> Google Chrome Is Silently Downloading a 4GB Gemini Nano AI Model to User Devices Without Consent. Time to delete Google Chrome.Previous | First | 1 | Last | Next
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Google Chrome Is Silently Downloading a 4GB Gemini Nano AI Model to User Devices Without Consent. Time to delete Google Chrome.
Google Chrome Is Silently Downloading a 4GB Gemini Nano AI Model to User Devices Without Consent
May 6, 2026
Google Chrome has been quietly downloading around 4GB of Gemini Nano AI model weights to user devices without their consent, and it automatically re-downloads the files if they are deleted. This behavior has been confirmed on Windows 11, Apple Silicon, and Ubuntu systems, with user reports indicating it has been happening for about a year.
The files are stored in a folder named OptGuideOnDeviceModel. On Windows 11, the path is %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\OptGuideOnDeviceModel.
What Chrome’s 4GB Gemini Nano Download Is Used For
The 4GB folder isn't used for Chrome's main AI features. The AI Mode that appears in the address bar and in Google Search runs on Google's servers, not from the locally stored weights. The downloaded model is only used for writing assistance and a few other features that are accessible through several menus in the browser.
Users who haven't enabled or looked for those features might have the model stored on their device without realizing it serves any function they use.
How to Check for and Remove Chrome’s AI Model
Deleting the OptGuideOnDeviceModel folder doesn’t stop Chrome from redownloading it.
The most reliable way to remove it is to uninstall Chrome completely.
https://www.ghacks.net/2026/05/06/googl … t-consent/
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NotMyPresidentRe: Google Chrome Is Silently Downloading a 4GB Gemini Nano AI Model to User Devices Without Consent. Time to delete Google Chrome.
Just doing a search on google can take your CPU to 100% 
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Samples_BoiRe: Google Chrome Is Silently Downloading a 4GB Gemini Nano AI Model to User Devices Without Consent. Time to delete Google Chrome.
Of course there's no such thing on any of my devices. Conspiracy theorists trying to waste people's time....
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Re: Google Chrome Is Silently Downloading a 4GB Gemini Nano AI Model to User Devices Without Consent. Time to delete Google Chrome.
Samples_Boi wrote:
Of course there's no such thing on any of my devices. Conspiracy theorists trying to waste people's time....
You seem to have significant time on your hands 
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Samples_BoiRe: Google Chrome Is Silently Downloading a 4GB Gemini Nano AI Model to User Devices Without Consent. Time to delete Google Chrome.
wrote:
You seem to have significant time on your hands
Of course. I am wealthy. (455k)
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SamplesBoiRe: Google Chrome Is Silently Downloading a 4GB Gemini Nano AI Model to User Devices Without Consent. Time to delete Google Chrome.
Can create images of hot gun girls? 
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