KB: Slow Dropdown menus cause delay of several seconds

Solution Details

The delay is most often caused by security protection software such as HitmanPro, Sophos, and SentinelOne. These programs may quarantine or interfere with Altium Designer’s executable files, particularly in newer versions, resulting in performance degradation.

Solution

1. Add Altium Designer to Security Software Exceptions

To resolve the issue, add Altium Designer to the exception (whitelist) list of your security software. Specifically, whitelist:

• Executable file: C:\Program Files\Altium\AD[version]\X2.EXE
• Entire folder (optional): C:\Program Files\Altium\ (Use with caution; whitelisting the entire folder may reduce security.)

Note: If files were quarantined during installation, simply whitelisting may not restore them. In such cases, disable the security software and reinstall Altium Designer to ensure all files are correctly placed.

2. Sophos-Specific Instructions

For users of Sophos, refer to the official documentation on exploit mitigation exclusions:

Sophos Global Exclusions Guide

Workarounds

1. Adjust Software Rendering Settings

While awaiting changes to your security software, you can improve performance by modifying rendering settings:

1. Navigate to: Preferences > System > General > Advanced…
2. Locate the setting: System.UI.SoftwareRender
3. Uncheck the box under the Value column.

This change may reduce reliance on video driver calls, which are suspected to be part of the issue.

2. Open License Management Tab

Some users have reported improved performance by opening and leaving the License Management tab open. This may influence video rendering behavior and reduce dropdown lag.

Additional Resources

For community discussion and user experiences related to this issue, visit the Altium forum:

Altium Forum Discussion

Applies To

• Altium Designer (especially newer versions)
• Systems running HitmanPro, Sophos, SentinelOne, or similar security software