Discord also allows gamers to connect via video calls and share their webcam with a server or users, but in some cases, video calls can keep freezing unexpectedly. Raising the question, “Why Does My Discord Video Call Keep Freezing?”
Discord is used by millions of gamers around the globe, and it allows players to easily communicate with each other while creating different server communities and groups. Users can experience lag, delays, or freezes during video calls, and you can follow some preventative measures to get rid of this issue.
In this article, we are going to discuss why your Discord video call keeps freezing. We will eveluate the possible reasons in detail, with their preventative methods to eliminate this issue. So without further ado, let’s start.
Why Does My Discord Video Call Keep Freezing?
The main reasons are hardware acceleration, Discord compatibility issues, enabled key binds, Discord not having admin privileges, an outdated Discord version, less storage space, low RAM, enabled virtual private network (VPN), laptop battery settings, and temporary files.
Hardware or software can cause these problems in Discord, but both can be fixed with the right methods. Hardware issues are more difficult, costly, and time-consuming than software issues. It is not related to a particular setting but rather several different settings.
Whenever your Discord video call freezes, you won’t be able to move your mouse pointer. It makes the situation worse. In this case, you can only restart or end the Discord task. In worst cases, you must force restart the system to exit the Discord app.
To confirm that your webcam or other hardware is not at fault, use any other app like Skype for video calling. If it is working fine, then your Discord is causing the issue. You might have to check the hardware aspects if Skype is also freezing.
7 Ways To To Fix Freezing Discord Video Calls
Most of the Discord issues are software-related issues and can be solved easily. If you have hardware-related issues, you must test all your devices related to video calling, including your webcam. Here we have collected some of the best methods to resolve the Discord freezing issue.
- Turn off Hardware Acceleration
- Run Discord in Compatibility Mode
- Delete Key Bindings
- Open Discord With Admin Privilege
- Disable VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- Check Storage and Clean Temporary Files
- Turn off Adaptive Battery on Laptop
1. Turn off Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration uses specialized hardware components to offload certain tasks from the CPU, improving performance and efficiency. It can improve the performance of graphics, media, and other compute-intensive applications.
In the case of Discord, if you have enabled the hardware acceleration, you might face a video call freezing issue. You can resolve the issue by turning the hardware acceleration off. To do that, open Discord and go to “User Settings” by clicking the gear icon.
Once in the settings, go to “Advanced” from the left-hand option panel. Here you will find the “Hardware Acceleration” option. If the option is checked and green, then it is enabled. Click on the switch to turn it gray and disable it.
2. Run Discord in Compatibility Mode
App compatibility is the ability of an application (or app) to work on different mobile device platforms or operating systems. Compatibility testing is a type of software testing that verifies whether an application can successfully run on a given platform or device.
Discord also has compatibility requirements. The minimum Discord compatibility on Android is Android 5; on PC, the minimum compatibility is 4 GB of RAM on Windows 7. You may encounter problems such as the freezing video issue if you do not meet these requirements.
You must change the Discord compatibility if you use a higher operating system. To do that, search for “Discord” in the Windows start menu and right-click. Now select “Open location.”
Once in the Discord exe folder, right-click on the exe file and then select “properties.” Now, from the properties, go to the “Compatibility” tab. Here, enable the option “Run this program in compatibility mode.”
Once it is enabled, open the file below and select your operating system from the file. It will run your Discord on that operating system’s settings. Sometimes, we run the app on a lower compatibility level than required; by using compatibility mode, you can select which operating system suits you.
3. Delete Key Bindings
Key binding in Discord can cause video freezing if the keys are set up to perform an action that Discord does not recognize. For example, if a user sets up a key binding to mute their mic while in a video call, Discord may not recognize this and cause the video to freeze.
That’s why we recommend you try deleting the key binds. To do that, open “User settings” on Discord. Now navigate to “Key binds” from the left-hand side options panel. Here you will find all the added key binds. To delete the key binds, click on the red cross. You have to do that for all key binds one by one.
4. Open Discord With Admin Privilege
Discord admins need certain privileges to keep the server secure, ensure everyone follows the rules, and ensure everyone is having a good time. These privileges include the ability to mute and kick users, as well as the ability to create and manage channels, assign roles, and manage permissions.
