For correct and optimal WinML operation, Windows must be on the latest available version. 

WinML relies on execution providers that are distributed through Windows updates. Missing or outdated system components can lead to reduced functionality, incorrect execution paths, or fallback behavior that may not reflect real-world acceleration scenarios.

In addition to Windows updates, all relevant system drivers must be current, including graphics drivers and NPU drivers where applicable. Outdated drivers may prevent WinML from using the intended hardware acceleration paths or may introduce instability and performance inconsistencies. Ensuring the system is fully updated is a critical prerequisite for reliable and repeatable benchmark results. 

Installing and updating WinML Execution Providers with Procyon

There is a “Set up WinML EPs” tool available in the Procyon Essentials UI page allowing you to easily verify whether the required Windows ML Execution Providers are installed on the system. If any required components are missing, the tool automatically attempts to download and install them via the Windows Update tool, ensuring the system meets the necessary prerequisites for correct operation.

Procyon Essentials and WinML updates

In line with the Procyon benchmarking suite philosophy, Procyon Essentials is a constantly updated benchmark that reflects the current state of the system being tested. Changes to WinML execution providers delivered through Windows updates may alter model execution behavior over time, for example moving portions of execution from the CPU to the NPU. These changes can dynamically affect foreground workload behavior and are an intentional part of measuring real world system capability.

Additional Notes

  • Execution Providers (EPs) are not uninstalled when Procyon is removed. EPs are system-level components that may be required by other applications and therefore remain installed independently of Procyon.
  • 2026 4D EP is required to run the video call benchmark on AMD XDNA2 NPUs. To read about this further, please refer to this Microsoft supported execution provider’s article: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/ai/new-windows-ml/supported-execution-providers?tabs=winml1-8