How To Make Discord Use Less CPU

If you're experiencing high CPU usage when using Discord, there are a few steps you can take to optimize performance:

1. Disable Hardware Acceleration: Go to User Settings > Appearance > scroll down to the Advanced section and disable "Hardware Acceleration."
2. Limit Server Usage: Right-click on the server icon > Server Settings > Members > check "Disable server optimization" if you're not a server owner or administrator.
3. Disable Overlay: Go to User Settings > Overlay > enable the toggle for "Enable In-Game Overlay" and disable the "Enable in-game overlay" slider.
4. Disable Automatic Startup: Open Task Manager > Startup tab > right-click on Discord and select "Disable."
5. Close Unnecessary Apps: Make sure to close any other resource-intensive applications running simultaneously with Discord.

Following these steps should help reduce Discord's

Optimizing Discord for Improved CPU Usage

If you're an avid user of Discord, you may have noticed that it can sometimes put a strain on your computer's CPU. High CPU usage can lead to decreased performance, laggy audio, and even system crashes. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to make Discord use less CPU without sacrificing its functionality. In this article, we will explore various methods to optimize Discord and alleviate the burden on your CPU, allowing for a smoother and more efficient experience on the platform.

1. Disable Hardware Acceleration

By default, Discord uses hardware acceleration to enhance its performance. However, this feature can sometimes lead to higher CPU usage, especially on older or underpowered systems. Disabling hardware acceleration can significantly reduce the strain on your CPU. To disable it, follow these steps:

• Launch Discord and click on the Settings cogwheel icon in the bottom-left corner.
• In the settings menu, scroll down and click on "Appearance" on the left-hand side.
• On the right-hand side, toggle off the "Hardware Acceleration" option.
• Restart Discord for the changes to take effect.

Disabling hardware acceleration should help reduce Discord's CPU usage, especially if you have an older or less powerful computer.

2. Limit the Number of Open Discord Tabs/Windows

Having multiple Discord tabs or windows open can contribute to higher CPU usage. Each open tab or window consumes system resources, including CPU power. To reduce Discord's CPU load, consider limiting the number of open tabs or windows. Close any unnecessary windows and keep only the ones you actively use.

In addition, multiple open voice or video chat sessions can also strain your CPU. If you have multiple Discord voice chats open simultaneously, consider closing the ones that are not in use or muting yourself in voice channels where you may not need to speak. This can help reduce the CPU load caused by real-time audio processing.

3. Clear Discord Cache

Over time, Discord's cache can accumulate unnecessary files and data that can contribute to increased CPU usage. Clearing the cache can help optimize performance and reduce CPU load. Here's how you can clear Discord's cache:

• Close Discord completely.
• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type "%appdata%" and press Enter. This will open the AppData folder.
• In the AppData folder, navigate to the "Discord" folder.
• Delete the contents of the "Cache" and "LocalStorage" folders.
• Restart Discord.

Clearing the cache can help improve Discord's performance and reduce CPU usage by removing unnecessary data.

4. Disable Unnecessary Discord Features

Discord offers a range of features and functionalities that enhance the user experience. However, enabling certain features can consume more CPU resources. Consider disabling any unnecessary features to reduce Discord's CPU usage. Here are some features you can disable:

• Rich Presence: This feature allows your Discord friends to see detailed information about the game you're currently playing. Disabling it can reduce CPU usage.
• Animated Avatars: Animated avatars require additional processing power. If you have an animated avatar, consider switching to a static image.
• Advanced Voice Activity: This feature automatically adjusts the voice activation sensitivity. Disabling it can reduce CPU usage during voice chats.

Disabling these features can help optimize Discord's performance and free up CPU resources for other tasks.

5. Adjust Voice & Video Settings

Discord's voice and video settings can impact CPU usage, especially during voice calls or video conferences. Optimizing these settings can help reduce the load on your CPU. Here are a few adjustments you can make:

• Disable Echo Cancellation: Echo cancellation is a feature that reduces the echo or feedback during voice calls. However, it can increase CPU usage. Disable it if you don't experience significant echo issues.
• Lower Quality Settings: Lowering the quality settings for voice and video can reduce CPU usage. Choose a lower resolution and frame rate if a high-quality video is not necessary.
• Disable Hardware Acceleration (optional): If you have disabled hardware acceleration globally (as mentioned earlier), you can also disable it in the voice and video settings to ensure consistent optimization.

Adjusting these settings can help decrease Discord's CPU usage during voice and video calls while maintaining a satisfactory audiovisual experience.

Additional Tips for Discord CPU Optimization

1. Keep Discord Up to Date

Regularly updating Discord ensures that you have access to the latest bug fixes and performance improvements. Developers often release updates to address CPU-related issues and optimize resource usage. To update Discord, follow these steps:

• Open Discord and click on the Settings cogwheel icon in the bottom-left corner.
• In the settings menu, scroll down and click on "Advanced" on the left-hand side.
• On the right-hand side, toggle on the "Developer Mode" option.
• Close the settings menu and right-click on the Discord icon in your system tray (Windows) or Dock (Mac).
• Select "Check for Updates" from the context menu to update Discord to the latest version.

By keeping Discord up to date, you can benefit from the latest optimizations and improvements, including those focused on reducing CPU usage.

2. Close Unnecessary Background Applications

Having unnecessary background applications running alongside Discord can increase CPU usage and hinder performance. Close any applications that you don't need while using Discord to free up CPU resources. You can use the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to identify resource-intensive processes and terminate them.

