How to find the hidden 4GB file Google Chrome may have added to your computer

Some Google Chrome users may unknowingly have a 4GB artificial intelligence model stored on their computers after Google expanded its on-device AI capabilities through Gemini Nano.

What is Gemini Nano?

Gemini Nano is Google's compact AI model designed to run directly on users' devices instead of relying entirely on cloud-based servers. The technology powers features such as text assistance, content summarisation, scam detection and other AI-driven tools within Chrome.

Google says on-device processing can improve speed, reduce internet dependence and enhance privacy by keeping certain tasks on the user's device.

Why is it causing concern?

Privacy researchers have claimed that Chrome has been downloading Gemini Nano to eligible devices without a prominent notification or explicit consent prompt.

The AI model is stored in a file called weights.bin, which can occupy roughly 4GB of storage space. Critics argue that many users may be unaware the software exists on their systems.

The development has sparked debate over transparency, with some privacy advocates questioning whether users should have been more clearly informed before the large file was downloaded.

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Which devices receive it?

Google says Gemini Nano is only installed on devices that meet specific hardware requirements.

The company also states that the model may be automatically removed if a device lacks enough storage space, memory, processing power or network resources.

How can users check if it's installed?

Mac users:

• Open Finder
• Go to Library > Application Support > Google > Chrome > Default
• Look for a folder named OptGuideOnDeviceModel
• Check whether it contains a file called weights.bin

Windows users:

• Press Windows + R
• Enter: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\OptGuideOnDeviceModel
• Check whether the weights.bin file exists

Can it be removed?

Google has added settings that allow users to disable on-device AI features.

Users can turn off On-device AI through Chrome's system settings. Windows users can also disable related Chrome flags and delete the OptGuideOnDeviceModel folder to remove the AI model from their device.

A wider AI industry trend

The rollout reflects a broader shift in the technology industry, where companies are increasingly moving AI processing from cloud servers to users' devices. This approach can lower infrastructure costs and deliver faster, more personalised AI experiences.

However, the Chrome controversy has renewed questions about transparency, user consent and how technology companies should introduce AI features that consume local storage and computing resources.