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 Narrated by: Josh Risser 🔔 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE! 🔔 SUGGEST A TOPIC: https://bit.ly/suggest-an-infographics-video 💬 Come chat with me: https://discord.gg/theinfoshow 🔖 MY SOCIAL PAGES TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@theinfographicsshow Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/TheInfographicsShow 📝 SOURCES: https://pastebin.com/vS7Cdp3N All videos are based on publicly available information unless otherwise noted.