Discord is an amazing voice-over-IP app on which the average US user spends 280.6 minutes monthly.
Discord supports live streaming, voice, and video calls. It makes it perfect for communication while gaming. Discord also has many other features that support online gaming, like team voice channels and authorized channels. Discord also allows you to video call up to 25 people at once.
There is a problem that the vast majority of Discord users have encountered, and that problem is associated with the video call freezing up. But don’t worry; we know how you can resolve this issue using simple steps. So, without further ado, let’s discuss the techniques.
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are hardware acceleration, Discord compatibility issues, enabled key binds, Discord not having admin privileges, an outdated Discord version, less storage space, low RAM, enabled virtual private network (VPN), laptop battery settings, and temporary files.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. If Skype is also freezing, you might have to check the hardware aspects.
How To Fix Video Calls Freezing On Discord
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
Hardware acceleration is the process of using specialized hardware components to offload certain tasks from the CPU, allowing for improved 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.
- 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.
If you are using a higher operating system, you must change the Discord compatibility. 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 are running the app on a lower compatibility level than it requires; by using compatibility mode, you can select which operating system suits you.
- 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.
- Open Discord With Admin Privilege
Discord admins need certain privileges to keep the server secure, ensure that everyone is following the rules, and ensure that 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.
- Disable VPN (Virtual Private Network)
VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network,” and it provides a secure connection between two or more devices over the internet. It is used to protect 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 that aren’t available 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. To avoid such issues, disable your VPN connection and reconnect the video call. Your call will go smoothly.
- 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.
- 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. No doubt, it increases the battery life but also causes some issues with apps and hardware.
In order 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 reasons, such as 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. It is also advisable to run a virus scan on the device 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.
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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.