VLC Took 33 Seconds To Load, So Developers Investigated Windows

Windows may be making open-source software look worse than it really is.

In 2026, VLC users reported launch delays of up to 33 seconds on Windows. The app itself hadn’t suddenly become slower. Microsoft Defender was reportedly interfering with critical startup files. And VLC wasn’t alone.
Other independent apps have also run into problems caused by Windows security layers, default-app behavior, and system updates. There’s no proof Microsoft intentionally targeted VLC, but Microsoft controls the operating system, antivirus, browser, app store, and competing software. So when Windows breaks something, independent developers often take the blame while Microsoft’s own apps remain the easiest alternative.

That imbalance may matter more than intent.

00:38 - Why VLC Suddenly Became Painfully Slow on Windows
01:53 - How Microsoft Defender Started Breaking VLC
03:48 - What Windows Is Doing Behind the Scenes
05:12 - Why Open-Source Apps Keep Taking the Blame
07:11 - The Linux Test That Pointed Straight at Windows
08:15 - How Microsoft Pushes Users Toward Its Own Software
10:05 - The Windows Update That Started Crashing PCs
12:19 - Why Microsoft’s Control Over Windows Creates an Unfair Advantage