11 Ways to Fix Discord Stream Lagging on Windows 10/11
Discord users can share their screens using the Screen Share feature. Popular among gamers particularly where theystreamtheir gameplay. A common complaint among Discord users is stream lagging on their Windows 10/11 computers. We will share several solutions, some common and some not, to fix Discord stream lagging error.
Let’s begin.
Table of Contents
Before We Begin
Some users say that viewers aren’t able to stream Discord screen even though the internet is working fine. The Internet is not the only reason why your Discord stream is lagging or stuttering. Here is a short checklist before you try other troubleshooting methods.
1. Close Apps
Close other apps that might be competing for bandwidth like torrents,streaming apps like Netflix, active browser downloads, etc. Maybe even browsers if you are not using them actively. If you have too many tabs and windows open, close the ones that you don’t need anymore.
2. Enable/Disable Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration lets Discord use the dedicated GPU that is installed on your computer to render images and videos. If it is disabled, try enabling it to check if it helps. If it is enabled, try disabling it to see if that fixes Discord screen lags as sometimes it interferes with Discord streaming process.
1.Click on thecog iconon the bottom side of the left sidebar to openSettings.
2.UnderAdvancedsection in the left sidebar, you will findHardware Acceleration. Toggle it off if it is enabled and see if that helps with Discord streaming. Toggle it on if it is disabled and check if Discord streaming is still lagging.
3. Enable Video Codec
Discord is an advanced but complicated app. It has many layers and you’re able to do many things with it. One of them is audio and video call while the other is live streaming to share your skills. You need toenable video codecsordisable video codecsto make sure your viewers don’t experience lags while streaming on Discord.
1.Click on thecogicon to open Settings again. You will find it in the left sidebar.
2.Go toVoice & Videosection in the left sidebar. Now scroll a little and enable both Video Code options. One isH.264 Hardware Accelerationand the other isOpenH264 Video Codec.
4. Disable QoS Packet
Some users were able to fix Discord streaming issuesby disabling the Quality of Service feature. Might work for you too.
1.Go back to Discord settings via the cog icon.
2.Under theVoice & Video sectionin the left sidebar, disableQuality of Packet High Packet Priorityoption.
5. Turn Off Overlay in Discord
When you are playing a game on your Windows computer, you might see some Discord elements and icons making it easy for you to communicate. These are called overlay. While good to have, they can also result in streaming lags on the Discord app. Disabling them can help improve performance.
1.Open Discord settings by clicking on the cog icon in the sidebar.
2.UnderGame Overlaysection in the left sidebar, disable the toggle next toEnable in-game overlayoption.
6. Clear Discord Cache
Cache and other temporary files can get accumulated over time leading to weird issues like the one you are facing where Discord streams are lagging. Clearing cache data is quick and can help. You will have to sign back into Discord though.
1.PressWindows+Rto open the Run prompt. Type the command below and pressEnterto execute it.
2.That command would open a folder where all the cache files pertaining to Discord app are saved. PressCtrl+Ato select them all and then pressDelto delete them.
7. Windows Troubleshooter
Windows has a troubleshooter built-in for a number of common errors and one of them is for the network. It will look for network-related errors and find ways to improve your internet speed and connection.
1.PressWindows + Ito open Windows Settings. Search forFind and fix network problemsusing the search bar in the upper left corner and select to open it.
2.In the pop-up that follows, click on theNextbutton and then follow on-screen instructions after that.
8. Disable Vsync
If you are using a 144hz display or higher, try disabling vsync feature from the Nvidia or AMDA control panel. Also reduce FPS to 60. That has helped Discord stream lags forseveral users.
9. Update Graphics Card Drivers
Discord screen share streaming uses graphics card, whether dedicated or integrated, to render images and videos. Updating their drivers could help fix Discord stream lags and improve video quality.
1.Press theWindows buttonand search forDevice Managerand open it.
2.Click to expandDisplay adaptersand then right-click on the graphics card you have installed to selectUpdate driver.
Intel is usually integrated graphics and less powerful while Nvidia or AMDA offers dedicated gaming cards and are much more powerful.
10. Reset Discord Voice Settings
If you feel the voice is breaking while the video is streaming alright, maybe it is not Discord streaming process that is lagging after all? To check:
1.Click on the cog icon in the left sidebar to open Discord Settings.
2.SelectVoice & Videoin the left sidebar and then scroll to the bottom of the page to findReset Voice Settings.
3.Click onOKto confirm if you see the dialogue box.
11. Nitro Plan
Although this is not exactly a troubleshooting option, it still helps. Nitro users get additional feature access and one of them is the ability to choose higher stream rates and HD video streaming. You can stream 4K and up to 60fps. Nitro will cost you $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. A worthy upgrade to fix Discord stream lagging on Windows 10/11 computers.
Stream Away
The screen share feature of Discord is quite popular among gamers and troubleshooters. It allows them to show their followers exactly how something is done. But when viewers face lags during live streaming on Discord, it simply ruins the experience and leaves everyone guessing. Hopefully, your issue is resolved now.
By the way, do you know where your Discord account is logged in? Maybe you used your friend’s computer? Here is how you can check whereyour Discord account is logged in.
Gaurav Bidasaria
Gaurav is an editor here at TechWiser but also contributes as a writer. He has more than 10 years of experience as a writer and has written how-to guides, comparisons, listicles, and in-depth explainers on Windows, Android, web, and cloud apps, and the Apple ecosystem.
He loves tinkering with new gadgets and learning about new happenings in the tech world.
He has previously worked on Guiding Tech, Make Tech Easier, and other prominent tech blogs and has over 1000+ articles that have been read over 50 million times.
