How to Fix Discord Screen Share Flickering on Windows

It is not news that Discord is one of the best communication platforms worldwide. This is used to create podcasts with your friends, share screens or simply communicate while playing your favorite games.

Without a doubt one of the best features of Discord is screen sharing. But sometimes this function does not present problems.

One of these problems is screen flickering. This is due to incorrect system configurations. It can also be faulty device drivers, corrupted application files, or an outdated operating system. But don't fear, today we explain how to solve it:

How to Fix Discord Screen Share Flickering on Windows

1. Verify Discord Server Status:

Investigate Server-Side Issues: Before delving into system-specific troubleshooting, it's essential to rule out server-related problems. Visit the official Discord Status Page (https://discordstatus.com/) to confirm if any ongoing server outages or maintenance might be causing screen share instability.

Hold Tight for Resolution: If the status page indicates a service disruption, the best course of action is to wait for the Discord team to address the issue. Once the servers are operational again, attempt screen sharing to see if the problem has been resolved.

2. Perform a System Restart:

A Simple Solution: A basic system restart can often rectify temporary glitches that might be causing the flickering behavior. Access the Start Menu, navigate to the Power Options tab, and select "Restart." After your computer reboots, launch Discord and test the screen sharing function again.

3. Ensure Administrative Privileges:

Grant Necessary Permissions: Discord might require administrative privileges to function correctly, especially for screen sharing. Right-click on the Discord application icon and select "Properties." 

Navigate to the "Compatibility" tab and locate the checkbox labeled "Run this program as an administrator." Check this box to grant administrator access. Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes. Relaunch Discord and verify if the screen sharing functionality works as intended.

4. Maintain Updated Display Drivers:

Outdated Drivers Can Cause Issues: Outdated or malfunctioning display drivers are a common culprit behind various display problems, including screen flickering.

Update for Optimal Performance: Press the Windows key and X key simultaneously to open the Quick Access Menu. Expand the "Device Manager" option and locate the section titled "Display adapters." Right-click on your graphics card and choose "Update driver." Windows will automatically search for and install the latest drivers. Restart your computer after the update is complete and test screen sharing again.

5. Reinstall Discord as a Last Resort:

Resolve Persistent Issues: If the aforementioned steps fail to eliminate the flickering, consider reinstalling Discord. This approach can address potential software corruption or missing files preventing proper functionality.

Uninstall and Reinstall: Open the Control Panel and navigate to "Programs and Features" (or "Uninstall a program"). Locate Discord in the list, right-click on it, and select "Uninstall." Download the latest version of Discord from the official website (https://discord.com/download). Reinstall Discord and test the screen sharing feature after the installation is complete.

Additional Considerations:

Hardware Acceleration: Within Discord settings, explore the "Appearance" section and consider disabling "Hardware Acceleration." This might improve screen sharing stability for some users, although the effectiveness can vary based on system configuration.

Close Conflicting Applications: Certain applications running in the background might interfere with screen capture functionality. Close any programs such as antivirus software or overlay applications (like screen recorders) that might be causing conflicts.

We hope that by completing these steps in a methodical manner, you will be able to identify and address the root cause of Discord screen sharing flickering on your Windows system. If the issue persists after following all the steps, consider searching for Discord-specific online forums or contacting Discord support for further help from their dedicated team.