Fix VLC Freezing or Lagging: 9 Ways to Try and More to Know
While it has been a go-to choice for so long due to its versatility and broad codec support, VLC Media Player is not immune to performance hiccups, just like any other player. Now, you're facing VLC freezing issues, especially with your high-resolution files, turning your enjoyable viewing experience into a nightmare. Thankfully, this post came with nine effective ways to fix VLC freezing or lagging woes, helping you reclaim that uninterrupted playback. Dive in now!
Guide List
Why VLC Lagging or Stuttering 9 Ways to Reduce the Delay and Fix VLC Lagging Check VLC Lagging Troubleshooting Comparison TableWhy VLC Lagging or Stuttering
Before addressing the solutions for the VLC freezing issue, it is essential to understand the reason behind these interruptions. Explore the typical culprits behind lagging and stuttering issues in VLC Media Player.
- • Insufficient System Resources. VLC may lag or freeze if your PC is running low on power, especially with high-resolution videos.
- • Incorrect Output Settings. Using an incompatible video output module can lead to frame rendering issues.
- • Too Large File Size. Large videos can overwhelm your system if it is not powerful enough to handle them.
- • Hardware Acceleration Conflicts. This can cause the VLC laggy playback if your graphics card or driver is not compatible with its settings.
- • Outdated VLC Version. Older versions of VLC may have no support for newer codecs and features.
- • Corrupted Video File. A damaged video file can make VLC struggle to process and play it.
- • Too Many Background Apps. Running apps can reduce the resources for VLC, especially on low-end PCs.
- • Low Caching Value. Too much file caching may not buffer enough data in advance, leading to frequent pauses.
9 Ways to Reduce the Delay and Fix VLC Lagging
If VLC Media Player keeps lagging or delaying the audio during playback, there are several fixes to optimize its performance and get back to a smoother viewing experience. Whether it is a system-related issue or a file format, below are the nine best fixes for VLC freezing or lagging problems.
1. Adjust Caching Value
VLC has cache memory to preload content, and if this value is too low, it may result in VLC playback stutter or frequently pausing.
- 1.In VLC, navigate to the "Tools" menu and select "Preferences".
- 2.At the bottom left, choose "All" from Show settings.
- 3.Then, navigate to the "Input/Codecs" category then to "Advanced".
- 4.Increase the "File caching (ms)" setting to around 1000-3000 ms.
2. Disable Hardware-Accelerated Decoding
Although the hardware acceleration improves performance, it may have issues with specific GPUs, resulting in VLC freezing issues.
- 1.From the "Tools" menu tab, go to "Preferences".
- 2.Under the "Input/Codecs", find "Hardware-accelerated decoding".
- 3.Set it to "Disable" from the drop-down menu options.
3. Change Video Output Module
If VLC utilizes an output module that is incompatible with your system, video playback may become choppy.
- 1.Click the "Tools" menu tab from the VLC's screen.
- 2.Select "Preferences" to "All".
- 3.Next, go to "Video" then "Output modules". Here, try different options, such as DirectX, OpenGL, and Windows GDI.
4. Increase File Read Speed
One way to resolve VLC freezing and lagging issues is to disable the loop filter. This helps VLC process the videos faster, especially high-definition ones. After fixing it, you can also use VLC to record videos.
- 1.After clicking the "Tools" menu tab, select "Preferences", then click "All" below.
- 2.Head to "Input/Codecs" to "Video Codecs" and then "FFmpeg".
- 3.Next, change the "Skip the loop filter for H.264 decoding" option to "All".
5. Convert to VLC Friendly Format
Some videos are in formats or encoded with codecs that VLC struggles to play, which is why you have the VLC freezing issue. For this, converting the video with AnyRec Video Converter is the best option. This software ensures better compatibility and playback, allowing you to convert videos in just seconds with high quality.
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Step 1. Start AnyRec Video Converter now. Click the "Add Files" button to select your video, or simply drag and drop it into the upload area.
Step 2. Once the file is loaded, click the "Format" menu. Go to the "Video" section and choose "MP4" as the output format. If needed, click the "Custom Profile" button to fine-tune the settings.
Step 3. Pick a folder where you want to save the MP4 file. Then, click the "Convert All" button to start converting your video to MP4.
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6. Update the VLC Media Player
Outdated VLC versions have bugs or glitches and lack support for newer codecs and features, which can cause the VLC freezing or lagging problems.
- 1.Open VLC, then in the "Help" menu tab, select "Check for Updates".
- 2.If an update is available, click the "Yes" option to download and install it immediately.
7. Use VLC Alternatives
Perhaps the VLC freezing or lagging issues continue to happen. Why not try a more stable alternative, such as AnyRec Blu-ray Player? This player is optimized for smooth and high-quality video playback.
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Step 1. Open AnyRec Blu-ray Player on your PC. Click the "Open File" button to choose and play your video. You can also drag and drop it directly into the player.
Step 2. Now, the video will be played right away! You can adjust the volume, change the speed, or take a screenshot with the "Camera" button. To view your watch history, click the "Playlist" button.
8. Lower the Resolution or Bitrate
High-resolution videos, such as 4K, can significantly drain your system's resources. Try lowering the resolution or bitrate for your system to handle it better, making the playback smoother.
Step 1. In VLC, go to the "Media" menu tab, then "Convert/Save". Here, click the "Add" button to import the video you wish to lower the resolution, then click the "Convert/Save" button.
Step 2. Under "Profile", select the MP4 format, then click the "Edit Selected Profile" button next to it, then go to the "Video codec" tab. Check "Video", and set the resolution and bitrate there.
9. Close Background Apps
Having too many apps running in the background at the same time as VLC can consume CPU and RAM. This leaves VLC with fewer resources, leading to VLC freezing issues, or VLC subtitle delay problem.
Check VLC Lagging Troubleshooting Comparison Table
Unsure which method to try first, or want a quick overview of how each fix stacks up? This comparison table holds the key fixes for VLC freezing or lagging issues, featuring their platform compatibility, difficulty level, effectiveness, and more. Use this as your guide to choose the best method for fixing VLC that freezes.
| Solution | Platform | Effectiveness | Difficulty | Best For |
| Adjust Caching Value | Windows, Mac, Linux | 4/5 | Easy | Large local files lagging |
| Disable Hardware Acceleration | Windows, Mac | 4/5 | Easy | Systems with low-end hardware |
| Change Output Module | Windows, Mac, Linux | 3/5 | Medium | Video glitches or display issues |
| Increase File Read Speed | Windows, Mac, Linux | 4/5 | Medium | Streaming from slow storage |
| Convert to VLC-Friendly Format | Windows, Mac | 5/5 | Easy | Incompatible video file format |
| Update VLC Media Player | Windows, Mac, Linux | 3/5 | Very Easy | Minor bugs and compatibility problems |
| Use VLC Alternatives | Windows, Mac | 5/5 | Very Easy | VLC always fails with certain files |
| Lower Resolution or Bitrate | Windows, Mac | 4/5 | Easy | Low-end PCs or large videos |
| Close Background Apps | Windows, Mac | 3/5 | Very Easy | CPU overload during playback |
Conclusion
VLC freezing issues can be frustrating, but with the nine solutions covered in this guide, from tweaking the caching value to converting file formats, you have solid solutions to fix VLC freezing or lagging problems. If VLC still struggles, use dedicated tools like AnyRec Video Converter to convert videos into formats that VLC supports more smoothly. Enjoy uninterrupted video enjoyment now!
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