Trying to open Discord on your computer, with nothing launching on your screen, or just the grey Discord window appearing can be a very frustrating experience.
If Discord won’t open on your PC, it could be due to another game that is already launched on your device, blocking Discord from opening, or perhaps the app is getting stuck during the logging-in process.
Our easy-to-follow guide will expand into why your Discord will not open on your PC and supply you with the fixes you need, to be able to launch your app successfully.
Why won’t Discord open
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Your Discord is not opening on your PC due to a few possible reasons;
Reason 1. Damaged files
Your Discord application may have damaged or corrupted files that are interfering with the app being able to launch and run smoothly.
These files would need to be removed, and redownloaded.
Reason 2. Incorrect time and date
Every time Discord is launched, it accesses its servers to be able to provide you with your instant chat service and easily accessible games.
If the time and date are incorrect on your PC, it will cause conflict when connecting to the server as the information will not be compatible.
Reason 3. Server issues
Discord’s server may be down for planned maintenance, or there has been an unexpected outage.
When your Discord app can’t access the server, it will not be able to launch as it will not receive the necessary data required to load and show up on your screen.
You can keep up to date with the status of Discord’s server, by checking ‘Discord Status’ as well as ‘Downdetector’ if you want to have complete certainty whether or not it’s your Discord app, or the server causing this issue.
Reason 4. Computer problems
Your PC may be experiencing issues that are interfering with your Discord app.
The issues include;
- A full memory
- Unstable internet connection
- CPU (Central Processing Unit) error
- Virus on your PC
- VPN/Proxy related issues
How to fix Discord not opening
Photo by ELLA DON on Unsplash
If Discord won’t open on your PC, you can fix this by;
- Click on the ‘Windows Button’ and the letter ‘R’ simultaneously
- In the box that appears, type in ‘CMD.EXE’ and press ‘OK’
- Another box will appear, type in ‘TASKKILL /F /IM discord.exe’
- After confirming this, relaunch your Discord app
Additional fixes include;
Fix 1. Update operating system
If you are accessing Discord via your browser and not the app, you can check to see if your Windows is due an update.
Step 1. Go into ‘Settings’ on your PC and select ‘Update and Security’
Step 2. Find ‘Windows Update’ on the left-hand side and click on this
Step 3. You should now be able to choose ‘Check for Updates’
If there is an update available, confirm this download.
Fix 2. Confirm PC date and time is correct
The date and time on your PC needs to be correct so it can be in sync when connecting to the Discrd server.
Step 1. Right Click on the ‘Time and Date’ visual at the bottom of your screen
Step 2. Select ‘Adjust date and time’
Step 3. Check to see that ‘Set Time Automatically’ is enabled
If this needed to be changed, restart your computer before launching Discord again.
Fix 3. Uninstall and reinstall app
Step 1. Access the ‘Control Panel’ on your PC
Step 2. Select ‘Programs’ followed by ‘Programs and Features’
Step 3. Find and highlight Discord to select ‘Uninstall’
Confirm this by clicking on ‘OK’. Once the uninstall has been completed, download Discord again.
Fix 4. Remove Discord’s app data
Discord may have faulty files which is causing the app to not open on your PC.
Step 1. Make sure you have completely exited out of your Discord app
Step 2. Press the ‘Windows’ button and the letter ‘R’ together
Step 3. In the box that appears, type in ‘%appdata%’
Step 4. Click ‘Enter’
Step 5. A different screen will appear, find the Discord folder and delete it
You can now log back into Discord.
Fix 5. Check for corrupted files
Windows offers a ‘System File Checker’ that you can use to check if there are any corrupted files currently on your PC.
Step 1. Press the buttons ‘Window’ and letter ‘R’ together
Step 2. In the box, type in ‘CMD’ and then ‘OK’
Step 3. In the black screen that appears, type ‘SFC /SCANNOW’ and then enter
Allow the scan to complete. It may take a couple of minutes. Once it has been completed restart your computer.
Fix 6. Close other apps
You may have another game or app that is currently running in the background, that is prohibiting Discord from being able to launch successfully.
Make sure there are no other games active in the background.
Step 1. Click on CTRL + ALT + DEL at the same time
Step 2. Select ‘Task Manager’
Step 3. Go down the list of active apps and close them by highlighting and pressing ‘End Task’
Once all unnecessary apps have been closed, try launching Discord.
Fix 7. Reset DNS
If you are using Discord via your browser, resetting the DNS will help the connection to the Discord server.
Step 1. Click on the ‘Windows’ and ‘R’ buttons together
Step 2. Write ‘CMD’ in the little box that appears on your screen and click ‘Ok’
Step 3. In the black box that shows up, type in ‘IPCONFIG/FLUSHDNS’
Step 4. Press ‘Enter’ to confirm
Conclusion
Now that you are able to open your Discord on your PC, you can get back to instant messaging the communities you are a part of, as well as resume any games you were currently playing from other servers on the app.
If for some reason, you are still having trouble opening Discord on your PC, you can make use of Discord’s Help Center. You can also submit a request for one of the Discord team members to help you directly.
With Discord being a digital platform, it does require a good internet connection, so ensure your network connection is stable enough for Discord to open on your PC.
