History Main / NeuralImplanting

* In ''Literature/{{Neuromancer}}'', quite possibly the TropeMaker, people can install knowledge and skills into their brains, such a chip allowing a person to speak perfect Chinese. Amusingly, they're called "microsofts".

* ''Manga/GunslingerGirl''. When Petra first wakes up at the Social Welfare Agency she can speak Italian (despite being Russian) and has a detailed knowledge of firearms. Flashbacks show the other girls have similar knowledge, being able to fieldstrip weapons despite being children (though they still need TheHandler to train them in how to use the weapons effectively). In fact, they take a while to develop their own personalities because it's the only knowledge they have due to any memory of their past lives being removed.
* ''Literature/RebuildWorld'': When the PlayfulHacker Shirou sends stolen computer files into Akira's brain via BrainComputerInterface {{Telepathy}}, its code is nothing but alien symbols to Akira's mind, and his VirtualSidekick Alpha has to decipher and analyze it for him.
* ''Literature/YakitoriSoldiersOfMisfortune'': The Trade Federation use memory transcribing to rapidly teach their soldiers language and combat skills. Unfortunately these [[RedshirtArmy Yakitori have a high casualty rate]], so as an experiment [[RagtagBunchOfMisfits Unit K-321]] is [[UniversalTranslator given the language]] but not the combat skills, which are taught the [[DrillSergeantNasty old fashioned way]] to see if that makes a difference.

* Prometheus, a villain of the Franchise/DCUniverse, invented a helmet that allows him to download into his mind the skills and abilities of anyone he has on record, as well as any knowledge he requires. He usually shows this off by beating the ''DC Universe's'' greatest martial artists (like Batman and Lady Shiva) by downloading their own skills and predicting their every move, while using another fighter's skills to do the job. Batman beat him by [[spoiler:reprogramming the helmet with [[CrossesTheLineTwice the fighting ability of Stephen Hawking]].]] It also failed miserably when he tried it on Captain America in ''ComicBook/JLAAvengers'', whose [[SeenItAll reaction]] was to perform a quick SherlockScan on him, then beat the crap out of him with his shield.
* In ''ComicBook/ManTech,'' the ancients' "knowledge ray" filled Jaxon and Tyrannik's minds with forgotten information about robotics. Sadly, the experience drove Tyrannik mad.
* ''ComicBook/LowLife's'' Dirty Frank did this once to gain musical ability in order to infiltrate a rock band.

[[folder:Films — Live-Action]]
* In the film ''La Belle Verte'', protagonist coming from another planet and a WAY more advanced civ will be able to transfer special abilities ("programs") by shaking their head in a peculiar way. Said abilities include hacking someone else's brain and have them go loopy for a while, hacking into computers or long range telepathic communications.
* In the Hong Kong film ''Film/BlackCat'', protagonist Catherine was bestowed enhanced sharpshooting skills, superior senses and greater reflexes by having a microchip, Codenamed "Black Cat", implanted into her brain while she was unconscious.
* In ''Film/DemolitionMan'', inmates at the CryoPrison are given useful skills and the desire to use them as part of their "rehabilitation." Spartan got knitting, while Phoenix got a few more practical skills.

* ''Film/JohnnyMnemonic'' has an implant in his head that he uses to covertly store data. However he cannot access it himself, it requires a password that only his client knows.

* Jobe in ''Film/TheLawnmowerMan'' initially boosted intelligence with smart drugs and virtual reality simulation/stimulation. He later also speed-read scientific research at blinding speeds, but fell back on VR programs for learning because reading wasn't fast enough for him.
* ''Film/NoDeadHeroes'' opens with Harry, the deuteragonist, getting captured alive by the KGB in the film's downer beginning, presumed dead by the US army, only to return after a TimeSkip where he's been converted into a ruthless KGB killing machine thanks to having a microchip installed in his mind.

* Creator/CJCherryh's ''Literature/AllianceUnion'' universe has the Union making extensive use of "tapes" that play some sort of audio, video, and/or bioelectric feedback to rapidly educate a drugged up student. They're particularly used for [[ArtificialHuman azi]] who get very little traditional education to speak of.

