To stop Microsoft Edge from downloading its local generative AI model on Windows 11, set the Edge policy GenAILocalFoundationalModelSettings to Do not download model (value 1). Microsoft says this also deletes an existing copy of the model. The policy is supported on Windows with Edge 132 and later, and changes refresh dynamically without restarting the browser.
Use the targeted Edge policy
Microsoft’s GenAILocalFoundationalModelSettings policy documentation describes the setting for controlling downloads of Edge’s local foundational GenAI model. The policy is available on Windows starting with Edge version 132.
Configure it with Group Policy
- Open the Local Group Policy Editor or the Group Policy management tool used by your organization.
- Go to Administrative Templates > Microsoft Edge > Generative AI > Settings for GenAI local foundational model.
- Enable the policy, then choose Do not download model.
The policy’s unique name is GenAILocalFoundationalModelSettings. If the setting is not available in your editor, check that the Edge administrative templates are current enough to include it.
Configure it through the registry
The registry setting is the same mandatory policy expressed as a Windows registry value. Use it only if you administer policies through the registry rather than Group Policy:
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- Key:
SOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftEdge - Value name:
GenAILocalFoundationalModelSettings - Type:
REG_DWORD - Value:
1(Disallowed / Do not download model)
Policy changes can be applied dynamically, so Microsoft does not require an Edge restart for this setting to take effect.
What happens if Edge already downloaded the model?
Microsoft states that setting the policy to Disallowed (1) prevents the model from being downloaded and deletes an existing model copy if one is already present. Microsoft does not specify an exact deletion time, so do not assume the file disappears instantly.
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What this setting does—and does not—control
This policy targets Edge’s local foundational GenAI model used for local inference. Microsoft’s documentation does not say that it disables every AI feature in Edge or cloud-based Copilot features, so treat it as a model-download control rather than a universal AI-off switch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why not disable all Edge component updates?
Microsoft also documents ComponentUpdatesEnabled as a broader way to prevent model downloads, but it disables updates for most Edge components, requires a browser restart, and has exceptions for security-critical components. Microsoft warns that disabling it can delay critical security fixes and is not recommended. For the specific goal of stopping this local model, use the targeted GenAI policy instead.
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