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 Missing or outdated system components can lead to reduced functionality, incorrect execution paths, or fallback behavior that may not reflect real-world acceleration scenarios.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 Outdated drivers may prevent WinML from using the intended hardware acceleration paths or may introduce instability and performance inconsistencies.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.
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 7DEP is the minimum required Execution Provider package for running the video call benchmark on AMD XDNA2 NPUs and is packaged as part of Procyon standalone EP support.