Slack Keeps Freezing or Not Responding on Desktop

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Check for an incident

   1. 01Visit slack-status.com for active incidents on the desktop app
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Clear cache and restart

   1. 01Help > Troubleshooting > Clear Cache and Restart
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Update Slack and restart fully

   Copy steps
   1. 01Install the latest version
   2. 02Quit all Slack processes and reopen
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. FIX 4Run Slack's connection test

   Copy steps
   1. 01Open Slack's connection test from the help center and review any errors
   2. 02Rule out VPN or proxy
   Did this fix it? Yes No

5. FIX 5Use the web app as a stopgap

   1. 01Open your workspace in a browser while you troubleshoot
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

The Slack window hangs, shows 'Slack is not responding', or stops updating messages until you restart.

Why it happens

• C-01A Slack-side incident or a buggy release
• C-02Corrupted cache
• C-03An outdated desktop build
• C-04Network problems or VPN interference
• C-05Very large workspaces using lots of memory

// this guide also covers

• slack keeps freezing
• slack freezing
• slack not responding
• slack app freezes windows

The same problem in other apps

All crashes, freezes & blank screens guides →

• Teams Screen Sharing Shows a Black Screen (Microsoft Teams)
• Discord Screen Share Black Screen or No Audio (Discord)

Other Slack errors

• Slack Notifications Not Working on Desktop
• Slack Notifications Not Working on iPhone or Android
• Slack Not Loading or Can't Connect
• Slack Blank or White Screen on Desktop
• Slack Huddles Audio Not Working
• Slack Screen Share Not Working in Huddles
• Slack Huddle Camera Not Working
• Slack Messages Not Sending