->'''Neo''': Can you fly that thing?
->'''Trinity''': Not yet.
-->'''''--Film/TheMatrix''''', immediately prior to "yet".

A trope where computer files, images, databases, or [[PowersAsPrograms abilities]] are downloaded into a person's brain. PowersAsPrograms, ExpositionBeam, FakeMemories, UpgradeArtifact, AmplifierArtifact, and NeuroVault are fond of using this. BrainUploading may result in this later on, but not always. May cause MySkullRunnethOver.

Compare BrainComputerInterface.
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!!Examples:
[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:{{Anime}} and {{Manga}}]]
* In ''GhostInTheShell'', large amounts of the populace of developed nations have cybernetically augmented brains, allowing them read and execute files, including fire-control software, text documents, images, videos, emotions, memories, and computer viruses. One notable instance has a character theorize a cyborg is downloading fire-control software in the middle of a fight, implying that to do so is a fairly common occurrence.
* One side-character mage in ''Manga/FairyTail'' has this ability - he's not much good in a fight but marvellous at directing it, as he can download skills and even maps with waypoints into people's heads from a distance.
* ''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.
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[[folder:ComicBooks]]
* Prometheus, a villain of the ''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]].]]
* ''LowLife's'' Dirty Frank did this once to gain musical ability in order to infiltrate a rock band.
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[[folder:FanFic]]
* Elspeth (Bella's daughter) in ''[[FanFic/{{Luminosity}} Radiance]]'' has the ability to replay her memories to anyone she touches. This later becomes more useful as she is blasted with the memories of ''hundreds'' of vampires, who each had thousands of years of experience.
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[[folder:{{Film}}]]
* ''Film/TheMatrix'' tended 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?
* ''JohnnyMnemonic''
* Jobe in ''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.
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[[folder:{{Literature}}]]
* 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".
* The third book of the ''YoungWizards'' series combines this with BrainUploading. Specifically, [[spoiler:she had the [[GreatBigBookOfEverything Wizard's Manual]] uploaded into her mind. Her mind couldn't hold onto it for long, but while it lasted, she knew '''''everything''''' about magic.]]
* In 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.
* Featured in the somewhat obscure German SF series ''Ren Dhark'' in the form of 'mentcaps', small pills of alien origin that will upload information stored in them into the brain of the person who swallows them. They're used as a plot device to help the human castaway protagonists figure out all the ''other'' technology said aliens left behind on the planet they're stranded on. Noteworthy for the fact that if the implanted knowledge isn't actively ''used'' (and thereby presumably imprinted 'properly' on the user's brain through practice), it will fade over time.
* The teen novel ''Literature/{{Feed}}'' uses this as a main plot point.
* In ''StarTrekStringTheory'', this is offered as an explanation for how Ocampa manage to function on the same level as other humanoids despite their brief (nine-year) lifespan. Because they have little time to assimilate new information and experiences, they instead "download" memories and skill sets from their ancestors through a natural process.
* In the latter part of ''Literature/TheForeverWar'' this is done for both physical and mental skills; muscle memory is imprinted via 'negative kinetic feedback'.
* Nexuses in RobertReed's ''Literature/GreatShip'' series. The nexuses are small computers, which are implanted into one's body, or in the surroundings (such as in your house), and they are accessed for archived information or skills when needed.
* This trope was the premise of an Creator/IsaacAsimov short story titled "Profession". It was a {{deconstruction}} of the trope; when you learn by uploading knowledge to your brain, you're only as good as the quality of the upload.
* 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.
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[[folder:LiveActionTV]]
* ''{{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.
* In ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'', in the episode Spock's Brain, Dr. [=McCoy=] temporarily gains the ability to perform brain transplants through a "Teacher"
* Harry from ''ThirdRockFromTheSun'' had a transmitter implanted in his head that basically made him the group's space radio.
--> '''Harry''': Incoming message from the Big Giant Head...
