Google Chrome users have found a 4GB Gemini Nano AI model downloaded automatically on some supported devices.
Gemini Nano powers writing assistance, scam detection, page summaries, and several AI-driven Chrome browser features.
Users can disable AI settings and manually delete model files to recover valuable storage space.
Google Chrome users are receiving a surprise from the internet giant in the form of a 4GB file named 'weights.bin' on their machines. This file holds Google's on-device AI system called Gemini Nano that allows for scam detection, writing help, and other AI-based functions inside Chrome. According to sources, Chrome’s AI system can automatically be downloaded by the software on your device without explicit permissions.
Gemini Nano is a compact Google-made artificial intelligence designed to run on the device directly rather than using cloud-based server processing. The model drives many features in Google Chrome, which include 'Help Me Write', scam detection, web page summaries, and AI-powered developer tools.
As the model runs locally, certain processes can be performed right from your computer instead of sending all data over the internet, giving extra privacy.
If you've stumbled across a suspiciously large weights.bin file hogging several gigabytes of storage, that's Google's Gemini Nano AI model, and yes, you can get rid of it.
Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome and select Settings. This is your starting point for everything that follows.
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Within the Settings page, head to the AI Innovations section, or simply type "AI" into the search bar to surface the relevant options. From here, switch off features like Help Me Write, AI-powered page summaries, and any other Gemini-backed tools you don't use.
Type chrome://flags into your address bar and hit Enter. Once there, search for the following and set each one to Disabled:
Optimization Guide On Device Model
Prompt API
Summarization API
Writer API
When you're done, restart Chrome for the changes to take effect.
After completing these steps, Chrome should stop reaching for Gemini Nano, and that chunk of storage is yours again.
Next, remove the files already stored on your computer.
For Windows users:
Press Windows + R.
Enter %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data.
Look for folders related to AI models, such as OptimizationGuidePredictionModels or OnDeviceModel.
Delete the weights.bin file and any associated model folders.
For Mac users:
Open Finder.
Press Shift + Command + G.
Navigate to ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/.
Locate and remove any Gemini Nano or AI model files.
Type chrome://components into your address bar and take a look at what's installed. If you spot anything AI-related, particularly anything referencing Gemini or on-device models, update or remove it where possible, then restart Chrome once more.
Once you've worked through all the steps, head to your storage settings or navigate directly to the folder where weights.bin was sitting. It should be gone, with several gigabytes freed up in its place.
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Google is facing backlash after it emerged that Chrome has been quietly downloading a 4GB version of Gemini Nano, its on-device AI model, without explicitly notifying users. For many, the discovery came as a genuine shock, especially those already running low on storage space.
Google argues that on-device AI processing benefits user privacy by keeping data local rather than cloud-dependent, a fair point, but one that lands poorly when users had no say in the matter. The real issue here isn't the file size; it's consent. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday software, users aren't necessarily against the technology; they just want to be asked first.
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What is Gemini Nano in Google Chrome?
Gemini Nano is Google's on-device AI model that powers features such as writing assistance, scam detection, page summaries, and developer tools. It runs locally on compatible devices instead of relying entirely on cloud servers.
Why is a 4GB weights.bin file appearing on some computers?
The weights.bin file contains Gemini Nano's AI model data. Chrome may automatically download it on eligible devices to support AI-powered features, which can consume around 4GB of storage space.
Can I remove the Gemini Nano AI model from Chrome?
Yes. Users can disable Chrome's AI features, turn off related experimental flags, and manually delete Gemini Nano files from Chrome's user data folders to free up storage space.
Does Gemini Nano pose a privacy risk to users?
Google says Gemini Nano improves privacy as processing occurs directly on the device rather than sending data to cloud servers. However, critics argue users should have been notified before installation.
Will Chrome download Gemini Nano again after I delete it?
It may. Future Chrome updates or re-enabled AI features could trigger another download. Keeping AI-related settings disabled can reduce the chances of Gemini Nano being downloaded again.