{"id":59512,"date":"2022-04-09T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-09T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpdeskgeek.com\/?p=59512"},"modified":"2025-01-31T00:00:40","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T05:00:40","slug":"how-to-fix-the-discord-black-screen-issue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpdeskgeek.com\/how-to-fix-the-discord-black-screen-issue\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix the Discord Black Screen Issue"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you open Discord and see a black screen<\/a>, the app is experiencing issues loading content. There are many reasons this happens, some of which are related to your system settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One quick way to possibly resolve the problem is to close and restart Discord. However, if you\u2019ve got no results, try a few advanced solutions, as explained below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"How<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Update Discord<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like all other apps, you should keep Discord updated to have all the latest bug patches and features. Newer versions of the app should have fixed Discord\u2019s black screen bug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, Discord automatically checks for and installs updates whenever you run the app. However, you can also force an update check by pressing the Ctrl<\/strong> + R<\/strong> (Windows) or Command<\/strong> + R<\/strong> (Mac) keys while the app is running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve installed the updates, your app should function normally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Delete Discord\u2019s Cache Files<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Discord stores cache files on your computer to quickly serve you with the required content. These cache files sometimes become problematic and cause various issues, including a black screen error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can clear Discord\u2019s cache and possibly resolve your problem. Your data in Discord won\u2019t be affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Close Discord<\/strong> if the app is running on your computer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Open Run<\/strong> by pressing Windows<\/strong> + R<\/strong> keys simultaneously.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Type the following in Run and press Enter<\/strong>: %appdata%<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
    \n
    \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Find discord<\/strong> in File Explorer, right-click the folder, and choose Delete<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
      \n
      \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Launch Discord<\/strong>, and you should now see the content instead of a blank black screen.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        3. Fix Discord Black Screen by Running the App As Admin<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Another way to potentially fix Discord\u2019s black screen issue is to run the app with admin rights. This gives the app more privileges and fixes any restriction problems. It\u2019s easy to run apps as admin on your PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Open the Start<\/strong> menu and search for Discord<\/strong>. Don\u2019t open the app just yet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Right-click Discord<\/strong> and choose Run as administrator<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
          \n
          \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
            \n
          1. Choose Yes<\/strong> in the User Account Control<\/strong> prompt to proceed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Discord should load the content and not a black screen.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            4. Fix Your Computer\u2019s Incorrect Date and Time Settings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Many apps rely on your computer\u2019s date and time settings to function. If you have these settings incorrectly specified, you\u2019ll need to fix them before you can run your apps, like Discord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            It\u2019s easy to set up the correct date and time<\/a> as your PC offers the automatic time setting. Here\u2019s how to enable that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. Open Settings<\/strong> by pressing Windows<\/strong> + I<\/strong> keys at the same time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Choose Time & Language<\/strong> in Settings.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
              \n
              \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                \n
              1. Enable both Set time automatically<\/strong> and Set time zone automatically<\/strong> options.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                \n
                \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                  \n
                1. Launch Discord<\/strong> and see if the black screen persists.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  5. Turn Off Your VPN<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Your VPN<\/a> routes your internet traffic via third-party servers, which can sometimes be problematic. For example, discord\u2019s black screen problem could result from malfunctioning or poorly configured VPN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  You can check if your VPN is the culprit by temporarily disabling the VPN service and seeing if Discord functions. You should find the button to disable your VPN on the app\u2019s main page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  If Discord loads when you turn off the VPN, you\u2019ll have to change your VPN settings or get a completely new VPN<\/a> app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  6. Run Discord in Compatibility Mode<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  When Discord functions in weird ways, you can fix that by running the app in compatibility mode<\/a>. This way, your app runs as if it\u2019s loaded on an older version of the operating system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Windows offers multiple older operating systems that you can run Discord under. Here\u2019s how to do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  1. Right-click the Discord<\/strong> shortcut on your desktop and choose Properties<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  2. Access the Compatibility<\/strong> tab on the Properties<\/strong> window.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  3. Enable Run this program in compatibility mode for<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                    \n
