VLC Took 33 Seconds To Load, So Developers Investigated Windows.

Summary

The video investigates reports that VLC Media Player took as long as 33 seconds to start playing an MP3 on some Windows PCs. It argues that the slowdown was not caused by a change to VLC’s code, but likely by Microsoft Defender interfering with VLC’s startup files. VLC’s developers reportedly attributed the issue to a Windows security update or detection rule; Microsoft did not publicly confirm the cause or provide an acknowledged fix.

VLC uses a startup catalog to locate its components quickly. According to the video, if Defender blocks or repeatedly scans files in that catalog, VLC may have to recheck its startup files, causing long delays. The problem was inconsistent: some users saw it only after a reboot or idle period, while a technology outlet could not reproduce it on its test PC. Reports dated back to 2025 and included both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Comparisons and Related Examples

• Linux comparison: An X user reportedly opened the same MP3 in VLC on Linux in about one second, compared with up to 33 seconds on an affected Windows system.
• Defender workaround: The video says that telling Windows Defender to ignore VLC—for example, by adding its folder to exclusions—made VLC launch immediately for affected users.
• Paint.NET: The video describes separate reports of Defender-related performance or file-saving problems with the free image editor, which its developer had to explain to users.
• Microsoft Media Player: A Windows Latest test reportedly found Microsoft’s player slower and more memory-intensive than VLC in some tasks. The video notes the irony of users switching to Microsoft’s player while VLC was allegedly being slowed by Windows.
• Windows defaults and app handling: The video criticizes Windows for promoting Edge, sometimes opening links in Edge despite users’ preferences, routing Python commands to the Microsoft Store, and giving Store apps a smoother launch path than some downloaded apps. It says European regulations prompted Microsoft to make default-browser choices and uninstall options more flexible.
• A separate Windows update incident: The video also discusses reports that a mandatory 2026 update caused game crashes, Windows Hello PIN problems, and display issues. Microsoft reportedly linked some game crashes to RGB-lighting drivers running with high system privileges and blocked those drivers from loading. The video acknowledges that such drivers can pose security and stability risks.

Central Argument

The video’s central argument concerns the consequences of Microsoft controlling several layers of the PC experience: Windows, Defender, browser defaults, the app store, and competing built-in software.

It does not present evidence that Microsoft deliberately targeted VLC. Its more cautious explanation is that an overzealous or faulty security update may have mistaken harmless files for a threat. But when Windows causes an app to malfunction, users may blame the independent developer, while the operating-system maker’s products remain readily available alternatives.

Reviews, Guides, or Tutorials

No step-by-step tutorial is provided. The video mentions Defender exclusions as a workaround and cites comparative tests of VLC and Microsoft Media Player.

Main Speakers and Sources

The video is narrated by Josh Risser, identified in the video metadata. It refers to statements by VLC/VideoLAN developers, including Jean-Baptiste Kempf; comments by programmer Jonathan Blow; user reports on Reddit and X; and reporting or testing by Windows Latest and other technology outlets.