Tip: dealing with a Javascript error in Discord instead? Fix it easily by following our tips.
What Causes Discord Stream Lag on Windows?
There are various reasons Discord might start lagging during a streaming session. Below you’ll find some of the most common ones.
Hardware acceleration issues – enabling hardware acceleration can improve Discord performance but cause streaming lag if you don’t have good hardware. Running unnecessary programs – running programs consumes hardware resources, which can affect the performance of other apps, including Discord. Outdated graphics card drivers – if the graphics card drivers in your system are outdated, they may prevent Discord from functioning properly. Uncleared cache files – you may have a large number of uncleared cache files in your system, which could cause performance issues. Voice/video setting issues – your audio or video settings may disagree with the Discord app settings.
Fix Discord Stream Lagging on Windows
Before resolving any Discord stream lag issues in your Windows PC, ensure that you have a stable Internet connection and the most recent version of Discord installed. If you still experience lagging, consider the following fixes.
1. Close Apps Not in Use
Closing open applications or browser windows is one of the simplest ways to fix Discord stream lag on Windows. On the other hand, if you’re using multiple streaming apps, note that they can sometimes interfere with Discord and cause errors. Try closing them to see if things go back to normal when streaming with Discord.
2. Disable Quality of Service
Another thing to try to fix Discord stream lagging is to disable the app’s quality of service packet feature.
3. Update Graphics Card Drivers
Outdated graphics card drivers could be at fault here, so it’s a good idea to update them to the latest version.
4. Use Windows Troubleshooter
A poor connection could also be behind your Discord stream lag issues, especially if you’re experiencing lag in other programs and apps. Fortunately, Windows 10 and 11 provide a dedicated troubleshooter that will help you find and resolve any connection-related errors.
5. Use a VPN
Since your internet service provider (ISP) may restrict your connection speed to balance all connections and prevent network congestion, you may experience Discord stream lag issues. However, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) like NordVPN, ExpressVPN or SurfShark to safely bypass these restrictions. While VPN prices and features vary, you can find low-cost and even free VPN services. However, it is important to choose VPNs that provide high-quality services and a VPN server that is close to your location. Tip: did you know that you can use a VPN on your mobile device as well? These are the best VPNs for your iPhone or Android.
6. Enable or Disable Video Codecs
You could also try to enable/disable video codecs in the Discord app to help solve your stream lag issues while using the app.
7. Reset Voice Settings in Discord
Stream lag may occur due to changes in voice & video settings, such as input and output device settings or camera settings. This is why it might be helpful to reset these settings.
8. Enable/Disable Hardware Acceleration
If the system resources are not functioning properly during streaming, they may cause lag while you’re using Discord. To fix this issue, you can either enable or disable hardware acceleration:
9. Change Your Power Settings
If you’re PC is set on “Balanced” mode in Power Settings, your system will run with limited features to save power, potentially affecting the performance of other applications that require more power, including Discord. Fortunately, you can switch to another mode.
10. Clear Discord Cache Files
Over time, cache and other temporary files may build up in your computer, causing issues like slow Discord streams. However, you can quickly clear the cache data in your Discord app to fix any stream lagging issues, but you will need to log in to Discord again. Internet issues may be the reason Discord is not working at its full potential. If your Wi-Fi network is not showing up in Windows, here’s how to fix it. Image credit: Freepik. All screenshots by Ademilade Shodipe-Dosunmu.