                    \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                      \n
                    1. Access the drop-down menu and select an operating system. If you aren\u2019t sure what to choose, choose Windows 7<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    2. Select Apply<\/strong> followed by OK<\/strong> at the bottom to save your settings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    3. Double-click the Discord<\/strong> shortcut on your desktop to launch the app.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      7. Enable\/Disable Hardware Acceleration<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Discord\u2019s Hardware Acceleration<\/a> feature aims to make your app experience smoother by utilizing your GPU\u2019s power. It\u2019s worth toggling this option to get around your black screen issue in the app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      You must be able to access Discord\u2019s settings to use this method. So, you can only use this method if you have occasional (and not constant) black screen issues with the app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      1. Open Discord<\/strong> and select User Settings<\/strong> (a gear icon) at the bottom-left corner.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                        \n
                        \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                          \n
                        1. Choose Advanced<\/strong> from the sidebar on the left.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        2. Select the Hardware Acceleration<\/strong> toggle on the right. This enables the feature if it\u2019s disabled or disables the feature if it\u2019s enabled.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                          \n
                          \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                            \n
                          1. Select Okay<\/strong> in the prompt to relaunch Discord.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                            8. Update Your Graphics Card\/Graphics Driver<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            Your graphics card drivers<\/a> are responsible for creating the image on your screen. Discord\u2019s black screen issue could result from outdated graphics card drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            In this case, you should update your drivers to run their most recent versions. Windows automates the major parts of the process, so you don\u2019t have to do everything by yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            1. Open Device Manager<\/strong> by right-clicking the Start<\/strong> menu icon and choosing Device Manager<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            2. Expand Display adapters<\/strong>, right-click your graphics card, and choose Update driver<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                              \n
                              \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                \n
                              1. Select Search automatically for drivers<\/strong> and let Windows find and install the drivers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                \n
                                \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                  \n
                                1. Restart your PC once the drivers are installed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                2. Open Discord<\/strong>, and you shouldn\u2019t see a black screen anymore.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                  9. Reinstall the Discord App<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  If you continue to see a black screen in Discord, the app\u2019s core files might have been corrupted. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no manual way to fix that, but you can uninstall and reinstall Discord to get around this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Reinstalling Discord with fresh new files helps fix the old problematic files. You won\u2019t lose your data when you reinstall the app, but you\u2019ll need your Discord login details to log into your account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \n
                                  1. Open Settings<\/strong> by pressing Windows<\/strong> + I<\/strong> keys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  2. Choose Apps<\/strong> on the Settings screen.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                    \n
                                    \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                    1. Find and select Discord<\/strong> in the app list. Then, choose Uninstall<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                      \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                        \n
                                      1. Select Uninstall<\/strong> in the prompt to confirm your choice.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
                                        \n
                                        \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
                                          \n
                                        1. Head over to Discord\u2019s official website<\/a> and download the app to your computer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        2. Run the downloaded file to install Discord.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        3. Launch Discord<\/strong> and log in to your account.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                          Replace Discord\u2019s Black Screen With the Actual Content<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          When you launch Discord, you expect the app to display your servers, channels, messages, and other elements. If that doesn\u2019t happen and you see a black screen, the guide above is what you need to look into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          It\u2019s easy to fix this issue<\/a> in most cases, and you should be able to get back to your chat sessions in no time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                          If you open Discord and see a black screen, the app is experiencing issues loading content. There are many reasons this happens, some of which are related to your system […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":59513,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10359],"tags":[10410],"class_list":{"0":"post-59512","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-social-media","8":"tag-discord"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/helpdeskgeek.com\/wp-content\/pictures\/2022\/04\/discord.jpeg","author_info":{"display_name":"Mahesh Makvana","author_link":"https:\/\/helpdeskgeek.com\/author\/mmakvana\/"},"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t