Troubleshooting VEXcode IQ Opening Slowly on Windows Computers

This article will help explain and troubleshoot issues with VEXcode taking a significant amount of time (greater than 30 seconds) to open on some Microsoft Windows computers.

When launching VEXcode, Microsoft Windows computers need to extract and decompress files in order to run VEXcode. For some users, an installed antivirus program may scan these files as they are being written, which will cause VEXcode to take significantly more time to open.

If you are experiencing that the VEXcode application is launching slowly, it is recommended that you keep the antivirus software from scanning files as they are being read/written. This article will walk you through how to exclude VEXcode from the scans.

How to exclude VEXcode folders in Windows Defender

Troubleshooting guide for VEX IQ Robotics platform, featuring diagrams and tips for resolving common issues encountered during building and programming with VEXcode IQ.

Open computer settings and select ‘Update & Security.’

Flowchart outlining troubleshooting steps for VEX IQ Robotics platform, illustrating common issues and solutions to assist educators and students in resolving problems during building and programming.

Select ‘Windows Security’ from the left panel.

Flowchart illustrating troubleshooting steps for VEX IQ Robotics platform issues, including common problems and solutions to assist educators and students in resolving technical difficulties.

Select ‘Open Windows Security.’

Diagram illustrating troubleshooting steps for VEX IQ Robotics platform, highlighting common issues and solutions related to building and programming robots, aimed at educators and students in the VEX IQ knowledge base.

Select ‘Virus & threat protection.’

Diagram illustrating troubleshooting steps for the VEX IQ Robotics platform, highlighting common issues and solutions to assist educators and students in resolving challenges during robotics projects.

Under ‘Virus & threat protection settings,’ select ‘Manage settings.’

Troubleshooting guide for VEX IQ Robotics platform, featuring diagrams and tips for resolving common issues in building and programming robots, aimed at educators and beginners in robotics.

Under ‘Exclusions,’ select ‘Add or remove exclusions.’

Flowchart illustrating troubleshooting steps for VEX IQ Robotics platform, providing guidance on resolving common issues related to components, programming, and robot functionality.

The following permission prompt will appear. Select ‘Yes.’

Diagram illustrating troubleshooting steps for VEX IQ Robotics platform, highlighting common issues and solutions for educators and students to enhance their understanding and problem-solving skills in robotics.

Once permission has been granted, select ‘Add an exclusion.’

Diagram illustrating common troubleshooting steps for VEX IQ Robotics platform, highlighting key components and solutions for resolving issues in robot assembly and programming.

Select ‘Process.’

Diagram illustrating common troubleshooting steps for the VEX IQ Robotics platform, including tips for resolving programming issues, component connections, and robot functionality, aimed at educators and students in the VEX IQ knowledge base.

Type in the path for the version of VEXcode that you are using, then select ‘Add.’

VEXcode IQ

  • C:\Program Files (x86)\VEX Robotics\VEXcode IQ\VEXcode IQ.exe

Note: Paths are based on installation location and may be different if a non-default location was used during installation.

Diagram illustrating troubleshooting steps for the VEX IQ Robotics platform, highlighting common issues and solutions to enhance user experience and understanding in robotics education.

If you are still experiencing issues with VEXcode, please use the ‘Feedback’ button. For more information, view the following articles:
Feedback for VEXcode IQ


Folder Paths to Exclude for VEXcode (for other Antivirus programs)

To resolve VEXcode opening slowly, prevent the Microsoft Windows computer’s antivirus software from scanning the following folder paths:

VEXcode IQ

  • %LocalAppData%\VEXcode IQ
  • %ProgramFiles(X86)%\VEX Robotics\VEXcode IQ
  • Any folders starting with “nw” in %LocalAppData%\Temp

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

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