Check out this easy guide

Initially designed for games, Discord also became a great platform for chatting. However, many users reported that Discord has high CPU usage. This can be a problem and it can cause your applications to slow down.

High CPU usage can also affect other applications, such as games. This is pretty annoying and causes your performance to suffer, but you can fix this issue by following our solutions.

It seems like high CPU usage and low GPU usage are bothering many users. If you feel the same, do not hesitate to check our dedicated guide.

Before discovering what can you do to solve this problem, let’s see why is this happening.

Why is Discord causing high CPU usage?

This could just be an issue with the server, and typically when this happens, it’s up pretty soon after. In this case, we suggest checking the Discord server status.

Our presented problem might occur because Discord is a VoIP (voice over Internet protocol), instant messaging, and digital distribution platform.

Therefore, when Discord is working, it requires more hardware resources including the power of the central processing unit (CPU).

Now, let’s see what you can do if Discord is causing high CPU usage.

What can I do if Discord has a high CPU usage?

1. Turning on or off hardware acceleration

1. Hit the Windows key, type Discord, then click on the first result.
2. On the Discord app, go to User Settings (marked as a gear).
3. On the left pane scroll down to Advanced.
4. Go to the bottom of the window and click on Hardware acceleration.
5. Click on the Okay button.

NOTE

Hardware acceleration should be ON, as the graphics card will take over a part of the performance. As a result, the processor is relieved.

Many users noticed that having it on was actually causing high CPU usage in Discord, and by turning it off, the problem was fixed.

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So, if your hardware acceleration is on, then turning it off could help you. In case this method didn’t work for you, keep on reading.

2. Change the Cores your computer uses

3. Download and reinstall a fresh copy of the Discord

Another common fix is to reinstall the app. Downloading a fresh version can resolve the problem, as there may be a problem with your current version. 

This is a frequent solution when you are struggling with other issues. Even when having problems with other apps, you can try reinstalling it, if nothing seems to work.

4. Change the graphics preferences

1. Use the following keyboard shortcut to open the Windows Settings menu: Windows + I.
2. Navigate to System.
3. Stay on the Display page, then scroll down and select Graphics settings from the right window pane.
4. Select Desktop app under Graphics performance preference and hit the Browse button.
5. In the pop-up window, find the Discord file, then click on Add.
6. Click on Options.
7. Now set the Option/Graphics preference to High performance.
8. Save and exit, then restart your PC.

Even if your processor is at 100% of its power, it won’t affect the processor itself, and it won’t create any long-lasting damage. The only issue you may have is with the processor overheating.

How can I check the CPU usage on my PC?

If you’re not sure about the Discord CPU usage, make sure you follow these steps:

1. Use the following keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Del.
2. Select Task Manager.
3. Navigate to the Performance tab.

These are our solutions, and by following them you will manage to solve the Discord issue with high CPU usage once and for all.

Also, do not forget that you can always try the best software to fix high CPU usage.

Discord is not the only app that can generate our today’s issue. It seems like Avast Antivirus may also cause high CPU usage. If it’s happening to be on this boat, make sure you check some useful methods to fix it.

For any additional questions or curiosities, feel free to use the comment section below.

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