Chrome’s Local AI Files May Gobble 4GB of Disk Space
TL;DR Summary
Google Chrome’s built-in Gemini Nano AI features can download a 4GB weights.bin on-device model file into the browser, stored in the OptGuideOnDeviceModel directory. If those On-Device AI features are enabled, the file may re-download and isn’t easily removed just by deleting it, so users must disable On-Device AI in Settings > System to stop future downloads. Google notes the size can vary with updates, and clearer disclosure or an option to use cloud-based models could have avoided confusion.
- Chrome’s AI features may be hogging 4GB of your computer storage The Verge
- Google Chrome 'silently' downloads 4GB AI model to your device without permission, report claims — researcher says practice may violate EU law, waste thousands of kilowatts of energy Tom's Hardware
- Check your storage: Chrome may be downloading a 4GB AI model — here’s what we know Tom's Guide
- Guy finds Google Chrome is quietly installing a 4GB AI model on our devices Cybernews
- Google Chrome Downloads 4GB Gemini Nano Model Silently Let's Data Science
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