diff --git a/onnxruntime/python/tools/kernel_explorer/kernels/kernel_explorer.py b/onnxruntime/python/tools/kernel_explorer/kernels/kernel_explorer.py
index 8e645df373..7568bc5873 100644
--- a/onnxruntime/python/tools/kernel_explorer/kernels/kernel_explorer.py
+++ b/onnxruntime/python/tools/kernel_explorer/kernels/kernel_explorer.py
@@ -365,3 +365,6 @@ def set_dispatchable_pattern(p: str = "*"):
 
 def set_return_tuning_results(b: bool = True):
     _ke_context.return_tuning_results = b
+
+# set default logger severity once so that we can create the defautl logger.
+set_ort_severity(3)