* ''Literature/AFireUponTheDeep'' by Creator/VernorVinge has "godshatter", the Neural Implanting by SufficientlyAdvancedAliens of a massive ExpositionBeam into a person's brain. It would probably be super helpful if the [[BlessedWithSuck seemingly random jumble of information]] didn't [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity turn the person into an erratic, drooling savant]] for most of the time.
* In the latter part of ''Literature/TheForeverWar'' this is done for both physical and mental skills; muscle memory is imprinted via "negative kinetic feedback."
* In The ''Literature/GreatShip'' series, the [[PlanetSpaceship Greatship's]] Captains make heavy use of "nexuses", data storage computers that can either be implanted in the body or part of a building. Nexuses allow Captains to remember a vast swathe of seemingly irrelevant information that could become critical, avoiding TheFogOfAges.

* George Alec Effinger's ''Literature/MaridAudran'' series features "moddies" and "daddies", both of which can be plugged into sockets in your head. The former provides personality overlays, and is primarily used for entertainment and sex games; the latter provide specific skill enhancements, like knowledge of a foreign language.

* Seen on a limited basis in ''Literature/TheNexusSeries''. We see some software programs being run on nexus, including a dating app that makes you say the right lines, a porn VR that controls your motor cortex to help you perform, and most notably, a fight game "Bruce Lee" given to main character Kade by Rangan to help him in tough situations. Notably, while the dating sim gets results, the porn VR glitches out at the worst time, and Bruce Lee usually get's Kade's ass kicked. The most successful app is Kade's serenity package, which modulates his neurotransmitter levels to keep his pulse under control and prevent people from knowing when he's lying.
* In Creator/JohnScalzi's ''Literature/OldMansWar'' universe, Colonial troopers have a computer implanted in their heads which can provide information about a wide variety of subjects. The Special Forces have this to a much greater degree, as almost all of their education is via this interface.
* Creator/IsaacAsimov's "{{Literature/Profession}}": Everyone in TheFuture learns reading when they're eight, and this is called Reading Day. After taking a [[IneptAptitudeTest neurological aptitude test]], their skills are downloaded into the brain. Naturally, your skills are only as good as the quality of the [[ComputerEqualsTapedrive tapes]] because learning without tapes is now unthinkable.

* ''A Quantum Murder'' by Creator/PeterFHamilton. [[spoiler:The eponymous murder is committed by the villain uploading via laser the personality of a serial killer into someone's mind, using technology recently developed for this trope. After the culprit suffers literal-LaserGuidedKarma, the British government worries they'll be accused of developing a MindControlDevice and destroy all records of the technology.]]

* On ''Series/{{Angel}}'' Charles Gunn becomes an expert on human and demonic law, fluency in demonic languages, golf techniques and Creator/GilbertAndSullivan in a few hours thanks to Wolfram and Hart.
* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'': Xander Harris. Due to being turned into a soldier during the first Halloween episode, he still retains military knowledge long after being returned to normal, which helps out the Scoobies on more than one occasion.
* ''Series/{{Chuck}}'' had a national intelligence database downloaded into the main character's brain. (initially via e-mail!) Later on, he gets an updated version, which also includes a number of useful skills (such as [[IKnowKungFu martial arts]]), which he temporarily receives on cue.

** Adam gets one of these in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS27E7TheLongGame "The Long Game"]]. In fact, everyone in the future has an implant that allowed rapid uploading of knowledge.
** Also occurred in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS28E5RiseOfTheCybermen "Rise of the Cybermen"]] with the ear-pods. These were not implants, but still allowed for information to be downloaded directly into the brain. And for the baddie [[spoiler:to mind-control the population]].
** [[Recap/DoctorWhoS30E14TheNextDoctor "The Next Doctor"]]: Infostamps are more primitive data cylinders uploaded into a Cyberman's chest.
** Clara has "mad hacking skills" downloaded into her brain in [[Recap/DoctorWhoS33E6TheBellsOfSaintJohn "The Bells of Saint John"]].

