Chrome and Edge Raise Local AI Model Storage to 20GB; Edge Adds 5.5GB GPU VRAM Requirement

Chrome and Edge browsers have raised the disk space requirement for local AI models to 20GB. The browsers silently download these models in the background to power on-device AI features. In May 2026, Chrome was found to be auto-downloading approximately 4GB of AI models for running AI functions locally. Google has now updated its official help documentation, raising the free disk space requirement from 4GB to approximately 20GB.

Edge's requirements are broadly in line with Chrome's, also demanding 20GB of available space, but with an additional GPU memory threshold of at least 5.5GB of VRAM. Microsoft said that if available storage drops below 10GB, the models will be automatically deleted to ensure other browser functions continue to operate normally.

Both browsers offer opt-out options. Chrome allows users to disable on-device AI features in the System section of Settings, while Edge automatically cleans up models when storage is insufficient.