Google weighs in on Chrome’s weights.bin controversy

Source: Android Authority

Megan Ellis / Android Authority

TL;DR

• By default, Chrome downloads a multi‑gigabyte file called weights.bin on desktop computers.
• The file is the Gemini Nano model that powers on‑device AI features.
• Google is rolling out an option to easily delete weights.bin from Chrome settings.

Background

Earlier today we reported that Chrome automatically downloads a large, poorly explained file called weights.bin to desktop computers. Rumors suggested the file might be a virus or spyware, but it is actually the Gemini Nano model used for on‑device AI features in Chrome—annoying, perhaps, but not malicious. Google has now provided a statement clarifying the situation.

Google’s Statement

“We’ve offered Gemini Nano for Chrome since 2024 as a lightweight, on‑device model. It powers important security capabilities like scam detection and developer APIs without sending your data to the cloud,” a Google spokesperson told Android Authority in an email.
“While this requires some local space on the desktop to run, the model will automatically uninstall if the device is low on resources. In February, we began rolling out the ability for users to easily turn off and remove the model directly in Chrome settings. Once disabled the model will no longer download or update.”

The statement notes that the option to disable Gemini Nano has been rolling out since February and points to a Chrome Help Center page for managing on‑device AI models. According to that page, you can switch off on‑device AI under the System heading in Chrome’s settings.

How to Disable or Delete the Model

If you don’t see the option in Chrome on macOS (or on other platforms), you can manually remove the Gemini Nano model. Detailed instructions for both Mac and PC are available in our earlier guide: How to delete weights.bin manually.