Resolve Graphics or GUI Issues in the PIA Windows App

In rare cases, you may experience graphics-related issues with the PIA client app on Windows, such as distorted text, a loadlibrary error, or an inability to load the graphical user interface (GUI). This guide explains how to fix these issues.

Jump To…

What to Try First

Open the PIA Client in Safe Mode

Disable Accelerated Graphics

What to Try First

Before changing any settings in the PIA client, it’s worth ruling out some common causes of graphics-related issues:

  • Corrupted installation: A damaged or incomplete installation can cause graphical errors. Reinstalling the PIA client may help resolve the problem.
  • Display configuration issues: Non-standard display scaling or resolution settings may cause visual glitches. Try reverting to Windows-recommended display settings.
  • Outdated graphics drivers: Outdated drivers can sometimes affect how applications render their interface. Updating your graphics drivers can help fix the issue.

If the above doesn’t fix the GUI issues, you can try disabling accelerated graphics in the PIA client using the steps below. 

Open the PIA Client in Safe Mode

To disable accelerated graphics, you need access to the PIA client settings. 

Note: If the PIA interface is navigable despite the GUI issues, you can skip this section and go straight to disabling accelerated graphics.

If the GUI doesn't load or you can't access the settings, close the PIA app and follow the instructions below to launch the client in Safe Mode from the command line:

  1. Click the Start button (Windows logo).

  2. Type cmd and press Enter.

    Windows 10 Start menu showing the search field with "cmd" entered and highlighted.

  3. Copy and paste the following command into the command line and press Enter: 
    “C:\Program Files\Private Internet Access\pia-client.exe” --safe-mode

    Windows Command Prompt window highlighting a command to launch Private Internet Access in safe mode.

Note: This command assumes PIA is installed in the default location (C:\Program Files\Private Internet Access). If you installed it elsewhere, replace the path with your actual installation directory.

If you enter the command correctly, the PIA app should open. 

Disable Accelerated Graphics

  1. In the PIA client app, click the three vertical dots (⋮) in the upper-right corner.

    Starting-PIA-Client-with-Alternative-Rendering-3.png

  2. Select Settings.

    Private Internet Access app with the three vertical dots menu with Settings highlighted.

  3. Go to the Help tab and ensure that Disable Accelerated Graphics is checked.

    Private Internet Access Settings menu Help tab with Disable Accelerated Graphics checked.

If the issue persists, contact the PIA support team via 24/7 chat or by submitting a ticket.

Related articles