss-20b model requires at least 16GB of VRAM and is optimized for code execution and tool use, with macOS support coming soon.

What you should know: The gpt-oss-20b model represents a significant shift in OpenAI’s approach, offering a free and open alternative that can run entirely on local hardware.

• Users need a PC or laptop with at least 16GB of VRAM (video memory), requiring high-end GPUs from Nvidia or compatible Radeon graphics cards.
• Microsoft has pre-optimized the model for local inference and hints that support for more devices, potentially including Copilot Plus PCs, is coming soon.
• The model is specifically designed for “building autonomous assistants or embedding AI into real-world workflows, even in bandwidth-constrained environments.”

The big picture: This development adds a new dynamic to the complex relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI, as competitors like Amazon also quickly adopted the open-weight models for their cloud services.

• It’s the first time Microsoft’s biggest cloud competitor has had access to the latest OpenAI models, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics.
• The rapid adoption by both Microsoft and Amazon demonstrates the strategic importance of OpenAI’s shift toward open-source offerings.

Why this matters: Local AI inference eliminates dependency on internet connectivity and cloud services, enabling businesses to deploy AI solutions in environments with limited bandwidth or strict data privacy requirements.

• Organizations can now run sophisticated AI models without sending sensitive data to external servers.
• The move democratizes access to advanced AI capabilities, particularly for developers and businesses that previously couldn’t afford or access cloud-based solutions.

What’s next: Microsoft’s quick integration suggests the company is positioning Windows as a preferred platform for local AI deployment, building on its recent efforts to add various local AI models to the operating system.