Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge can silently download AI models up to 20GB in size on Windows 11

Back in May, Google Chrome made headlines after it was revealed that the browser could automatically download an AI model of about 4GB to compatible PCs . This model is used for Chrome's local AI features, allowing it to perform certain tasks directly on the device, rather than sending all the data to Google's servers. However, the fact that Chrome could be eating up several gigabytes of memory without noticing it was, quite predictably, a source of surprise and concern.

As if that weren't enough, Google has quietly updated its official help with more information about these local AI models. It now states that Chrome requires about 20 GB of free disk space to load them, Neowin writes .

Google doesn't elaborate on why the browser needs so much space. However, this doesn't mean that the model itself weighs 20 GB. Most likely, this amount of free memory is simply a technical requirement to start the download, and the AI ​​package itself takes up much less.

Here are the full requirements for Chrome:

• Network Connection: Unlimited network connection.

• Minimum free disk space: 20 GB (approximately).

• Sufficient device performance.

However, it's not just Chrome that has raised the bar to 20 GB: Microsoft Edge does the same, requiring a similar minimum of free disk space to download the local AI. The rest of the conditions are the same, except for one detail from Microsoft - the technology will require at least 5.5 GB of video memory to work.

Microsoft notes:

• OS: Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 13.3 or later.

• Storage: At least 20 GB of free space on the drive where your Edge profile is located.

• Graphics processor: 5.5 GB of video memory or more.

• Network: Unlimited data plan or unmetered connection. The model will not load if you are using a metered connection.

For users with plenty of storage, this may not be a critical requirement. However, on devices with limited SSD capacity, the fact that Chrome will potentially reserve a sizable chunk of free space for AI models is another reason to keep an eye on what the browser is loading in the background.

However, there is a positive aspect to this situation. Local AI can now be disabled in Chrome settings by going to Settings > System. Meanwhile, Microsoft notes that if free disk space drops below 10 GB, Edge will automatically delete the model to ensure that other browser features work properly.

Google Chrome adds protection against session cookie theft for all users

On the topic

Google Chrome adds protection against session cookie theft for all users

Google Chrome launches new tool to protect against data-stealing viruses

On the topic

Google Chrome launches new tool to protect against data-stealing viruses

Microsoft has stuffed the Edge browser with Copilot AI functionality. Will this help it be competitive?

On the topic

Microsoft has stuffed the Edge browser with Copilot AI functionality. Will this help it be competitive?

Read the country's main IT news in our Telegram

On the topic

Read the country's main IT news in our Telegram