Troubleshooting the Frosted Window Effect on Windows 10: A Simple Solution

If you’re experiencing a peculiar frosted effect on your computer’s windows, you’re not alone. Many users have reported this visual glitch while using applications like the Epic Games launcher, IntelliJ, and Visual Studio Code. In this post, we’ll explore the issue, its potential causes, and how to resolve it.

The Issue at Hand

For about a month, I’ve been noticing a frost-like distortion on some of my application windows. Initially, this only affected the Epic Games launcher, but it later spread to IntelliJ and Visual Studio Code. A peculiar feature of this glitch is that when I hover my mouse over the impacted areas, the distortion disappears temporarily. However, if I leave the window idle, the frostiness returns.

Here’s a look at the visual glitch I captured: View Image.

Investigation and Insights

After seeking advice from the online community, I discovered that this issue is likely linked to the Electron framework, which many applications use for building cross-platform desktop applications. This connection was noted in a helpful discussion on Stack Overflow that outlines similar graphical artifacts experienced by other users: Stack Overflow Thread.

The Solution

Fortunately, after following the guidance from the Stack Overflow thread, the solution turned out to be surprisingly simple. Disabling hardware acceleration in Visual Studio Code resolved the frost effect not just in VS Code, but across all affected applications.

Final Thoughts

If you find yourself facing similar graphical issues, consider disabling hardware acceleration in any affected applications. This quick fix can help restore clarity to your user interface and improve your overall experience. If you encounter any further complications or need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out or share your experience in the comments below!