Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- PCWorld reports that Chrome 147 automatically downloads a 4GB Gemini Nano AI model file called ‘weights.bin’ without user consent or notification.
- This silent installation affects Windows and macOS users and has generated significant backlash due to the large file size and lack of permission.
- Users can stop the unwanted download by deleting the file and disabling two specific flags in chrome://flags settings.
The latest version of Google’s Chrome browser is bringing with it something undesirable. Neowin reports that Chrome 147 silently and automatically downloads a 4GB file named “weights.bin,” which is an on-device AI model file that powers Gemini Nano.
With the installation occurring without ever asking the user for permission or notifying them that the installation has even taken place, this move has rightfully caused backlash against Google.
It isn’t currently possible to prevent the installation of weights.bin via any setting in Chrome’s front-facing menus, and deleting the file manually just causes it to download all over again.
To permanently disable the downloading of this 4GB file, you need to first delete it and then disable it via chrome://flags before the browser has a chance to start a new download of it. You’ll need to disable two specific flags: “Optimization guide on device model” and “Prompt API for Gemini Nano.” Then relaunch Chrome.
Chrome appears to install the weights.bin file on both Windows and macOS devices, but only if certain system requirements are met.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC för Alla and was translated and localized from Swedish.