Why Does Discord Keep Crashing

Discord crashes can be incredibly frustrating, interrupting gaming sessions and online chats. The most common solutions include updating Discord, clearing its cache, updating graphics drivers, and disabling hardware acceleration. If problems persist, network issues, conflicting applications, or even system resource limitations could be to blame. Here’s a detailed guide to troubleshooting:

Diagnosing Discord Crashes: Common Causes

Discord crashes can stem from several factors:

Software Issues:
- Outdated Discord application
- Corrupted Discord files
- Conflicting applications or drivers
- Outdated operating system
Hardware Issues:
- Insufficient system resources (RAM, CPU)
- Faulty or outdated graphics drivers (especially relevant if you use hardware acceleration)
Network Issues:
- Unstable internet connection
- Firewall or antivirus interference
Overlay Issues:
- Incompatible or conflicting overlays (e.g., game overlays, NVIDIA Shadowplay, AMD ReLive)
Voice and Video Issues:
- Incorrect audio input/output devices
- Outdated audio drivers
- High CPU usage due to video encoding/decoding.

Troubleshooting Discord Crashes: Step-by-Step Solutions

Remember to test Discord after each step to see if the problem is resolved.

1. Update Discord

The simplest solution is ensuring you’re running the latest version.

Check for Updates: Restart Discord completely to trigger a check.
Reinstall Discord: If updating doesn’t work:
- Uninstall Discord through your operating system’s app management.
- Press Win + R (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + G (macOS) and type %appdata% (Windows) or ~/Library/Application Support (macOS) and press Enter.
- Delete the “Discord” folder.
- Download and install the latest version from the Discord website (discord.com).

2. Clear Discord’s Cache and Data

Corrupted cache files can cause instability.

Locate the Cache Folders: Navigate to %appdata% (Windows) or ~/Library/Application Support (macOS).
Delete the Following Folders: Inside the Discord folder, delete the “Cache,” “Code Cache,” and “GPUCache” folders. Restart Discord.

3. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can frequently cause crashes.

NVIDIA: Download drivers from the NVIDIA website or use the GeForce Experience application. Use “Clean Installation” to remove old driver files completely.
AMD: Download drivers from the AMD website or use the AMD Radeon Software. Also, consider a “Factory Reset” option to perform a clean install.
Intel: Download drivers from the Intel website or use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
Rollback Drivers: If the issue started after a recent driver update, consider rolling back to a previous driver version.

4. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration utilizes your GPU, but can sometimes conflict with hardware or drivers.

Access Discord Settings: Open Discord and go to “User Settings” (the gear icon).
Navigate to Advanced: Click on “Advanced” under “App Settings”.
Disable Hardware Acceleration: Toggle the “Hardware Acceleration” option to off. Restart Discord.

5. Close Conflicting Applications

Certain applications, particularly those with overlays, can conflict with Discord.

Identify Conflicting Apps: Close any running applications that might interfere with Discord, such as OBS Studio, XSplit, MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS), or other similar programs.
Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS): Use the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) to ensure no unnecessary programs are running in the background.

6. Check Your Internet Connection

An unstable internet connection can lead to Discord crashing.

Run a Speed Test: Use a website like Speedtest.net to check your internet speed and ping.
Restart Your Router: A simple router restart can often resolve connectivity issues.
Wired Connection: If possible, switch to a wired Ethernet connection for a more stable connection.

7. Firewall and Antivirus Exceptions

Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking Discord’s access.

Add Exceptions: Add Discord.exe to the exception list in your firewall and antivirus software. Consult your software’s documentation for specific instructions.

8. Check System Resources (RAM and CPU)

Discord requires sufficient system resources.

Task Manager/Activity Monitor: Monitor CPU and RAM usage while Discord is running. If either is consistently near 100%, you may need to close other applications or upgrade your hardware.

9. Audio Device Issues

Incorrect audio device settings can cause Discord to crash.

Discord Voice & Video Settings: In Discord, navigate to “User Settings” > “Voice & Video.”
Correct Input/Output Devices: Ensure the correct microphone and speakers are selected.
Update Audio Drivers: Update your audio drivers from your motherboard manufacturer’s website or through Windows Update (Device Manager).

Still Crashing? Seek Further Assistance

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, consider these options:

Contact Discord Support: Submit a support ticket to Discord’s support team. Provide detailed information about the crashes, including any error messages.
Check Discord’s Known Issues: Review Discord’s official channels for known bugs and ongoing issues.
System Restore (Windows): If the problem started recently, try restoring your system to a previous restore point.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify the cause of your Discord crashes and get back to enjoying uninterrupted communication. Remember to be patient and methodical in your approach!

Frequently Asked Questions