Cable Forum - Chrome Is Silently d/l AI onto your PC

www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2026/05/google-chromes-silent-4gb-ai-download-problem?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_c ampaign=b2c_pro_oth_20260511_mayweeklynewsletter_u s_v2_1_177827061769&utm_content=Chrome_logo

Quote:

Google Chrome has been quietly downloading a 4GB AI model onto users devices without asking first.

(It) has been silently installing Gemini Nano, Googles on-device AI model, as a file called weights.bin stored in the OptGuideOnDeviceModel directory within users Chrome profiles. This 4GB download happens automatically when Chrome determines your device meets the hardware requirements. It does not ask for consent, and sends no notification,not even one of those annoying cookie banners you've learned to dismiss without reading.

Note 4GB

For many they may not notice,but those with limits,it will cost you money.

Also no notice about forcing this on people who dont want it,and if you get that mess off of your PC,during the next "windows update" will reinstall it again.

How to get rid of it:

1) Dont use the Chrome browser/Chromium browser.

2) Stop using Windows.

3) You dont want to stop using the Chrome/Chromium browser,click the link above and it will give you instructions. (The best instructions are in the comments.)

I am getting really tired of these companies forcing things on to our PCs or peoples phones. :mad: