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Windows Downloads Swell: Is AI the Culprit?
30 Jul
Summary
- Windows ISO downloads have doubled in size over the last decade.
- The increase is likely due to extensive AI files for Copilot+ PCs.
- Larger downloads impact IT professionals deploying Windows updates.
Windows installation files have dramatically increased in size, with recent downloads exceeding 8 GB. This marks a near doubling over the last decade, a trend that has become more pronounced recently.
The primary driver behind this expansion appears to be the integration of extensive AI-related code, specifically around 3 GB of shared AI models for Copilot+ PCs. Even for systems without dedicated AI hardware, these large files are included in downloads, contributing to bloat.
This surge in file size presents significant implications for IT departments responsible for deploying Windows and managing updates across corporate networks. It also strains users with limited system storage, making efficient updates more challenging.
