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Chrome Automatically Downloads Gemini Nano AI Model; Google Provides Deletion Option

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Google has been found to automatically downloading a 4GB AI model file to Chrome browsers without explicit user consent, raising significant privacy and storage concerns.

Google Chrome Quietly Downloads 4GB AI File to Your Computer

Google's Chrome browser has been discovered automatically downloading a large file named weights.bin onto desktop computers. This file, approximately 4 GB in size, is part of the Gemini Nano on-device AI model, a lighter version of Google's Gemini AI designed to process data locally on your machine.

The file is stored in the OptGuideOnDeviceModel folder within Chrome's user profile directory. Users who have enabled certain AI features in Chrome may find the file already present on their systems.

The Trigger: Which AI Features Activate the Download?

The download occurs when users enable specific AI-powered features in Chrome, including:

  • Writing assistance
  • Web page summaries
  • Scam detection
  • Autofill
  • Tab organization

According to reports, the download may occur automatically for users who have opted into on-device AI features. The appearance of the file was initially reported on Chrome version 147 on Windows; a separate report did not find it on macOS.

File Details and Updates

Feature Detail File Name weights.bin Approximate Size 4 GB Location OptGuideOnDeviceModel folder within Chrome's user profile Model Gemini Nano (on-device AI) Size Variation May change with browser updates, according to Google

User Control & Removal: How to Stop the Download

Manually deleting the weights.bin file will not prevent it from being redownloaded if on-device AI features remain enabled. To permanently stop the download and remove the model:

  1. Go to Chrome Settings > System
  2. Disable the "On-Device AI" option

Google stated that since February 2025, this setting allows users to disable and remove the model. Once disabled, the model will not download or update.

Note: Some users may not see this option yet, as it is being rolled out gradually.

Alternative Removal Methods:

  • Disable the Chrome flag: Navigate to chrome://flags and disable "Enables optimization guide on device."
  • Enterprise policy: IT administrators can manage the feature through policy tooling (typically unavailable to casual users).
  • Automatic cleanup: According to Google, the weights.bin file may automatically delete if the device has low storage.

Background & Controversy: Privacy and Transparency Concerns

Google announced the integration of Gemini Nano into Chrome in 2024. However, the rollout has sparked controversy.

Alexander Hanff, a Swedish privacy advocate, has stated that the model has been installed on some Chrome browsers without user permission. He argues this practice may violate EU GDPR transparency principles, which require clear user consent and notification for data processing activities.

Google has not commented directly on the privacy concerns but has stated that the model was provided to enable on-device AI features.

The automatic download and lack of clear communication regarding the file's large storage requirements have been cited as major points of concern for users, especially those with limited hard drive space.