The short answer
- 1A blank, black or garbled window is a graphics problem, not your account.
- 2Update the graphics driver, then try another ANGLE graphics backend on Windows.
- 3Wrong-sized text: turn off Default interface scale and pick a size.
In this article
Blank, black or garbled: a graphics problem
If Telegram Desktop opens but the window is white, black, flickering or full of broken shapes, the app is running but cannot draw properly. This is almost always the computer's graphics setup, not your account. Work through these steps:
- Update the graphics driver from your computer maker or graphics card maker. Old drivers are the most common cause.
- Update Telegram Desktop to the latest version from desktop.telegram.org.
- Change the graphics backend (Windows), as below.
- Reset the interface scale if text and buttons are huge, tiny or cut off.
The graphics backend on Windows
Telegram Desktop on Windows draws through a layer called ANGLE, and lets you choose which system it uses. In the advanced settings, ANGLE graphics backend offers Auto, Direct3D 11, Direct3D 9, D3D11on12, OpenGL and Disabled.
- If the window is blank or flickers, try another option, starting with Direct3D 9 or OpenGL.
- Telegram may ask to restart: "You need to restart for applying some of the new settings. Restart now?"
- If one option makes things worse, switch back to Auto.
If the window is too broken to reach the settings, update the graphics driver first and try again.
Text too big, too small or cut off
Telegram follows the system's display scaling by default. On high-resolution screens or with unusual scaling, the interface can look wrong. The Interface scale setting lets you choose your own size; switching Default interface scale off unlocks the choices. It is also available from the settings on the login screen, before you sign in.
- Language — the app language on this computer
- Show tray icon, Show taskbar icon — where Telegram sits while it runs
- Default interface scale — turn it off to set your own size
- Themes — Night is the dark one
This panel is reachable from the login screen (Settings, top right), so you can set it up before you sign in. After you sign in, the same options live under Settings.
- Main menu (☰)
- Settings
- Default interface scale
Not available on this device.
Not available on this device.
Telegram Desktop experimental settings
Telegram Desktop also has Experimental settings in Advanced. The app warns: "These are experimental settings. Some may not work. Others may break the app." If you changed something there before the display went wrong, use Restore default values.
If Telegram Desktop does not open at all, see Telegram Desktop won't start. Next step: Telegram Web won't open.
FAQ
Why is Telegram Desktop showing a white screen?
Usually the graphics driver or backend. Update the driver and try another ANGLE graphics backend in the advanced settings.
How do I change the size of Telegram Desktop?
Turn off Default interface scale in Settings and choose a size.
What does ANGLE graphics backend do in Telegram?
It chooses how Telegram Desktop draws on Windows. Changing it can fix blank or broken windows.
Sources
At a glance
- 1Driver
Update the graphics driver first.
- 2Backend
ANGLE graphics backend: Direct3D 9 or OpenGL, back to Auto if worse.
- 3Scale
Default interface scale off, then choose.
Updated
