Besides weaker internet connection, it’s difficult to narrow down the exact reason for bad Discord stream quality. There are several factors behind the problem. Let’s start with the basics and move to advanced solutions to improve Discord stream quality on the desktop.
1. Use Fast Network Connection
The app downgrades your video quality to prevent interruptions when you start streaming on a slow network connection on Discord. Before initiating a video call on Discord, you’ll need to connect to a high-speed Wi-Fi connection on your PC or Mac. Step 1: Select the connectivity icon in the bottom-right corner on the taskbar on your Windows 11 PC. Step 2: Expand the Wi-Fi menu.
Step 3: Connect to a better Wi-Fi network.
If your PC and router support a dual-band Wi-Fi network, connect to a 5GHz network frequency. You can run internet speed tests to confirm a double-digit (in Mbps) internet speed. Launch Discord and start a video call with friends and community members without an issue.
2. Enable HD Video Streaming
Discord sells a Nitro add-on to unlock more functions for your account. Discord Nitro offers 500MB uploads, custom emojis, access to more activities, two server boosts, a custom profile, HD video streaming (up to 4K at 60fps), and more. Here’s how you can purchase Discord Nitro from the app. Step 1: Launch Discord on your desktop. Step 2: Select the Settings gear icon beside your Discord name.
Step 3: Click Nitro under Billing Settings section. Step 4: Check a couple of Nitro options.
Nitro Basic starts at $2.99 per month, and to enjoy HD video streaming, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher plan at $9.99 per month. Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment process.
Restart the Discord app and enjoy streaming with high video quality.
3. Enable Hardware Acceleration in Discord
When you enable hardware acceleration, Discord uses the GPU for efficient encoding and decoding, if available. Here’s how you can enable the option in Discord settings. Step 1: Head to Discord Settings (refer to the steps above). Step 2: Select ‘Voice & Video’ from the left sidebar. Step 3: Scroll to Video Codec and enable ‘H.264 Hardware Acceleration’ toggle.
Relaunch the Discord app and enjoy better video quality.
4. Disable Video Background
A custom video background uses more resources on Discord, and it may impact the stream quality. Follow the steps below to disable a custom video background. Step 1: Navigate to Discord Settings (check the steps above). Step 2: Select ‘Voice & Video’ from the sidebar. Step 3: Scroll to ‘Video Background’ and select None.
5. Prioritize Discord for Internet Speeds
You can enable the ‘Quality of Service High Packet Priority’ toggle that hints to your router that the packets Discord is transmitting are high priority. The option prioritizes Discord data transfer over other apps on the desktop and fixes bad stream quality. Step 1: Head to Voice & Video in Discord settings (check the steps above). Step 2: Scroll to the ‘Quality of Service’ menu. Step 3: Enable the ‘High Packet Priority’ toggle and try again.
6. Delete Discord Cache
A corrupt Discord cache may lead to bad streaming quality on active video calls. First, you’ll need to close Discord and follow the steps below to delete the cache. Step 1: Press Windows + R keys to open the Run menu. Step 2: Type ‘%appdata%/discord/cache’ and hit Enter.
Step 3: Select all folders and files and move them to the trash.
Empty the recycle bin and open Discord to start composing smooth video calls.
7. Disable Background Download Process
Several active download processes running in the background may slow down Discord on Windows or Mac. You’ll need to stop such download or streaming processes in the background and start taking video calls again.
8. Upgrade Your Webcam
None of the tricks above will fix bad Discord stream quality when you use an average webcam on your PC or Mac. Windows PC users can upgrade to a better webcam, and Mac users can utilize the iPhone camera as a webcam. If you face trouble using your iPhone as a webcam, read our dedicated guide to fix the problem.
Enjoy Crystal Clear Video Quality on Discord
You can also try an Ethernet connection for rock-solid internet speeds during Discord video calls. Did you notice improvements during Discord streaming? Share your experience in the comments below. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