It keeps the server secure for everyone. Moreover, it helps Discord run all the features smoothly, including calling. So, always open Discord in admin mode. To do that, right-click Discord’s icon and select “Run as administrator.” It will give Discord all admin privileges.
5. Disable VPN (Virtual Private Network)
VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network,” providing a secure internet connection between two or more devices. It protects data and online activity from being monitored by third parties, such as governments and internet service providers. It also lets users access websites and content unavailable in their country and get around geographical restrictions.
But in many cases, VPN causes a network problem, which leads to slow internet and, ultimately, errors like this Discord video call freezing. Disable your VPN connection and reconnect the video call to avoid such issues. Your call will go smoothly.
6. Check Storage and Clean Temporary Files
Live video calls generally do not create temporary files on your computer. But when downloading an update or recording a call, some video and audio call apps may create temporary files. These temporary files can take up space; next time, Discord cannot create more files. As a result, you will face the video call freezing issue.
All the temporary files are stored in the “Temp” folder in the Windows operating system. You have to access this folder and delete all the temporary files. Press “Windows Key+R” to open the Run application. Now type “%Temp%” and hit enter. You will be redirected to a temporary folder.
Once in the temp folder, press “Ctrl+A” to select all and then “Shift+Del” to delete all the files. There will be some files that only a few apps will use; skip those files. Now try to video call using Discord; instantly, you will feel the difference.
7. Turn off Adaptive Battery on Laptop
Adaptive or battery-saving mode is related to the laptop. Laptops have a feature called “battery saving” or “adaptive mode” that limits the laptop’s performance to save battery life. Undoubtedly, it increases the battery life but also causes issues with apps and hardware.
To save power, it can lower the CPU’s and other components’ power consumption, change the display’s brightness, turn off unnecessary background processes, and restrict the use of external devices. So, we recommend you disable it or change the settings to get maximum battery power.
To do that, right-click the taskbar’s battery icon and select “Battery options.” Once in the battery option window, click “Change plan settings.” From that window, select “Change advance power settings.”
Now you are in a new window. Here, change the power settings from “Balanced” to “standard” or “high.” It will give your hardware the maximum amount of power that it requires, and in return, it will give you the maximum amount of performance.
Can A Problematic Camera Cause A Video Call On Discord To Freeze?
Yes, and it is mainly due to an outdated driver; updating the driver, setting the resolution correctly, and testing the camera with other applications can help diagnose and solve the issues like compatibility issues, hardware failure, or even a virus or malware infection.
A problematic camera can cause a video call on Discord to freeze. If the camera is not compatible with the Discord software or is not functioning properly, it can cause the video call to freeze. A problematic camera can also cause the video call to freeze if the image quality is too low or the resolution is not set correctly.
Poor lighting, a slow internet connection, or a low-quality webcam can also cause the video call to freeze. It is important to ensure that the camera is compatible with the Discord software and functions properly before making a video call. Running a virus scan on the device is also advisable to ensure it is free of malicious software.
Conclusion
Discord is a great platform for gamers, streamers, and business owners to communicate with their teams, customers, and friends. It supports live streaming, voice, and video calls, making it the perfect app for communication. However, it is common for users to experience problems with video calls freezing up.
This problem can be caused by a variety of things, including hardware acceleration, Discord compatibility issues, enabled key binds, Discord not having admin privileges, an outdated Discord version, less storage space, low RAM, enabled virtual private network (VPN), laptop battery settings, and temporary files.
Fortunately, these issues can be resolved by following the steps outlined in this article. By turning off hardware acceleration, running Discord in compatibility mode, deleting key bindings, opening Discord with admin privileges, disabling VPN, checking storage, and cleaning temporary files, you should be able to resolve the issue.
Hey, I’m Hammad. I have been writing for several years now and have amassed a wealth of experience within my field. My focus is on technology and gaming, two areas that I am highly knowledgeable about. Also, I’m writer for iPhonEscape.com and CPUGPUnerds.com as well and where I have written over 350 articles.