My Hatch software is starting up slowly.

My Hatch software is starting up slowly.

Problem: Hatch is starting up slowly

Explanation: Hatch uses a digital license. If you log out and then open Hatch, it has to retrieve your license details again. Delays can happen due to your internet speed. 

1. Check to confirm that your computer meets the system requirements. If you are operating Hatch on a Virtual Machine using MAC/Parallels, your Windows will also need to meet these requirements.  Hatch Embroidery 3 System Requirements - Software Licensing & Specs

2.  Make sure that Windows and drivers are up to date. Check for any Windows updates that may be pending or waiting to be uploaded and installed. How to check for Windows Operating System updates?

3. Delete your recovery/backup files. You should do this at least once a month if you use the software often. Also, sometimes you’ll receive a message when you start the software asking if you want to open, keep, delete recovery files. You can click on “delete” most of the time and this will clean up most recent backups. Here is an FAQ on this: How do I delete recovery files in Hatch Embroidery

4. Add an exclusion for Hatch to your virus software.  How to add Hatch to the exclusion of your Anti-Virus software? (hatchembroidery.com)

5. Run Hatch as an Administrator.  How to run Hatch3 as administrator? (hatchembroidery.com)

6. Take a look at your Design Library. How many designs is Hatch trying to access. Only your current working files should be added to your Embroidery Library Locations.

7. Restart your computer, do not open Hatch. Open your Task Manager. Check your Performance Tab. Are there enough system resources available?


If your CPU, Memory or Disk is operating at 50% or greater without Hatch open, this could be a Windows issue, or you may need to adjust the items in your Start-Up. Things like syncing with cloud storage (i.e., OneDrive or GoogleDrive) can slow your computer down.

8. If the above troubleshooting does not improve your performance, please submit a support report. How to send a support report from Hatch Embroidery software

    • Related Articles

    • Hatch will not start. How to Run as Administrator?

      There are times when your computer needs to be set as Run as Administrator in order for Hatch to start. Right click on the Hatch icon Click Run as Administrator Then click to start the Hatch software If you find that you have to do this each time you ...

    • Unable to load Hatch Embroidery 3 with white splash screen on startup

      There are two possible issues. 1. Your Hatch is attempting to sign into an older version of the software, however, you have already upgraded to a newer version of Hatch or an Microsoft Windows update has been installed recently that has affected the ...

    • How to send a support report from Hatch Embroidery software

      To send a report in Hatch Embroidery, please follow the steps below. Make sure your Hatch Embroidery software is "NOT" open To do this in Windows 11: To see a list of your apps, select Start , then select the arrow next to All apps to expand that ...

    • Hatch 3 Exception Access Violation errors

      The error message ‘Exception Access Violation’ can appear when zooming, using lettering, printing or scanning, saving designs, or viewing the Color Film. This problem generally relates to the display adapter driver and/or the display adapter itself. ...

    • How do I re-download my Hatch Embroidery software?

      The regular software download link for Hatch Embroidery on the website will now download the latest Hatch Embroidery. Hatch Embroidery 3 If you are an existing Hatch Embroidery 3 user and need to re-download and install the software, you can do so by ...