How to fix
Discord Black Screen error
on Windows

Hello. I have kind of a weird issue here. I have recently reinstalled my old laptop, later installing all the usual apps. The strange thing is that each time I launch Discord, it crashes Windows 10, and I need to reboot to recover from it. Is there anything I can do to fix it?

While the communication, streaming, file transfer and other functions of Discord are great, some users experience technical difficulties with its operation. Discord Black Screen error is a problem users have encountered since the release of the app back in 2015. The error is not that common but if you are among the unlucky few who started experiencing it, we are here to help you fix it.

According to many user reports on various technical support forums, Discord Black Screen error might start occurring seemingly out of nowhere, while others said that it started showing up as soon as the app was installed. Apparently, as soon as the app is launched on Windows 10, it would freeze the OS, all while showing nothing but a black screen. The only way to recover from is a computer restart.[ref en-1]

Without a doubt, this can cause users significant issues as not only they are unable to use Discord due to crashes but they also are forced to restart Windows each time it happens. Luckily, there are a few ways that you could fix Discord Black Screen error - all you have to do is follow the solutions we provide below.

Users also reported a different case of the problem. Mainly, when they launch the app, their PCs do not crash and they avoid the restart, although Discord simply does not work and shows a black window instead. This can happen when trying to stream, share screen or or on startup. While this case is less annoying, it still results in an inability for people to use the application as intended.

One of the main reasons for the app to malfunction is file corruption. Thus, reinstalling the app could fix Discord Black Screen error. However, if the culprit lies within system files, you should instead rely on automatic repair tool [d1] to do the job for you.

If you are interested in some of the Discord topics we previously talked about, feel free to check them out:

• Search not working
• No Route error
• Sound not working
• Remove red dot on Discord
• Uninstall Discord.

Solution 1. Run the app as administrator

In some cases, issues with Discord might arise when insufficient permissions are provided. Thus, you should enable the app to be run with administrator's rights:

• Type Discord in Windows search
• Right-click on the result and select Open file location
• Right-click on Discord.exe and pick Properties

  

• Here, go to Compatibility tab and tick the Run this program as administrator
• Click Apply and OK.

Solution 2. Try using compatibility troubleshooter

• Right-click on the app icon and select Properties
• Go to Compatibility tab once again
• Click Run compatibility troubleshooter

  

• Once done, restart your device and see if the problem persists.

Solution 3. Update your video drivers

Outdated or corrupt GPU drivers[ref en-2] can cause problems with displaying certain UI[ref en-3] elements, including those of third-party apps. Thus, you should ensure that your drivers are up-to-date:

• Right-click on Start and pick Device Manager
• Expand Display Adapters section
• Right-click on your GPU and select Update driver
• Select Search automatically for drivers

  

• After the installation is complete, restart your PC.

It is important to note that Device Manager is not a perfect tool for upgrading your drivers, especially when it comes to those of GPU. It simply fails to detect the newest drivers available. Therefore, you should either visit your GPU manufacturer website and download the newest drivers from there or rely on an automatic tool such as [rev id="DriverFix"] which would save you a lot of time, all while ensuring your drivers are updated as required).

Solution 4. Delete AppData and LocalAppData folders

Corrupt files might cause Discord to misbehave. Therefore, you can delete these files, and the program should recreate them automatically after you launch it:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
• Right-click on any Discord processes and select End task
• Type %AppData% in Windows search and press Enter
• Delete Discord folder

  

• Type %LocalAppData% in Windows search and hit Enter
• Delete Discord folder
• Try starting the app once again.

Solution 5. Update Windows

Make sure all the pending/optional updates are installed as well:

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings
• Go to Update & Security section
• Click Check for Updates on the right side

  

• Install everything available
• Restart your PC.

Solution 6. Reinstall Discord

If none of the above solutions work, you should try reinstalling Discord. Here's how to do it correctly:

• Right-click on Start and pick Apps and Features
• Scroll down to find Discord
• Select Uninstall and then confirm with Uninstall

  

• Once the process is finished, do all the steps provided in solution 5
• Now re-download Discord from its official website and install it.