Additionally, disabling unnecessary startup processes can prevent them from consuming CPU power when you turn on your computer. You can manage startup processes in the Task Manager or System Configuration utility (msconfig).

3. Upgrade Your Hardware

If you've tried all the optimization methods mentioned above and are still experiencing high CPU usage with Discord, it may be time to consider upgrading your hardware. Upgrading your computer's CPU, adding more RAM, or switching to a faster storage drive can significantly improve Discord's performance and reduce resource utilization.

Consult with a trusted computer technician or do some research to identify the most suitable hardware upgrades for your system.

By following these methods and tips, you can optimize Discord's CPU usage and enjoy a smoother experience on the platform. Remember to regularly monitor your CPU usage and implement the necessary adjustments to maintain optimal performance.

Optimizing Discord for Improved CPU Usage

Discord is a popular communication platform for gamers and communities. However, it can be resource-intensive, especially on older or low-end systems. To make Discord use less CPU, there are several steps you can follow:

• Update Discord: Ensure that you are using the latest version of Discord. Developers often release updates that improve the application's performance and optimize CPU usage.

• Disable Hardware Acceleration: Open Discord settings, navigate to the Appearance tab, and toggle off the "Hardware Acceleration" option. This feature can burden your CPU, so disabling it can free up system resources.

• Limit Startup Programs: Too many programs running in the background can strain your CPU. Close unnecessary applications from automatically starting up when you boot your computer.

• Adjust Voice Settings: In Discord settings, go to the Voice & Video tab and lower the quality settings for voice communications. This reduces the CPU load required for voice processing.

• Close Unused Servers and Channels: Discord continuously updates messages and activity from all servers and channels you are connected to, even if you are not actively using them. Leave or minimize those that are not necessary to reduce CPU usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discord is a popular communication platform for gamers, but it can be resource-intensive and use a lot of CPU power. If you're experiencing performance issues or your computer is running slow while using Discord, there are steps you can take to make it use less CPU. In this FAQ section, we will answer some common questions on how to optimize Discord for better CPU usage.

1. How can I reduce Discord's CPU usage?

Discord's CPU usage can be reduced by tweaking some settings and adjusting specific features. First, you can disable hardware acceleration in Discord settings. This feature uses your computer's GPU to render Discord, but it can also consume additional resources. Disabling it can help reduce CPU usage. Additionally, you can limit the number of messages loaded in a single channel by adjusting the "Message Display" settings. By reducing the number of messages displayed, Discord will have less work to do, resulting in lower CPU usage. Another useful tip is to close unnecessary Discord servers and channels. If you're a member of multiple servers with numerous channels, it can be overwhelming for Discord to handle all the activity, and it might lead to increased CPU usage. By leaving or archiving unused servers and channels, you can free up resources and improve Discord's performance.

2. Will disabling certain Discord features help reduce CPU usage?

Yes, disabling certain Discord features can help reduce CPU usage. One feature you can consider disabling is the "Animated Avatars" option. Animated avatars can be visually appealing, but they require additional CPU resources to display. Disabling this feature can lead to a noticeable decrease in CPU usage. Additionally, you can disable the "Rich Presence" feature if you don't find it useful. Rich Presence allows Discord to display information about the game you're currently playing or the music you're listening to. While it's a handy feature, it can consume CPU resources. Disabling it can help reduce the CPU load on your computer.

3. Should I update Discord to reduce CPU usage?

Updating Discord to the latest version can sometimes help reduce CPU usage. Developers often optimize the software and fix bugs in newer versions, which can lead to improved performance. Make sure you're using the latest version of Discord from the official website or the app store to take advantage of any optimizations. Additionally, regularly checking for and installing updates for your operating system and graphics drivers can also contribute to better CPU usage. These updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can positively impact Discord's performance.

4. Will lowering Discord's voice quality reduce CPU usage?

Lowering Discord's voice quality can potentially reduce CPU usage. Voice calls in Discord can be resource-intensive, especially if you're in a large server or participating in voice chats with multiple participants. By lowering the voice quality, you can reduce the amount of data being processed by Discord, which in turn can lower CPU usage. However, keep in mind that reducing the voice quality might affect the overall call clarity and audio experience.

5. Can running Discord in the browser instead of the desktop app reduce CPU usage?

Running Discord in the browser instead of the desktop app might help reduce CPU usage to some extent. The browser version of Discord is generally more lightweight compared to the desktop app, as it relies on the browser's resources instead of consuming additional system resources. However, the browser version may have limited features and functionalities compared to the desktop app. Give it a try and see if it improves CPU usage, but keep in mind that you may sacrifice some features in exchange for lower resource usage.

In summary, there are several ways to make Discord use less CPU and optimize its performance. Firstly, you can disable hardware acceleration in the settings menu to shift the workload from your GPU to your CPU. Secondly, you can limit the number of open Discord windows or tabs to reduce the strain on your CPU. Additionally, adjusting voice and video settings to lower quality or disabling animations can also help reduce CPU usage. Lastly, closing unnecessary background applications or processes can free up CPU resources for Discord.

It's important to note that every computer setup is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the best settings for your system. By following these steps and experimenting with different configurations, you can ensure that Discord runs smoothly and efficiently on your computer, allowing you to enjoy seamless communication and gaming experiences without excessive CPU usage.