Chatting with friends while gaming or working has been made easier with the advent of applications like Discord. However, like any other application, Discord is not immune to technical issues. A common issue that many users have reported is that Discord keeps crashing on their Windows computers. This could lead to disrupted communication and a frustrating user experience. This article aims to provide a detailed guide on how to solve this problem and ensure a smooth Discord experience.
Understanding the Cause of Discord Crashes
Before delving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why Discord keeps crashing on Windows. There could be several reasons for this issue:
- Insufficient System Resources: If your computer doesn’t have enough CPU or memory resources to run the Discord application smoothly, it could lead to crashes.
- Corrupted Cache and Temporary Files: Over time, Discord’s cache and temporary files may accumulate and become corrupt, causing the application to crash.
- Outdated or Corrupted Discord Installation: An outdated or corrupted Discord installation may also cause the application to crash frequently.
- Hardware Acceleration Issues: Depending on your system’s configuration, hardware acceleration can sometimes cause Discord to crash.
- Incompatible Windows Version or Conflicting Applications: Sometimes, an incompatible or outdated Windows version or conflicts with other software can also cause Discord to crash.
- Insufficient Permissions: Discord requires specific permissions to access network, microphone, and other system resources, and not having these permissions can also lead to crashes.
Understanding these causes can help you choose the most effective solution to fix the issue.
How to Fix Discord Crashes on Windows
Here are some potential fixes for the problem of Discord crashing on your Windows computer:
1. Terminate Background Applications
If Discord is crashing due to insufficient system resources, try closing unused applications on your computer. Reducing the load on your system might prevent Discord from crashing.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. From the Processes tab, end any program that’s not essential, then relaunch Discord and check whether it still crashes.
2. Clear Discord Cache and AppData
Corrupted cache and temporary files can cause Discord to crash. To fix this, you’ll need to delete these files:
- Press
Windows key + Rto open the Run dialog box. - Type
%AppData%\discordand hitEnter. - Inside the
CacheandLocal Storagefolders, select all files and delete them.
After clearing Discord’s cache and AppData, relaunch the application to see if the issue persists.
3. Disable Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration utilizes your GPU to enhance Discord’s performance. However, this feature can sometimes cause problems. If Discord keeps crashing on Windows, try disabling hardware acceleration:
- Open Discord and click the gear-shaped icon to open User Settings.
- Head to the
Advancedsection and toggle offHardware Acceleration. - Relaunch the application to apply the changes.
4. Enable Legacy Mode
If Discord crashes while you’re in a voice channel, it could be due to incompatibility between your hardware and Discord’s audio subsystem. If this is the case, switch to a different audio subsystem, specifically, the Legacy mode:
- Open Discord and go to User Settings.
- Navigate to the
Voice & Videosection. - From the
Audio Subsystemdropdown menu, selectLegacy. - Confirm the changes and restart Discord.
5. Update Discord and Windows
Outdated Discord or Windows versions can lead to crashes. To avoid this:
- Press
Ctrl + Rto restart Discord and install any pending updates. - To update Windows, press
Windows key + Ito open Settings. Go to theUpdate & Security > Windows Updateand check for updates.
6. Reinstall Discord
If the above methods don’t work, consider reinstalling Discord. This will ensure you have the latest version and that all files are correctly installed:
- Press
Windows key + Ito open Settings. - Go to
Apps > Apps & Features. - Find Discord, select it, and click
Uninstall. - Download the latest version of Discord from the official website and install it.
Why does Discord keep crashing on Windows?
Discord can crash on Windows due to various reasons such as outdated software, corrupted cache, conflicting applications, graphics driver issues, hardware acceleration, or other technical glitches.
How can I update Discord on Windows?
To update Discord on Windows, follow these steps:
Launch Discord and open User Settings.
Enable Developer Mode.
Copy your server ID and paste it in the Discord Developers page.
Check for updates under the General Information tab.
What should I do if Discord crashes even after updating?
If Discord continues to crash after updating, try clearing the Discord cache, disabling conflicting third-party applications, updating graphics drivers, or disabling hardware acceleration.
Can I use the web version of Discord on Windows?
Yes, you can use the web version of Discord on Windows by visiting the official Discord website and logging in with your credentials.
Does Discord crashing affect my gaming experience?
Yes, Discord crashes can disrupt your communication and gaming experience, causing inconvenience and interruptions during gameplay.
How can I prevent Discord from crashing in the future?
To minimize the chances of Discord crashing, ensure that you regularly update the application, clear the cache when necessary, and keep your system’s graphics drivers up to date. Additionally, avoid running conflicting applications simultaneously.
Wrapping Up
Discord’s sudden crashes can disrupt your communication and hamper your gaming or work experience. However, with the above solutions, you can effectively resolve the issue and enjoy a smooth Discord experience on your Windows computer. Remember, it’s crucial to keep both Discord and your Windows OS updated to prevent such issues in the future.
If the problem persists even after trying all the solutions, consider reaching out to Discord’s support team for further assistance.