diff --git a/src/assets/factoids/ddu_shadercache.png b/src/assets/factoids/ddu_shadercache.png new file mode 100644 index 00000000..05fbe2b2 Binary files /dev/null and b/src/assets/factoids/ddu_shadercache.png differ diff --git a/src/content/docs/factoids/ddu.mdx b/src/content/docs/factoids/ddu.mdx index ae45513d..3ce5a126 100644 --- a/src/content/docs/factoids/ddu.mdx +++ b/src/content/docs/factoids/ddu.mdx @@ -22,6 +22,15 @@ import InstallDDU from '../../../_includes/embeds/ddu_install.md'; +## Cleaning Shader Cache Only (Does not wipe display drivers) +> [!WARNING] Warning +> +> Make sure you are in [Safe Mode](/factoids/safe-mode) for the following steps. + +To clean only the GPU shader cache, select the "GPU" device type from the drop-down list on the right, select the GPU driver, and click `Clean Shader Cache (Only)`. + +![DDU clean shader cache option](../../../assets/factoids/ddu_shadercache.png) + ## Wiping Display Drivers > [!WARNING] Warning diff --git a/src/content/docs/guides/clearing-shader-cache.md b/src/content/docs/guides/clearing-shader-cache.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..f81a1722 --- /dev/null +++ b/src/content/docs/guides/clearing-shader-cache.md @@ -0,0 +1,55 @@ +--- +title: Clearing GPU Shader Cache +description: If you are experiencing graphical issues (e.g., flickering, crashes, or performance degradation), clearing the GPU shader cache can help resolve them. +sidebar: + hidden: false +parent: General Guides +has_children: false +pagefind: true +last_modified_date: 2025-04-12 +--- + +This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to clear the shader cache for NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel graphics cards. + +## Using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) +This method works on both AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards and is the easiest way to clear the shader cache. + +Follow the instructions in our [DDU guide](/factoids/ddu#cleaning-shader-cache-only-does-not-wipe-display-drivers) to wipe the shader cache only. This will not remove your graphics drivers, but it will clear the shader cache. + +## Manually Clearing Shader Cache + +### For NVIDIA Users +1. **Disable Shader Cache:** + - Right-click your desktop and open the **NVIDIA Control Panel**. + - Go to **Manage 3D Settings** > **Global Settings**. + - Find **Shader Cache Size** and set it to **Disabled**. Click **Apply** and restart your PC. +2. **Delete Shader Cache Folders:** + - Press `Win + R`, type `%localappdata%`, and press Enter. + - Navigate to `NVIDIA` > `GLCache` and delete all folders inside. + - Press `Win + R`, type `%localappdata%\..\LocalLow\NVIDIA\PerDriverVersion\DXCache`, and press Enter. + - Delete everything in the `DXCache` folder as well. +3. **Run Disk Cleanup:** + - Press `Win + S`, type `Disk Cleanup`, and open it. + - Select your system drive (usually C:), check **DirectX Shader Cache**, and click **OK** to clear it. +4. **Re-enable Shader Cache:** + - Go back to the NVIDIA Control Panel and re-enable the shader cache by setting **Shader Cache Size** back to **Driver Default** (or **Unlimited**). Click **Apply** and restart your PC. + +### For AMD Users +1. Open the **AMD Radeon Software** (`Alt + R`). +2. Click on the **Gaming** tab, then select **Graphics**. +3. Scroll to the bottom, expand the **Advanced** section, and click on **Reset Shader Cache**. +4. **Run Disk Cleanup:** + - Press `Win + S`, type `Disk Cleanup`, and open it. + - Select your system drive (usually C:), check **DirectX Shader Cache**, and click **OK** to clear it. + +### For Intel Users +1. **Delete Shader Cache Folders:** + - Press `Win + R`, type `%userprofile%\AppData\LocalLow\Intel\ShaderCache`, and press Enter. + - Delete all folders and files inside the `ShaderCache` directory. +2. **Run Disk Cleanup:** + - Press `Win + S`, type `Disk Cleanup`, and open it. + - Select your system drive (usually C:), check **DirectX Shader Cache**, and click **OK** to clear it. + +## Other potential fixes +- **Ray Tracing**: If the game hangs on "Preparing Shaders", try disabling ray tracing in the game's graphics settings, as it can cause shader compilation issues. +- **Steam Shader Pre-Caching**: If you are using Steam, try clearing the shader pre-cache by going to **Settings** > **Shader Pre-Caching** and deleting the shader cache for the specific game if listed. \ No newline at end of file