* In ''Series/EarthFinalConflict'', Companion Protectors are given Cyber Viral Implants that grant them photographic memory and a handful of other abilities. It also makes them loyal to the Taelons. [[spoiler:Later in the series it is revelaed that given enough time the host's immune system can neutrilize the imperitive that makes them loyal to the Taelons.]]
* Variation: ''Series/{{Merlin|2008}}'' was given a mad skillz implant in his brain... through dragon magic.

* In the fourth season ''Series/TheSixMillionDollarMan'' episode, "The Ultimate Impostor," Steve Austin's friend Joe Patton is a POW whose mind has been wiped to a blank slate by chemicals. This makes him the perfect test subject for a new OSI procedure to create the ultimate agent by downloading information and skills directly into his brain.

* In the 1980's television adaptation of ''Literature/TheTripods'', an undercover Freeman is infiltrating the Master's city and successfully gains admittance to the Power Elite who run the machines. Unfortunately he's connected to a learning machine that downloads all the advanced knowledge he needs through his Cap -- a MindControl device which (in his case) has been disconnected. Fortunately he's able to convince the Masters that allowing him to learn naturally would increase his initiative.

[[folder:Puppet Shows]]
* In ''Series/Joe90'', a computer is used to download recordings of other people's skills into Joe's brain.
[[/folder]]

* ''TabletopGame/{{Cyberpunk}} 2020'' too. They have limitations (the most basic knowledge of a given skill and being unable to boost what you already know of it), however.

* In ''TabletopGame/HcSvntDracones'' the only way to improve skills within the timeframe covered by a campaign is a device called a "neuroplex" that beams data into your subconscious while sleeping. At the rate of one point every two weeks.

* ''TabletopGame/{{Traveller}}'', or at least the Mongoose edition, has Expert Programs that mimic skills and can be run on practically any computer or a specialized Wafer Jack implant. In the ''GURPS'' version, there is a social stigma against such things.

* ''VideoGame/MassEffect'':

--->'''Grunt''': Like holding a book for a child. Just "remember this", picture after picture. No help with finding a reason to care.
** Also in ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'' we have Commander Shepard's [[spoiler:clone]] from the ''Citadel'' [[DownloadableContent DLC]] stating this as the source of their knowledge over the past several months while the Commander was recruiting the galaxy.
* Kanden, a bounty hunter from ''VideoGame/MetroidPrimeHunters'', is said to have been given neural combat encoding to teach him to fight. Unfortunately this process drove him insane and made him extremely violent.
* The Companions and Oracles in ''Mysterious Journey II'' have the ability to upload data into a person's head via a laser beam to the forehead.
* James from ''VIdeoGame/{{Neuro}}'', who's a police investigator with a microchip implanted in his neural system (what the title implies) allowing him to [[MindOverMatter move objects and hurl enemies aside]] through willpower alone.
* Rhys from ''VideoGame/TalesFromTheBorderlands'' has both a robotic arm and a neural implant in his eye that connects to his brain that can scan objects and people for information, as well as allowing him to hack computers easier by seeing their inner workings. At one point he also uses it to determine where a volley of orbital attacks are going to land by tracking the artillery's trajectory.

* ''VideoGame/SystemShock'', ''VideoGame/SystemShock2'', ''VideoGame/BioShock1'', and ''VideoGame/BioShock2'', all based on the {{Cyberpunk}} genre started by ''Neuromancer'', make use of this trope. The ''VideoGame/BioShock'' games frame it as LegoGenetics, but the end result is pretty much the same.

** ''VideoGame/XComTerrorFromTheDeep'': The aliens have implants in their skulls that are part of a communication/mind control network that is based on a strange technology called "Molecular Control". Aliens can download information, via their implants, from special Learning Arrays, and your soldiers can also view information stored in the implants of other aliens by using M.C. Readers.

** In ''VideoGame/XComEnemyUnknown'', autopsying Mutons reveals that they get knowledge of tactics and how to use and maintain their weapons implanted rather than learned.

