WebGPU Troubleshooting: Fix Common Errors and Boost Performance

Having trouble with WebGPU in Chrome? This guide provides quick fixes for common WebGPU errors, helping you get back on track and optimize your WebGPU experience.

"navigator.gpu is undefined" Error: Quick Solutions

Encountering "navigator.gpu is undefined"? This means WebGPU isn't accessible in your browser. Here's how to troubleshoot:

• Update Chrome: WebGPU requires Chrome 113+ (ChromeOS, macOS, Windows) or 121+ (Android). Check chrome://version and update.

• Secure Context Required: WebGPU only works over https:. For local development:

  • Use npx http-server or python3 -m http.server for http://localhost.
  • Add your origin to chrome://flags/#unsafely-treat-insecure-origin-as-secure.
  • Use npx servez --ssl for local https with a fake certificate.
  • Expose your server with ngrok.

const adapter = await navigator.gpu.requestAdapter(); // Error occurs here

Adapter is Null? Resolve WebGPU Adapter Issues

Getting a null adapter after calling requestAdapter()? Here's what to check:

• Graphics Acceleration: Ensure "Use graphics acceleration" is enabled in chrome://settings/system.
• Platform Support: WebGPU might not be fully supported. Enable chrome://flags/#enable-unsafe-webgpu. For Linux, also enable chrome://flags/#enable-vulkan. See WebGPU support in Headless Chrome.
• GPU Blocklist: If chrome://gpu shows WebGPU disabled, enable chrome://flags/#enable-unsafe-webgpu to override.
• Adapter Options: The options passed to requestAdapter() might not be valid. Experiment with different options.
• GPU Detection: Chrome needs to detect a GPU. Verify at chrome://gpu.

const adapter = await navigator.gpu.requestAdapter();
const device = await adapter.requestDevice(); // Error occurs here if adapter is null

WebGPU Performance Optimization: Make it Faster

If WebGPU feels slower than WebGL, here's how to optimize:

1. Hardware Acceleration: Open chrome://gpu and confirm "WebGPU: Hardware accelerated." If it says "Software only," update your GPU drivers.

2. WebGPU Optimization: Avoid direct WebGL translations. Take advantage of WebGPU's unique features. Learn about the differences between WebGL and WebGPU here.

Windows WebGPU Limitations: What to Know

Be aware of these platform-specific limitations on Windows:

• Single GPU Adapter: Chrome doesn't support multiple simultaneous GPU adapters.
• Power Preference Ignored: Chrome typically uses the integrated graphics card on laptops for power saving, so powerPreference has no impact.

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