Why Does Discord Keep Crashing? Troubleshooting Guide

Discord is a popular platform for gamers and communities to connect through voice, video, and text. However, frequent crashes can disrupt communication and gaming sessions. This comprehensive guide explores the common reasons behind Discord crashes and provides actionable solutions to fix them.

Common Causes of Discord Crashes

Several factors can contribute to Discord crashing. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward resolving the issue. Here are some of the most common reasons:

  • Software Glitches: Like any application, Discord can experience bugs or glitches that lead to crashes. These are often addressed in updates.
  • Hardware Issues: Incompatible or outdated hardware, especially graphics cards, can cause instability.
  • Internet Connectivity Problems: A poor or unstable internet connection can lead to disconnections and perceived crashes.
  • Outdated Discord Version: Using an outdated version of Discord can expose you to known bugs and compatibility issues.
  • Corrupted Discord Files: Damaged or corrupted Discord files can prevent the application from running correctly.
  • Conflicting Applications: Other applications running in the background might conflict with Discord, causing it to crash.
  • Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a common cause of crashes, especially during video calls or streaming.
  • Operating System Issues: Problems with the operating system itself can affect the stability of applications like Discord.
  • Hardware Acceleration: While designed to improve performance, hardware acceleration can sometimes cause crashes on certain systems.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Discord Crashes

Here’s a detailed breakdown of troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve Discord crashing issues:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

  • Run a Speed Test: Use a website like Speedtest.net to verify your internet speed and stability. Look for packet loss or high ping times.
  • Restart Your Router: Power cycle your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
  • Use a Wired Connection: If possible, switch from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection for a more stable connection.

2. Update Discord

  • Check for Updates: Discord typically updates automatically, but you can manually check by closing and reopening the application. It will usually prompt to update if an update is available.
  • Reinstall Discord: If updating doesn’t work, uninstall Discord completely, then download the latest version from the official Discord website and reinstall it.

3. Update Your Graphics Drivers

  • Nvidia: Go to the Nvidia website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
  • AMD: Go to the AMD website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
  • Intel: Go to the Intel website and download the latest drivers for your integrated graphics.
  • Clean Installation: During driver installation, select the option for a clean installation to remove any previous driver files.

4. Disable Hardware Acceleration

  • Open Discord Settings: Click the gear icon next to your username to open User Settings.
  • Go to Advanced: Scroll down and click on “Advanced” under the App Settings section.
  • Disable Hardware Acceleration: Toggle the “Hardware Acceleration” option to off. Restart Discord to apply the changes.

5. Close Conflicting Applications

  • Identify Conflicting Apps: Close any resource-intensive applications running in the background, especially those related to streaming, recording, or gaming.
  • Task Manager: Use the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) on Windows or Activity Monitor on macOS to see which applications are using the most resources.

6. Run Discord as Administrator

  • Right-Click Discord Icon: Right-click on the Discord application icon on your desktop or in the Start Menu.
  • Select “Run as Administrator”: Choose the “Run as administrator” option from the context menu. This gives Discord elevated privileges.

7. Clear Discord Cache

  • Close Discord Completely: Make sure Discord is fully closed, including in the system tray.
  • Open Run Dialog: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
  • Type %appdata%\discord: Type %appdata%\discord into the Run dialog and press Enter.
  • Delete the Cache Folder: Delete the “Cache,” “Code Cache,” and “GPUCache” folders.
  • Restart Discord: Reopen Discord to rebuild the cache.

8. Check for Operating System Updates

  • Windows Update: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
  • macOS Update: Go to System Preferences > Software Update and check for updates.

9. Check Discord’s Server Status

  • Visit Discord Status Page: Go to the official Discord status page to see if there are any known issues with the servers. This will tell you if the problem is on Discord’s end and not yours.

10. Reinstall Discord

  • Uninstall Discord: Completely uninstall Discord from your computer.
  • Download Latest Version: Download the latest version of Discord from the official website.
  • Reinstall Discord: Reinstall Discord and try again.

Conclusion

Discord crashes can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting and applying the solutions outlined in this guide, you can often resolve the issue and get back to enjoying uninterrupted communication and gaming with your community. Remember to keep your software and drivers updated, monitor your internet connection, and be mindful of conflicting applications to ensure a stable Discord experience.