Several users across the world reported that Google has installed a 4GB AI model known as Gemini Nano silently on many devices without asking first. The Gemini Nano is an on-device AI that helps in enabling features like Help me write for text assistance and on-device scam detection.
The model runs locally on your computer (well, almost) instead of sending data to Google’s cloud, which offers better privacy for certain features.
This model sits in a folder named OptGuideOnDeviceModel with the name weights.bin. Google launched this feature earlier in 2024, but it’s now installing automatically on devices with enough storage space.
Why Does Chrome Install It Quietly?
If you have certain AI features enabled, Google will download this model in the background automatically.
These features include Help me write, on-device scam detection, and the Summarizer API. So, if your device has enough free storage, Chrome automatically installs the model without showing you any warning or asking for permission.
Notably, Google says Chrome automatically deletes the Gemini Nano model if your device runs low on storage space.
The company is also rolling out a setting in February 2026 that lets users easily turn off and remove the model directly in Chrome settings.
How To Check If The AI Model Is Installed in Windows PCs
Step 1: On your Windows PC, open File Explorer and paste the following and hit Ok.
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data
Step 2: Once inside File Explorer, look for a folder named OptGuideOnDeviceModel
If you see this folder, Chrome has downloaded the 4GB AI model. If you want to remove Google Chrome’s Quiet Gemini Nano file, delete the weights.bin file.
Note: If you don’t disable the following AI features first, Chrome will simply download the 4GB file again.
How To Stop Chrome From Installing This AI Model
Method 1: Disable AI Settings
Open Chrome and type the following in the address bar,
chrome://settings/ai
Once in, turn the following features off, and restart Chrome.
- Help me write
- AI summaries
- On-device AI features
Method 2: Disable Chrome Flags
Open Chrome and type the following in the address bar,
chrome://flags
Once in, search for Optimization Guide On-Device, click the dropdown, and select Disabled.
Also, disable these related flags if visible:
- AI mode omnibox entrypoint (removes AI button from address bar)
- NTP compose or NTP composebox (disables AI on new tabs)
Once all the related stuff have been disabled, restart Chrome.
Method 3: Turn Off On-Device AI in System Settings
Open Chrome and head over to Settings. Find System in the left-hand menu.
Now, all you need to do is turn the toggle off for On-device AI.
To AI or Not to AI
Installing Google Chrome’s Gemini Nano can be a disadvantage for laptops with limited storage. Especially if you are on metered internet or mobile data, this silent download can cost you money, without your knowledge.
While on-device AI is generally more private, Chrome’s main AI Mode button still sends data to Google’s cloud. Once you disable the on-device AI setting, the model will no longer download or update.
FAQs
Can I remove Gemini Nano from Google Chrome?
Yes, you can remove Gemini Nano from Google Chrome easily.
Will removing Gemini Nano affect Chrome’s performance?
No, removing it will not negatively affect Chrome’s performance.