** Harry's a somewhat unusual example of this trope because his implant is a large piece of physical equipment which takes up a lot of space, leaving room for only half a brain. As a result, Harry's markedly disadvantaged compared to the rest of the unit; he understands almost nothing, has poor coordination (causing him to frequently hurt himself) and is completely dependent on the others for survival. However, he's more talented at artistic things than any of them, and his helpless stupidity makes him very endearing and is probably one of the reasons [[ChickMagnet he got more action]] than the others.
* Variation: ''Series/{{Merlin}}'' was given a mad skillz implant in his brain... through dragon magic.
* In the fourth-season ''SixMillionDollarMan'' 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.
* Adam gets one of these in the ''Series/DoctorWho'' episode "The Long Game". In fact, everyone in the future had an implant that allowed rapid uploading of knowledge.
** Also occurred in "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]].
** In "The Next Doctor", Infostamps were more primitive data cylinders uploaded into a Cyberman's chest.
** The use of this for communication purposes is quite commonplace in Doctor Who. Even the TARDIS does it.
* On ''Series/{{Angel}}'' Charles Gunn becomes an expert on human and demonic law in a few hours thanks to Wolfram and Hart.
* Part of the main premise of {{Dollhouse}}, with the dolls regularly having new memories and personalities downloaded, along with various abilities, such as Sierra turning into an expert with gunwoman to rescue Echo.
** In the post-apocalyptic conclusion of the series, several of them had memory sticks loaded with programming so they quickly download skill sets (usually combative in nature) at the expense of other less important (at the moment) skills, like "Mercy".
* In the 1980's television adaptation of ''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.
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[[folder:TabletopGames]]
* ''TabletopGame/{{Shadowrun}}'' has Skillsofts, chips that can be inserted into implanted slots in the head to give characters skills.
* ''TabletopGame/{{Cyberpunk}} 2020'' too. They have some limitations, however.
* Instaskill nano from ''{{GURPS}}: Ultra-Tech'' rapidly reorganizes a person's brain to give them basic knowledge of a new skill.
* {{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.
* ''EclipsePhase'' has both "skillsofts" run on nanites in the brain, and psychosurgery skill imprints.
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[[folder:VideoGames]]
* ''SeriousSam'' has an AI surgically implanted in the titular character's brain, which allows for later downloading of things such as maps and guides.
* ''VideoGame/SystemShock'', ''System Shock 2'', ''VideoGame/{{BioShock|1}}'', and ''VideoGame/{{Bioshock 2}}'', 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.
* While not essential to use [[PsychicPowers Biotics]] in MassEffect, Neural Implants exist to boost their power. In addition, there's a computerized memory implant that's a large part of a sidequest for a recruitable party member.
* The I-Patch in ''VideoGame/BlackMarket'' is described as an implant drilled into the brain through the optic nerve. It presumably has quite a lot of memory space, since it stores a personality that can interface with other machines.
* ''VideoGame/DeusEx'' and its sequel ''VideoGame/DeusExInvisibleWar'' both have character with chips in their head and a radio link to receive info.
** Ditto for the ''VideoGame/DeusExHumanRevolution'' prequel.
* ''{{X-Com}}: Terror From the Deep'': 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.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:{{Webcomics}}]]
* ''{{Building 12}}'' 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.
* ''Webcomic/SchlockMercenary'' had brain backup {{nanobots}} technology quickly tweaked to add FakeMemories and mask real ones.
** When "The Gavs" discovered that being [[MesACrowd about 950 millions]] of the same man's copies [[CloningBlues stays funny only for a short while]] and started [[http://www.schlockmercenary.com/2011-12-25 The Diversity Engineering Institute]], which eventually introduced a randomized set of differences, both anatomical and mental. That's when they discovered 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]].
[[/folder]]

[[folder:WesternAnimation]]
* In ''{{Joe 90}}'', a computer is used to download recordings of other people's skills into Joe's brain.
* [[EvilCounterpart Thailog]] is programmed using this in ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}''
* Cybron uses a massive A.I. hard drive placed on top of his head to boost his already genius brain in ''WesternAnimation/SkysurferStrikeForce''.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:WebOriginal]]
* Several of the devisers in the WhateleyUniverse have done this. Jericho has a jack in his head for easier uploading, while Techno-Devil has ''two'' jacks, one on each side of his head, and a shaved mullet so they both show.
[[/folder]]
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