Troubleshooting Offline VEXcode VR 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

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting tips, featuring a list of common issues and solutions for users programming virtual robots, aimed at enhancing coding skills and problem-solving in STEM education.

Open computer settings and select ‘Update & Security.’

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting tips, featuring a list of common issues and solutions related to the online programming environment for virtual robotics, aimed at helping users resolve coding challenges effectively.

Select ‘Windows Security’ from the left panel.

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

Select ‘Open Windows Security.’

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting section, displaying common issues and solutions for users programming virtual robots, highlighting key coding concepts and support for educational objectives in STEM learning.

Select ‘Virus & threat protection.’

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting guide, displaying common issues and solutions related to the online programming environment for virtual robots, aimed at aiding users in coding and debugging.

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

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting tips, showcasing a block-based coding interface with error messages and solutions for coding issues in the virtual robot programming environment.

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

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting interface, displaying error messages and solutions for coding issues in a virtual robot programming environment.

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

Screenshot of the VEXcode VR troubleshooting guide, displaying common issues and solutions for users programming virtual robots, aimed at enhancing learning in coding and robotics.

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

Screenshot of the VEXcode VR troubleshooting guide, displaying common issues and solutions related to the online programming environment for virtual robotics, aimed at assisting users in resolving coding challenges.

Select ‘Process.’

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting interface, displaying error messages and solutions for coding issues in the virtual robot programming environment, aimed at assisting users in resolving common problems.

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

Offline VEXcode VR

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

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

Screenshot of VEXcode VR troubleshooting section, displaying common issues and solutions for users programming virtual robots, highlighting coding concepts and support for educational objectives in STEM.

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


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:

Offline VEXcode VR

  • %LocalAppData%\VEXcode VR
  • %ProgramFiles(X86)%\VEX Robotics\VEXcode VR
  • 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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