Zwift very slow/hanging at loading due to device connection problem

Bugs and Support
1

Hi, Similar to this thread Problem starting Zwift application on PC [June 2026] - #23 by Inge_Togersen_V I’m having problems today starting Zwift in Windows.

Zwift version 1.115.2, Windows 11, 23H2.

The application will start up but then nearly hangs at the point where it’s trying to connect to devices (Smart trainer + HRM) and will only get to the home screen if I click ‘Skip’. I’ve tried connecting to devices with ANT+ or by Bluetooth, and also by using my mobile phone (android) as a bridge via the companion app. But all these attempts just hang Zwift.

Version 1.115.2 was working OK yesterday (e.g. this activity: The at Home Cycling & Running Virtual Training App ), but I’ve had a Windows update since so perhaps that’s affected connectivity?

I have tried the fixes mentioned in the previous thread (…Check the box for Beta: Use Unicode UTF-8 for worldwide language support. etc.) but that didn’t solve the problem.

Thank you.

[Edited to correct the Zwift version]

2

Have you tried it with the ANT+ dongle physically removed from your system?

The current Zwift version is 1.115.2 so I assume your 1.152.2 is actually 1.115.2?

3

My bad, yes, a typo on the version. I haven’t tried removing the dongle entirely

4

Give it a try, it’s been known to fix those symptoms. Unplug it, wait a few seconds and plug it back in then retry Zwift

5

Thanks Paul, Unplugging the dongle and then plugging it back in again fixed the problem. Nice.