Twitch is one of the most popular live-streaming services used globally by gamers. This is why when it lags or freezes, being annoyed is normal. You are at the right place if you, too, find it difficult to use Twitch and are facing lagging, freezing, Twitch playback buffer, Twitch VOD, clip buffering, and Twitch buffering issues on browsers like Firefox and Chrome. This post will discuss the best ways to fix streaming, buffering, and lagging issues you might be facing with Twitch.
However, before we get to the fixes, let us first understand the common reasons that might be causing the problems.
Common Reasons for Twitch Keeps Buffering/Lagging/Stuttering for viewers
- Bandwidth
- Cache files
- Issues with the browser
- Restricted Content
- Antivirus software
- Twitch is down
- Hardware configurations are not compatible with Twitch
Luckily, some ways can help fix the issues, and we’ve listed them for you. Just go through the fixes one by one and find the solution that works best for you.
10+ Workable Ways to Fix Twitch Lagging Issues on PC
1. Check Firewall Settings
Sometimes, the security settings set to protect the PC from malware and other infections can be the reason for Twitch buffering issues. Therefore, if you have enabled a firewall on your device, we suggest disabling it. Also, if you are using an antivirus, disable it temporarily, as it can interfere with the downloading and uploading of videos. If doing so does not help, try uninstalling the antivirus or upgrading to better security software that allows you to stream live videos.
2. Check your Internet connection
Check your internet connection and speed. If your internet connection is poor, you will face buffering issues with Twitch. You can use websites like SpeedTest.net and others to check the upload and download speed. If you find out that your internet connection speed is low, we recommend switching to a better plan, as it will help with Twitch interruption and buffering issues.
3. Restart the Router and Modem
Another simple way to fix ‘Twitch keeps freezing’ issue is to power cycle your router and modem. Unplug the device from the power cable and leave it like this for 30 seconds to a minute. Plug them back and wait for the internet connection to resume. Now try to use Twitch, it should work fine.
4. Disconnect Unused Devices
If you are using a Wi-Fi connection and too many devices are connected, overcrowding can be the reason for Twitch lagging. To ensure that is not the case, disconnect the unused devices or turn off Wi-Fi from the devices you are not currently using and then try to stream on Twitch. Alternatively, if you can try using a wired connection, as it is much faster and more reliable.
5. Use/Disable VPN
Sometimes, Twitch won’t have issues linked to geographical restrictions. The easiest way to fix it is to use a VPN. For this purpose, you can use Systweak VPN. It is an easy-to-use Windows-compatible VPN that allows unlimited browsing and bypasses most geographical restrictions. The VPN even offers AES-256-bit encryption that helps keep data safe and prevents ISP throttling. You can download it from the button below:
However, if you use a VPN, try disabling it and see if it helps. When you use a free VPN or a VPN that does not have enough servers you might face issues with Twitch streams. Therefore, it is always advisable to use a trusted & paid VPN with a good number of servers that offer no log policy, customer support, and a money-back guarantee like Systweak VPN.
6. Change DNS
When you visit a website, the browser checks the IP address of the domain name using DNS. If the ISP cannot detect the IP address, you might face Twitch buffering issues even when the internet is fine. If by any chance you think this is the case with you, like other Twitch users, you too can try switching to Google’s DNS, Follow these steps to change the DNS:
1. Right-click the network icon in the taskbar and select Open Network & Internet Settings.
2. Click Change adapter options.
3. Right-click on the network name you are using > select Properties from the context menu.
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP) > click the Properties button.
5. Select the radio button next to Use the following DNS server addresses. Enter Google’s DNS server details and click OK.
Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
6. Now, try to run Twitch and see if it helps. If not, do not worry we have other fixes.
7. Flush DNS
When you frequently visit a website, the PC saves the DNS cache to give faster results. However, you face several issues when this cache data gets corrupted or becomes invalid. Hence, we suggest clearing the DNS cache to solve Twitch’s lagging issues. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type cmd and press Shift + Enter keys together to open Command Prompt with administrator rights.
If this sounds difficult, open Start, and in the search type Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator from the results.
3. In the Cmd window, copy and paste – ipconfig /flushdns command and press the Enter key.
4. Wait for the command to process. Once done, you will get the message Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
5. Exit the window and try to run Twitch you should not face any problems.
8. Close unnecessary running background applications
Unnecessary applications running in the background, especially when using the bandwidth, can be another reason for Twitch stream freezing for viewers. Therefore, we suggest you close such applications.
Note : Steam usually updates its games using the background process. Hence, if you have Steam running, we suggest turning it off completely, as it will help fix Twitch buffering issues.
To close the background running process, follow these steps:
1. Press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys together to open Task Manager.
2. Here, click the Processes tab > select the processes you know are unnecessarily running and click End task.
3. Now, try to run Twitch.
9. Clear Browser Cache
Another way to fix Twitch buffering is to clear the browser cache, as old cached web content also slows down the stream viewing experience. The process to clear the cache varies from browser to browser. Here, we explain how to clear the cache from Google Chrome, the most popular browser. Click here to learn how to clear the cache from Firefox.
Steps to Clear Cache from Chrome
1. Launch Google Chrome.
2. Click the three dots from the top right-hand side of the screen, and select History.
3. Click “Clear browsing data”.
4. Select All time on the pop-up box that appears > click “clear data.”
5. Close the browser and then try to run Twitch. This should help.
10. Disable Unnecessary Browser Extensions
If you have recently started using a browser extension and are facing issues with Twitch, by disabling it you can fix lagging issues with Twitch.
To check the list of extensions follow these steps:
1. Open the Chrome browser.
2. Click the browser’s menu icon > click “More tools” > “Extensions.”
3. Disable the ones you don’t use or have recently activated.
4. Now, try to use Twitch.
11. Disable Hardware Acceleration
Sometimes when the hardware acceleration setting is enabled in the browser, you may experience Twitch buffering issues. To disable this feature, follow these steps:
1. Launch Chrome.
2. In the address bar copy and paste – chrome://settings/system
3. Toggle the button next to “Use hardware acceleration when available.”
4. Restart your browser, and that’s it.
5. Now try to use Twitch no longer you will face buffering issues.
12. Switch Browser
Even after following the above steps if you are still facing issues with Twitch, we suggest you switch browsers. If changing a browser solves the problem, you know there is an issue with the browser. Update it or uninstall and reinstall it.
Wrapping up –
Using these fixes we hope you were able to fix the buffering issues with Twitch and are now able to enjoy interruption-free streaming. If you still face a problem make sure you are using an internet connection with good speed and bandwidth. Also, we suggest using Systweak VPN if the issue is caused due to geo-restrictions.
Next Read :
How to Fix Slow Buffering Despite a High-Speed Internet
