Not able to optimize playback performance

Last updated on Jun 23, 2025

Learn how to troubleshoot reduced performance in Premiere Pro by working with applied effects and plug-ins.

Checking for issues with applied effects

To check if an effect is responsible for the reduced performance, disable the audio or video effects applied on a sequence to ease the processing load. You can then enable these effects again when you export.

Use Global FX Mute button in the Program Monitor to mute all effects at once. 

The Button Editor is open in the Program Monitor and Global FX Mute button is highlighted to mute all applied effects.
Use the Button Editor in the Program Monitor to quickly mute all applied effects.

You can also disable the effects individually from the Effect Controls panel.

The Effect Controls panel is open and the effects toggle for the applied effects is highlighted to turn it on or off.
Use the effects toggle in Effect Controls panel to turn applied effects on or off.

For more information, see Remove audio or video effects in Premiere Pro. 

Checking for issues with plug-ins

  1. Check the MediaCore folder to verify whether the installed plug-ins are compatible with Premiere Pro.

    • Windows: C:\ProgramFiles\Adobe\Common\Plug-ins\7.0\MediaCore
    • macOS: Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Common/Plug-ins/7.0/MediaCore
  2. Move the plug-ins temporarily from this location to any other folder and check if Premiere Pro is working properly without the third-party plug-ins. If the issue is resolved, then update the plug-ins, or contact the plug-in vendor for a compatible version.