www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2026/05/google-chromes-silent-4gb-ai-download-problem?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=b2c_pro_oth_20260511_mayweeklynewsletter_us_v2_1_177827061769&utm_content=Chrome_logo

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:

I'm no fan of Google--which would include Chrome, of course--they are into tracking big time. You can't avoid them--since they're involved with so many sites, including Sitcoms.

I am a fan of Malwarebytes, but even they want you off their free version.

Ya its sad Stevie......

Getting harder and harder to avoid this spying garbage!!


I think Todd should block everything GOOGLE from here..... Nothing good coming from them!!!

Ya its sad Stevie......

Getting harder and harder to avoid this spying garbage!!


I think Todd should block everything GOOGLE from here..... Nothing good coming from them!!!

Yes, but they're a revenue source for this site. My guess is he needs them.

But doesnt he still have the spam ads blocked??

If he does,he isnt getting anything and hasnt for months.... I kinda feel bad ya know buddy??

I know I was getting the Google vignette pop-up ads until Adblock corrected their release last week (there are probably publications where they would see complaints on how they screwed up Mac).

A user comment:

Kelly
6 days ago
With all due respect, the information provided is either incorrect or outdated. I'm not sure which. There's no need to go disabling and/or turning flags on/off/disabling them. All a person needs to do is get inside their Google settings and turn a toggle switch off. 1. Open Chrome on a computer. 2. Click the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings. 3. On the left-hand menu, click on System. 4. Look for the setting labeled "On-device AI" or "Enable optimization guide on device". and toggle the switch OFF. This stops the 4GB+ AI model from being used and prevents re-installation. Note: This also uninstalls anything that might be installed.

I guess the best thing to do is not use that garbage!!

No matter what you do, the internet companies are going to collect user data anyway whether you give them consent or not as they look at user personal information, habits and data as commodities. For example last week, the streaming service NETFLIX got sued for allegedly spying on users and secretly selling their personal data, while misleading consumers about its privacy practices.

https://www.fox7austin.com/news/netflix-sued-texas-allegedly-spying-users-secretly-selling-personal-data

Yes no one can be trusted and its sad....