Troubleshooting Unexpected Behavior in VEXcode VR on Microsoft Edge

In VEXcode VR, you may have encountered a problem with the VR Robot or Playground does not respond as expected. To solve this issue in a Microsoft Edge browser, you need to turn Hardware Acceleration on.

Enabling hardware acceleration allows the browser to utilize a computer's graphics processing unit (GPU) to do graphics intensive tasks. Because VEXcode VR Playgrounds are 3D applications, the hardware acceleration helps to improve the performance of the Playground.

Some common issues could occur if the hardware acceleration is turned off including the following:

  • Lower Frame Rate. This means the robot or Playground could seem to jerk or jump around because the frames cannot keep up with the speed of the moving robot or background of the Playground. 
  • Some Playgrounds may show a black background when opened. This happens when the browser cannot render the graphics.
  • Projects may not work as expected because the sensor data being sent from the Playground to the VEXcode VR project is delayed.
  • The Pen of the VR Robot may have unexpected behaviors.

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting tips, showcasing common issues and solutions for users programming a virtual robot, emphasizing support for coding concepts and problem-solving in STEM education.

Turning On Hardware Acceleration

Screenshot of the VEXcode VR troubleshooting guide, displaying common issues and solutions for users programming with the virtual robot environment, designed to assist students and educators in resolving coding challenges.

Select the three dots on the top right of the screen.

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting guide, displaying common issues and solutions related to the online programming environment for virtual robots, aimed at enhancing user experience in coding and robotics education.

Select 'Settings' from the bottom of this dropdown menu.

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting guide, displaying common issues and solutions related to the online programming environment for virtual robotics, aimed at helping users effectively debug their coding projects.

In the Settings menu, select 'System and performance.'

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting guide, displaying common issues and solutions related to coding and virtual robot programming in the VEXcode VR platform.

The hardware acceleration option will appear here. Select the toggle to the right to turn on hardware acceleration.

Screenshot of the VEXcode VR troubleshooting guide, displaying common issues and solutions for users programming virtual robots, aimed at enhancing coding skills and problem-solving in STEM education.

After turning on hardware acceleration, you will be prompted to relaunch Edge. 

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting tips, displaying common issues and solutions for users learning coding concepts with a virtual robot in an online programming environment.

After relaunching, you will see that the hardware acceleration toggle is set to on.

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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