OpenAI rolled out major updates to ChatGPT’s Deep Research feature on February 10, 2026, transforming how users interact with AI-generated research reports. The Deep Research tool, which launched in February 2025, uses OpenAI’s o3 reasoning model to conduct multi-step web searches and compile comprehensive reports. This latest update introduces a full-screen document viewer, the ability to search specific websites, real-time progress tracking, and mid-process editing capabilities.
These enhancements address feedback from analysts, journalists, researchers, and marketers who needed better control over research scope and source selection. Users can now connect apps to ChatGPT, restrict searches to trusted domains, and adjust research direction without starting from scratch. The update also includes improved export options in Markdown, Word, and PDF formats. While Plus and Pro subscribers received access immediately, ChatGPT Go users and free-tier accounts will see the features in the coming days. The changes build on Deep Research’s foundation as an autonomous agent capable of browsing hundreds of sources to produce citation-backed analytical reports.
ChatGPT Deep Research Gets Interactive Controls and Full-Screen Viewer
OpenAI updates its o3-powered research agent with website-specific search, real-time tracking, and dedicated document interface for Plus, Pro, Go, and free users
New Capabilities in Deep Research
OpenAI launched these features starting February 10, 2026, transforming Deep Research from a “run and wait” tool into an interactive research assistant
Focus on Specific Websites
Connect apps to ChatGPT and restrict web searches to trusted sources. Choose specific domains for research or prioritize certain websites while still searching the broader web. This addresses the “too broad” problem when you already know which sources you trust.
Full-Screen Document Viewer
Reports now open in a dedicated window separate from your chat interface. A table of contents appears on the left side for easy navigation, while a right-hand column displays the list of sources. Download completed reports in Markdown, Word, or PDF formats.
Real-Time Progress Tracking
Monitor ChatGPT’s research process as it happens. A redesigned sidebar shows the steps taken and sources being used. Track which websites the o3 model is browsing, what information it’s extracting, and how it’s synthesizing findings into the report.
Edit Research Mid-Run
Create and edit a research plan before it begins, then adjust the scope while ChatGPT generates the report. Add new sources, change direction, or refine requirements based on what the first batch of sources reveals—all without restarting the entire process.
Expanded App Connections
Connect a larger collection of workflow apps to Deep Research. Access context from your email, calendars, documents, and other internal sources that the model wouldn’t otherwise reach. Useful when the missing information is within your own workflow data.
Powered by o3 Reasoning
Deep Research runs on a specialized version of OpenAI’s o3 model optimized for web browsing and data analysis. The model uses reinforcement learning to plan multi-step research trajectories, backtrack when needed, and synthesize information from hundreds of sources with full citations.
Before and After the Update
See how the February 2026 update transformed Deep Research from a single-shot tool into an interactive research session
Deep Research Timeline
From initial launch to the latest interface improvements
Rollout Schedule by Subscription Tier
OpenAI is deploying the February 2026 update across different ChatGPT subscription levels
What the Update Means for Research Workflows
The February 2026 update to ChatGPT’s Deep Research was announced by OpenAI with improvements focused on user control and report presentation. The full-screen document viewer, website-specific search, and real-time tracking features were introduced to address needs from users who conduct recurring source-based work. The ability to connect apps and restrict searches to trusted domains was added alongside mid-process editing capabilities.
Deep Research continues to use OpenAI’s o3 reasoning model for web browsing and data analysis. The tool takes 5 to 30 minutes to complete research tasks, during which users can monitor progress and make adjustments. Completed reports include full citations and can be exported in multiple formats. OpenAI stated that Plus and Pro users received immediate access on February 10, 2026, while Go and free-tier users will see the features in the coming days. Additional AI developments can be explored through resources on data security, technology hardware, and processor performance.
