WebGPU Not Working? Quick Troubleshooting & Solutions for Chrome

Experiencing issues with WebGPU in Chrome? This guide offers practical tips and fixes to get your WebGPU applications running smoothly. We'll cover common problems, from undefined navigator.gpu errors to performance bottlenecks, providing step-by-step solutions.

Why is navigator.gpu Undefined?

Encountering a TypeError when accessing navigator.gpu? This usually means WebGPU isn't properly initialized in your browser.

const adapter = await navigator.gpu.requestAdapter();

Results in:

Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'requestAdapter')

Here's a breakdown of potential causes:

• Outdated Chrome Version: WebGPU requires Chrome 113 or higher (ChromeOS, macOS, Windows) or Chrome 121 or higher on Android. Update your browser by navigating to chrome://version.
• Insecure Context: WebGPU functions only within secure contexts (https://).
  • Local Development Fixes: Use npx http-server or python3 -m http.server for local http://localhost testing. Alternatively, use npx servez --ssl for https with a self-signed certificate.
  • chrome://flags Hack: Use "Insecure origins treated as secure" in chrome://flags/#unsafely-treat-insecure-origin-as-secure (not recommended for production).
  • Ngrok: Expose your localhost to the internet via ngrok, to use https.

requestAdapter() Returns Null? Here's Why

A null GPU adapter from requestAdapter() indicates a problem with adapter initialization or compatibility.

const adapter = await navigator.gpu.requestAdapter();
const device = await adapter.requestDevice();

Results in:

Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading requestDevice)

Let's troubleshoot:

1. Graphics Acceleration Disabled: Ensure "Use graphics acceleration when available" is enabled in chrome://settings/system.

2. Platform Incompatibility: WebGPU may not be fully supported on your platform. Try enabling chrome://flags/#enable-unsafe-webgpu. On Linux, enable both #enable-unsafe-webgpu and #enable-vulkan. Headless Chrome users, see WebGPU support in Headless Chrome.

3. GPU Blocklist: Check chrome://gpu for "WebGPU has been disabled via blocklist". Override with chrome://flags/#enable-unsafe-webgpu.

4. Adapter Options: Incorrect requestAdapter() options could lead to a null result. Test with different options as described here.

5. Missing GPU: Ensure Chrome detects a GPU at chrome://gpu. WebGPU requires a GPU, either physical or emulated.

6. GPU Process Crashes: Reload the page or restart Chrome. See WebGPU Device Loss Best Practices for more.

WebGPU Performance Issues: Why is it Slower Than WebGL?

WebGPU underperforming compared to WebGL? Several factors can cause this problem:

1. Driver Issues & Hardware Acceleration: Open chrome://gpu and verify "WebGPU: Hardware accelerated." If it displays "Software only," update your GPU drivers.

2. Direct Translation Inefficiency: Avoid directly translating WebGL paradigms into WebGPU. Optimize for WebGPU's unique architecture as discussed in From WebGL to WebGPU. WebGPU offers finer control over memory management and parallel execution but requires understanding its specific strengths.

Windows WebGPU Limitations

Keep these Windows-specific caveats in mind:

• Single GPU Adapter: Chrome doesn't support using multiple GPU adapters simultaneously (issue chromium:329211593).

• Power Preference: Chrome prioritizes power saving on laptops, so the powerPreference option in requestAdapter() might not function as expected, defaulting to the integrated GPU.

If you've followed these tips, you should be well on your way to resolving common WebGPU issues in Chrome and optimizing your applications for peak performance!