Microsoft Edge is pre-downloading around 3GB of files for its AI Copilot without permission, even on systems where users may not actively use the assistant.
The file can be found through Windows’ installed applications or browser-related components. Check your computer’s Control Panel and look at Microsoft Edge’s storage usage—it may appear unusually high even if you rarely use the browser.
Preloading software allows new features to be activated more quickly through future updates, although it also consumes storage space in advance.
The behavior is similar to Google’s approach with Chrome. Earlier this year, users discovered that Chrome had downloaded 4 GB of on-device AI models to support features such as writing assistance, translation, security tools and other generative features.
Google said those models are installed ahead of time so compatible AI features can work locally without requiring large downloads later.
Microsoft has also been expanding Copilot across Windows and Edge for selected AI features, particularly on newer PCs with dedicated hardware. Some Copilot functions, however, continue to run in the cloud.
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