Methods to Reduce Discord’s CPU Usage

Now that we understand why Discord may be using so much of your CPU, let’s look at some ways to reduce its CPU usage. These techniques range from basic Discord app adjustments to more general computer maintenance advice.

Method 1: Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration is a Discord feature that enables certain duties to be offloaded to the GPU. While this can improve Discord’s performance, it can also significantly increase CPU usage. Here’s how to turn it off:

Step 1: Launch the Discord client

Step 2: To access Settings, click on the gear icon next to your username

Step 3: Choose Voice and Video

Step 4: Find Hardware Acceleration (H.264) by descending. Click the toggle to turn it off.

Step 5: Then navigate to Advanced settings and disable Hardware Acceleration there as well.

Step 6: Click Okay Button

Method 2: Turn Off Voice Processing Features

Voice processing features such as echo cancellation and noise reduction can enhance the quality of Discord voice conversations, but they can also increase CPU usage. Here’s how to disable them:

Step 1: Launch the Discord client.

Step 2: Access Settings, click on the gear icon next to your username.

Step 3: Choose Voice and Video.

Step 4: Scroll down to Voice Processing

Step 5: Disable all the Options under Voice Processing

Method 3: Update Your Device Drivers

Updating your device drivers can improve the performance of applications such as Discord. You can manually upgrade your drivers by accessing the manufacturer’s website, or you can utilise automatic driver update software.

The procedure to update any type of driver is identical. You can refer to the article “How to Update Sound Drivers on a Windows PC” to understand the procedure.

Method 4: Change the Number of Cores Used by Your PC

You can restrict the number of processors Discord utilises, thereby reducing its CPU utilisation. This is how:

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to launch the Task Manager.

Step 2: Select the Details menu

Step 3: Select Set affinity by right-clicking the Discord process

Step 4: Uncheck all options in the Set affinity window except for one or two core depending on your CPU cores.

Method 5: Reinstall Discord

If none of the preceding solutions work, reinstall Discord. Typically, this resolves issues with excessive CPU utilisation.

Keep in mind that every system is different, so what works for one individual may not work for another. It is recommended to experiment with various approaches and determine which one works best for your particular situation.

Discord, a popular communication platform for gamers and communities, is known for its efficient use of system resources. However, like any software, it can sometimes consume a significant amount of CPU power, especially during heavy use or when running alongside demanding applications like games or streaming software.

High CPU usage can lead to slower system performance, lag in games, and even software crashes. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to reduce Discord’s CPU footprint, ensuring smoother operations and a better overall experience on your device.