Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge require 20 GB of free space to download local AI models

Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge can automatically download AI models for data processing directly on the device. To start the download, the browsers require about 20 GB of free space, although the model itself does not take up all that volume.

In May, it became known that Chrome downloads an AI model of about 4 GB size to compatible computers. It is needed for functions that work locally and do not send all data to Google servers.

Now Google has updated the support documentation and specified the requirements for downloading such models:

• connection without data transfer charges;
• about 20 GB of free disk space;
• adequate device performance.

Why Chrome checks for exactly 20 GB is not explained by the company. According to the wording in the documentation, this refers to the minimum reserve of free space before downloading, not the size of the model itself.

Similar conditions have been set by Microsoft for Edge. The browser requires:

• Windows 10 or 11 or macOS 13.3 and newer;
• at least 20 GB of free space on the volume where the Edge profile is stored;
• a graphics processor with 5.5 GB of video memory or more;
• unlimited connection or a network without data transfer charges.

With a limited connection, Edge does not download the model. If there is less than 10 GB left on the disk after installation, the browser will automatically delete it to free up space for other functions.

On computers with small-capacity SSDs, the background downloading of several gigabytes can be noticeable. In Chrome, local AI functions can now be disabled in the "Settings" → "System" section.