VLC takes a long time to start

[Dalsk]

Hello everyone
I've got a weird problem that started this evening. My VLC takes a long time before starting (or won't start at all) and there is a exe that stays in the task manager even after closing. I've tried downloading the newest version, doing a system restore. Nothing changes. And I've never had any problem before that.
My Windows is up to date as well as my antivirus. Besides, this is the only program that has that problem.
Can someone help me? Thanks !

[jayR]

Did you try reset?

From the windows start menu, click "All apps" - "VideoLAN" - "VLC media player - reset preferences and clear cache".

[ChuckInPinole]

I have exactly the same problem described above starting today May 10 2016. No problem for years until today. VLC never seems to load other than starting the vlc.exe process. Updating to the latest version had no effect. I tried the "reset preferences" on the start menu as described above. Still no fix to the problem.

[VideoGuy11]

I have exactly the same issue using Windows 7. Was fine for years until May 10th. The only thing that would fix this issue is uninstalling current 2.2.3 and going back to version 2.2.2. Reinstalling 2.2.3 or resetting the preferences and deleting the cache had no effect. I tried reinstalling 2.2.3 without saving prior settings and that does not work as well. My assumption is that this is a 2.2.3 which came out a week ago automatically was updated on May 10th with this bug.

FYI, using version 2.2.3 all videos take about 15 seconds to start, and as stated by the OP, sometimes do not start at all. With 2.2.2 all videos start instantly with no issue.

Also, if anyone knows the solution, I have another minor problem in both 2.2.2 and 2.2.3. When ever I select the File explorer tab from the task bar with a video open or running the file explorer window shows momentarily and than goes to the background. The only way to get it to overlay the video (in order to open another video) is to click it twice on the task bar. The first click will minimize the explorer window and the second will reopen it overlaying the video correctly. Again, I never had this issue until May 10th.

[BionicDance]

I'm having this problem, too, only much, much worse.

VLC takes more than a minute to load. Much more.

And everybody who posts a solution either doesn't give enough detail to implement it ("Click on an icon that's buried several layers deep in the sub-menus. No, I'm NOT telling you where to find it!") or the solution is there and doesn't work.