* ''WebAnimation/IfTheEmperorHadATextToSpeechDevice'': In the non-canon [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GV07YSuKNk4 "TTS Short 5,"]] when Kitten complains that he doesn't even know the rules of the game the Emperor wants him to play, the latter summons a Techpriest to confer him instantly the knowledge "[[AC:with the power of science.]]" This consists in the Techpriest slamming Kitten's head hard with a huge hammer.

* ''Webcomic/Building12'' played this for laughs. [[{{Yandere}} Peoni]] steals the memories of one of Joe's one-night stands and implants the memory of the encounter into her own brain -- and it turns out the girl is into some strange, disturbing fetish, {{squick}}ing Peoni out.

* In ''Webcomic/QuantumVibe'' Nicole receives an upgraded brain implant that allows her to know how to fly a sun-skimmer without training, Seamus still makes her go through several hours of simulation before allowing her in the cockpit though.
* ''Webcomic/SchlockMercenary'' has brain backup {{nanomachine|s}} technology quickly tweaked to add FakeMemories and mask real ones. When "The Gavs" discover that being [[MesACrowd about 950 millions]] of the same man's copies stays funny only for a short while and start [[http://www.schlockmercenary.com/2011-12-25 The Diversity Engineering Institute,]] which eventually introduces a randomized set of differences, both anatomical and mental. That's when they discover that fake memories give theoretical knowledge and superficial skills properly, but miss some little things -- like [[http://www.schlockmercenary.com/2012-03-14 habits ensuring basic work safety.]]
* ''Webcomic/{{Serix}}'': Brain mods and learning programs seem to be the preferred method for most people to learn any skill in the future, and using them is so quick and convenient that the usually-peaceful May is able to download GunFu skills off the Mindnet in the middle of a firefight.

[[folder:Web Original]]

* Cybron uses a massive A.I. hard drive placed on top of his head to boost his already genius brain in ''WesternAnimation/SkysurferStrikeForce''.

* ''Film/TheMatrix'' tends to use this and BrainUploading willy-nilly. Of course, when you have a giant jack in the back of your head, why not use it?

* ''Manga/GunslingerGirl''. When Petra first wakes up at the Social Welfare Agency she can speak Italian (despite being Russian) and has a detailed knowledge of firearms. Flashbacks show the other girls have similar knowledge, being able to fieldstrip weapons despite being children. In fact, they take a while to develop their own personalities because it's the only knowledge they have due to any memory of their past lives being removed.

* ''Webcomic/SchlockMercenary'' has brain backup {{nanomachine|s}} technology quickly tweaked to add FakeMemories and mask real ones. When "The Gavs" discover that being [[MesACrowd about 950 millions]] of the same man's copies [[CloningBlues stays funny only for a short while]] and start [[http://www.schlockmercenary.com/2011-12-25 The Diversity Engineering Institute,]] which eventually introduces a randomized set of differences, both anatomical and mental. That's when they discover that fake memories give theoretical knowledge and superficial skills properly, but miss some little things -- like [[http://www.schlockmercenary.com/2012-03-14 habits ensuring basic work safety.]]

* ''Anime/YakitoriSoldiersOfMisfortune''. The Trade Federation use memory transcribing to rapidly teach their soldiers language and combat skills. Unfortunately these [[RedshirtArmy Yakitori have a high casualty rate]], so as an experiment [[RagtagBunchOfMisfits Unit K-321]] is [[UniversalTranslator given the language]] but not the combat skills, which are taught the [[DrillSergeantNasty old fashioned way]] to see if that makes a difference.

* ''Anime/YakitoriSoldiersOfMisfortune''. The Trade Federation use memory transcribing to rapidly teach their soldiers language and combat skills. Unfortunately their [[RedshirtArmy Yakitori has a high casualty rate]], so as an experiment [[RagtagBunchOfMisfits Unit K-321]] is [[UniversalTranslator given the language]] but not the combat skills, which are taught the [[DrillSergeantNasty old fashioned way]] to see if that makes a difference.

