Google Chrome could also be taking over extra of your storage than anticipated due to a big on-device AI mannequin file that, in some circumstances, is being mechanically downloaded to the browser’s system folders. Customers who’ve observed unexplained drops of their out there desktop machine storage at the moment are discovering that Chrome is putting in a 4GB weights.bin file inside their browser listing when sure AI options are enabled.
The weights.bin file in query is linked to Google’s Gemini Nano AI modelwhich powers Chrome AI instruments like rip-off detection, writing help, autofill, and suggestion options. Because the Gemini Nano mannequin is designed to run regionally, it wants to make use of coaching parameters saved in your machine reasonably than pulling info from cloud-based fashions. That gives some privateness advantages, however isn’t splendid should you’re low on storage — particularly as customers aren’t being clearly notified in regards to the file measurement necessities.
You probably have sure Gemini AI options enabled on Chrome, it’s possible that the 4GB file has already been downloaded to your system. You’ll be able to test by opening your Chrome knowledge folders and inspecting the OptGuideOnDeviceModel listing for the weights.bin file.
You’ll be able to’t merely delete this to unlock area, nonetheless — should you nonetheless have AI options enabled, Chrome might re-download it once more sooner or later. Which means you’ll want to go to Settings>System and toggle off the On-Device AI option to take away these options and forestall the file from coming again.
Google does specify that “Gemini Nano’s precise measurement might differ because the browser updates the mannequin,” however this info is introduced in a lengthy guide for built-in AI options reasonably than on the level of enabling them in Chrome. If Google had made the storage necessities clearer to customers — or offered an choice to energy Chrome AI options with cloud-based fashions — this confusion might have been prevented. We’ve got reached out to Google for remark.
