• Open the Discord app cache files using the Run dialog, select them, and press Delete to resolve the black screen at the startup issue.
  • Enable or Disable Hardware Acceleration in browser settings or the Discord app from User Settings > Advanced.

Basic Fixes

  • Check the Discord server : Head to the Discord Status page to check an active service outage.
  • Launch the Discord app as an administrator : Press the Windows key, search Discord, and click Run as administrator.
  • Correct Windows date and time : Press the Windows key, search Date & time settings , and click to open it. Toggle on Set time automatically.
  • Update the graphics driver : Open the Device Manager app from the Windows search menu, select Display adapters, right-click the installed graphics, and click Update driver.
  • Update or reinstall the Discord app: Open the Microsoft Store, search Discord, and click Update (if available) to update the app. Alternatively, uninstall it from Settings > Apps > Installed apps, and reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.

Fix 1: Clear the Discord App Cache

A corrupt Discord app cache is a common underlying culprit behind the black screen at startup error on Windows 11. Clear it manually to restore normal functioning.

Step 1: Press the Windows + R shortcut to open the Run dialog, type %appdata%\discord , and press Enter .

1 open run dialog - 1

Step 2: Use the Ctrl + A hotkey to select all files in the opened file directory, then press Delete on your keyboard to remove them. Then, reopen the Discord app .

2 delete discord app cache files - 2

Fix 2: Enable or Disable Hardware Acceleration

Enabling or disabling hardware acceleration removes stability issues causing the Discord black screen at startup error. Here’s how to do it on Google Chrome:

Step 1: Click the vertical three-dot menu at the top right of Google Chrome and select Settings .

3 open chrome settings - 3

Step 2: Select System from the left sidebar and toggle on/off Use graphics acceleration when available. Reload the Discord webpage.

4 enable or disable graphics acceleration in google chrome - 4

If you’ve regained access to the Discord app, configure its app settings to enable or disable hardware acceleration.

Step 1: Click the Gear icon at the bottom left to open User Settings in the Discord app.

5 open discord app settings - 5

Step 2: Select Advanced from the left sidebar and toggle on/off Hardware Acceleration .

6 enable or disable hardware acceleration in the discord app - 6

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