* ''Manga/GunslingerGirl''. When Petra first wakes up at the Social Welfare Agency she can speak Italian (despite being Russian) and has a detailed knowledge of firearms. Flashbacks show the other girls have similar knowledge, being able to fieldstrip weapons despite being children. In fact they are something of a blank slate and take a while to develop their own personalities because it's the only knowledge they have due to their past memories being removed.

* ''Manga/GunslingerGirl''.

* ''LightNovel/ACertainMagicalIndex'':

** This is how the Sisters clones have the knowledge and personalities they do: it is "programmed" into them via a machine soon after they come out of the Incubator. The manga goes on to explain that, when they are "born," their minds are a blank slate, like that of an infant.
** A magical version of this occurs whenever someone reads a [[TomeOfEldritchLore grimoire]]. Unfortunately for most people, even a single grimoire has a habit of killing or mentally turning its reader into a vegetable without preparations.

* ''Series/ThePrisoner1967''. In "The General", the residents of the Village (including Number Six) have historical facts on a MasterComputer downloaded into their mind via a hypnosis. As usual the ultimate goal is to use this for social control purposes. Six is not impressed with people having the ability to rattle off information without being able to think for themselves, and {{Logic Bomb}}s the computer simply by asking it "Why?"

* In ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'', in the episode Spock's Brain, Dr. [=McCoy=] temporarily gains the ability to perform brain transplants through a "Teacher". However the knowledge only lasts a few hours, so [=McCoy=] has to complete the operation before his skills fade, as it's too risky to use the helmet on a human mind a second time.
* ''Series/{{Treadstone}}''. [[ManchurianAgent Cicadas]] have all the knowledge they need for their roles as intelligence agents and professional killers implanted subconsciously.

* ''LightNovel/RebuildWorld'': When the PlayfulHacker Shirou sends stolen computer files into Akira's brain via BrainComputerInterface {{Telepathy}}, its code is nothing but alien symbols to Akira's mind, and his VirtualSidekick Alpha has to decipher and analyze it for him.

* In ''VideoGame/StarCraft'' the Terran Confederacy and Dominion often add some combat skills when performing neural resocialization on convicts conscripted into the military.
* ''VideoGame/SystemShock'', ''System Shock 2'', ''VideoGame/{{BioShock|1}}'', and ''VideoGame/Bioshock2'', all based on the CyberPunk genre started by ''Neuromancer'', make use of this trope. The ''Bioshock'' games frame it as LegoGenetics, but the end result is pretty much the same.

* ''Webcomic/{{Serix}}'': Seems to be the preferred method for most people to learn any skill, and it's so quick and convenient that May is able to download GunFu skills off the Mindnet in the middle of a firefight.

* ''Webcomic/{{Erfworld}}:

* ''Webcomic/SchlockMercenary'' has brain backup {{nanobots}} technology quickly tweaked to add FakeMemories and mask real ones. When "The Gavs" discover that being [[MesACrowd about 950 millions]] of the same man's copies [[CloningBlues stays funny only for a short while]] and start [[http://www.schlockmercenary.com/2011-12-25 The Diversity Engineering Institute,]] which eventually introduces a randomized set of differences, both anatomical and mental. That's when they discover that fake memories give theoretical knowledge and superficial skills properly, but miss some little things -- like [[http://www.schlockmercenary.com/2012-03-14 habits ensuring basic work safety.]]

* Instaskill nano from ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}: Ultra-Tech'' rapidly reorganizes a person's brain to give them basic knowledge of a new skill.

* Used as a plot point in ''Film/{{Elysium}}''. To assist Delacourt in her coup to take over the space station, Carlyle develops a program that will reboot Elysium's system and store it in his brain. While on the way up to Elysium however, Carlyle's shuttle is shot down by the protagonist Max in a data-heist. Instead of the financial data they expected, they suddenly find themselves with the keys to total control of the orbital paradise overhead. That means after Carlyle is killed during the heist, everyone is chasing after Max to get hold of the program. Worse, the program comes with a defense mechanism that kills anyone who attempts to execute the code without authorization.