Resolved Issue: Windows ML or ONNX Runtime GPU workloads crashing on some x64 Devices with Microsoft OpenCL Compatibility Pack

[andrewleader]

Overview

We are aware of an issue (starting around 1/28/2026) that caused some applications using GPU-based features of Windows ML, ONNX Runtime, or other components that depend on OpenCL, to crash on some x64 devices that have the Microsoft OpenCL Compatibility Pack. The root cause was a broken update to the Microsoft OpenCL Compatibility Pack, not a defect in developer applications.

A fix has already been released on 2/2/2026 and is currently rolling out automatically to affected devices.

As of 2/10/2026, we've seen hits drop to 0%. There may still be a couple devices out there, but this issue should be considered resolved.

Impact

• Applications using GPU-based workloads in Windows ML or ONNX Runtime could crash at startup or during model initialization.
• This is limited to x64 devices that have the Microsoft OpenCL Compatibility Pack.
• This affected multiple OpenCL‑based workloads on Windows, not just Windows ML.

Resolution

A fixed version of the Microsoft OpenCL Compatibility Pack was released via the Microsoft Store on February 2, 2026, and is currently rolling out automatically to devices. No developer changes are required. Once the updated component is installed, the crash is resolved.

If you or your users are still experiencing crashes, you can manually trigger the update:

1. Open the Microsoft Store
2. Go to Updates & downloads
3. Select Check for updates
4. Ensure the OpenCL™, OpenGL®, and Vulkan® Compatibility Pack is updated

More details

For technical background on the underlying OpenCL issue, see microsoft/OpenCLOn12#74