Just like Google Chrome Microsoft Edge also automatically downloads Ai models to your device without asking your permission. Sicne a lot of people are fully against AI and AI slop this is quite breach of trust on Microsofts part. These models are used to support on device AI features and can take up several gigabytes of storage. So follow along as we show you how to disable this ridiculous feature.
Takeaways:
- Can you delete all of Microsoft Edge's AI models?
- How do you stop Microsoft Edge automatically downloading AI models?
Table of Contents
Why Does Microsoft Edge Download AI Models Automatically?
Microsoft Edge now has "optional" AI features that are locally stored machine learning models. These models allow certain features to run without sending data to the cloud. However, most people don't want any of this AI junk slop on their systems. Everyone knows they are essentially resource wasting data collectors. On devices with limited storage, especially on laptops with smaller SSDs, these downloads can quickly consume several gigabytes of disk space.
Important Prestart Steps! (Don't Skip!)
In order to stop Edge from downloading useless AI models you are going to need to make some changes in the Windows Registry. So it's a smart idea to make a System Restore point you can revert back to if there are any problems. It's quick and easy and something you should be doing whenver you are making big changes to system files.
How to create and use System Restore Points on Windows 11.
How to Stop Microsoft Edge From Downloading AI Models on Windows 11
- Press Start on Windows 11
- Search for regedit
- Select Registry Editor from the results
- Go to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft
- Right click the Microsoft folder
- Select New, then Key
- Name the new key Edge
- Select the Edge key you just created
- Right click inside the right pane
- Choose New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value
- Name it GenAILocalFoundationalModelSettings
- Double click the new entry
- Set the value to 1
- Confirm it by clicking OK
Setting this value to 1 disables automatic downloading and use of local AI models in Microsoft Edge. After applying the changes, restart your computer.
What Happens After Disabling AI Models in Microsoft Edge?
Things get way better!
- Microsoft Edge will stop downloading AI models automatically
- Any previously downloaded models may be removed
- AI related features that depend on local models may be limited or disabled
If you later want to restore the default behavior, you can delete the registry value or set it back to 0.
