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vito.pirrello
vito.pirrello
Known Participant
August 30, 2026
Question

Laggy playback with HEVC files in versions 26.3 and 26.3.2

  • August 30, 2026
  • 5 replies
  • 22 views

Hi,
I mainly edit video files with the HEVC 10 bit 4:2:2 codec. I know they're very heavy, but everything works smooth up to version 26.2.2. When I try to edit the same files with versions 26.3 and 26.3.2, playback becomes laggy even without color correction or effects applied.

I work on a MSI Creator 17 with Windows 11, Intel i7-11800H, 32Gb of RAM and Nvidia Geforce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU everything updated.

Best regards,
Vito

    5 replies

    vito.pirrello
    vito.pirrelloAuthor
    Known Participant
    September 1, 2026

    Hi Paul,
    As I've already written, I know HEVC isn't a good codec for video editing, but with the latest two versions the performance drop is drastic. I can't even see the clips smoothly in the timeline with a simple playback, without color correction or effects. Even VLC can play the clips without any problems. I think it's now clear that something is wrong with the latest two versions because, again, with 26.2.2, I can work without any problems.

    R Neil Haugen
    R Neil Haugen
    Legend
    August 31, 2026

    Each version of Premiere tends to require more hardware capabilities due  to the newer capablities built into the app. This is kind of normal on computer apps … and is annoying but has been Life the whole time we’ve been using computers … since the 80386 chip really started wider business use of computers in small businesses … like mine.

    Everyone's mileage always varies ...
      vito.pirrello
      vito.pirrelloAuthor
      Known Participant
      September 1, 2026

      Hi Neil,
      I agree with what you wrote, but I think my case is different because the performance drop is drastic. I can't even see the clips smoothly in the timeline with a simple playback, without color correction or effects. I think it's now clear that something is wrong with the latest two versions.

      Community Expert
      PaulMurphyCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      August 31, 2026

      HEVC is a codec designed for delivery, not for editing. I recommend using a proxy workflow to keep the editing process smooth and efficient, then exporting with your original media at the end.

        vito.pirrello
        vito.pirrelloAuthor
        Known Participant
        September 1, 2026

        Hi Paul,
        As I've already written, I know HEVC isn't a good codec for video editing, but with the latest two versions, the performance drop is drastic. I can't even see the clips smoothly in the timeline with a simple playback, without color correction or effects. Even VLC can play the clips without any problems. I think it's now clear that something is wrong with the latest two versions because, again, with 26.2.2 version I can work without any problems.

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