Browsers delayed launch

AndreasKal · 17 Dec 2018

Hello everyone. I have a small (but irritating) problem that I need help with. Recently (can't exactly remember when) Firefox and Chrome started taking too long to launch. After launch there is no slowdown or choppiness, they both run fine. The time to launch for each browser is 17.7 seconds (timed!) from clicking the icon until the window pops up. They both open on a blank page, so no traffic delay. Before this problem appeared, they both launched within a second from clicking the icon. Microsoft Edge is not affected and starts within a second.

I believe that this has nothing to do with hardware (slow/faulty PC). I have tried to eliminate the effects of addons/extensions by removing them or even reinstalling but nothing works. The problem is probably some setting that either me or a program messed with. Something causes both browsers to a delayed start. The fact that both programs take the exact same time to launch indicates that delay is from an external factor. Another thing that seems strange is that (on both browsers) when the start page launches, I can right-click the icon on taskbar and press “New window” and this new window launches instantly with delay!

Some extra information: My antivirus is Bitdefender and my PC tuning program is Nero Tuneitup Pro.

Any idea what went wrong or how to fix this?

Callender · 17 Dec 2018

Check that BitDefender on access scanner is set to scan only new and changed files (instead of all files)

How real-time protection works in Bitdefender 2018

Also try running this once per week:

SpeedyFox - Boost Firefox, Skype, Chrome, Thunderbird in a Single Click!

AndreasKal · 18 Dec 2018

Callender said:

Check that BitDefender on access scanner is set to scan only new and changed files (instead of all files)

How real-time protection works in Bitdefender 2018

Also try running this once per week:

SpeedyFox - Boost Firefox, Skype, Chrome, Thunderbird in a Single Click!

I would like to thank you for your answer. I tried what you suggested regarding access scanning but to no effect. Then, I completely shut down the Bitdefender shield, but nothing. I tried shutting down parts of Bitdefender's protection, even if they seemed irrelvant, but still nothing. The only thing I haven't done so far is to completely remove Bitdefender and then reinstall it, but I am not sure if it is worth the trouble. After messing unsuccessfully with Bitdefender, I also tried running Speedyfox but it laso had no effect. The time to launch is again was 17.7 seconds.

It looks more like a Windows problem (delay?) because the time they launch is always very precise. Anyway, thanks for trying to help and if you think of anything alse please share!

Caledon Ken · 18 Dec 2018

Try a Clean Boot and see if problem persists.

Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts

You might also try these for commands to reset some network functions.

Run the following four bolded commands. Use a Command Prompt(admin) or Powershell(admin)

Do not key in info in brackets, there for your information.

ipconfig /flushdns (Clear the dns cache)
nbtstat -RR (release and refresh NetBIOS names)
netsh int ip reset (reset ip settings)
netsh winsock reset (Reset Winsock Catalog)

Ken

Helmut · 18 Dec 2018

Surely, Nero Tuneitup Pro should have sorted it...

"SURF THE WEB FASTER Regardless of your internet connection, the wrong browser configuration can seriously slow down your surfing experience. Nero TuneItUp PRO analyses your Internet settings and optimises them with one click!"

AndreasKal · 18 Dec 2018

Many thanks to Caledon Ken. The clean boot method took some time, but finally revealed the culprit: Nahimic Service. How can a service related to audio affects the two browsers but leaves Edge unaffected is beyond my knowledge (and imagination!). I have restored all services and startup items as they were, leaving the Nahimic service disabled. Hopefully it will not cause any more problems.

Just from curiosity: does anyone know why this would happen?

PS: After finding the problem I checked to see how programs reacted. I noticed that another think that launches much faster is Bitdefender. When I pressed the icon on taskbar to open the Dashboard, it took 35+ seconds! I just didn't make the connection of this delay to the browsers' one, thinking that BD was just slow (in retrospect, it didn't make sense but anyway). Now with Nahimic shut, it only takes 2(!) seconds. Go figure...

Caledon Ken · 18 Dec 2018

Great.

Would be interesting if you can tie the specific driver update to the date the problem appear.

Maybe an older driver from your vendor will be clear of this issue.

Then make sure any vendor software that updates drivers and Windows is disabled. Also keep a copy of any driver you find that works so you know you have it. Every feature update will override to latest.

Option 4

Enable or Disable Driver Updates in Windows Update in Windows 10

Ken

AndreasKal · 19 Dec 2018

After some digging into the internet, it seems that Nahimic is intergrated in Asus' Sonic Studio. That means no update will go through Windows. I don't use Sonic Studio anyway, so I think I will be OK. Thanks again.