The problem
Fix shader packs that crash, show a black or white screen, or tank FPS with Iris or OptiFine.
Possible causes
- Outdated graphics drivers.
- A shader pack that does not support your Minecraft version or shader loader.
- Mixing OptiFine with Sodium or Iris.
- Mods that render things in ways the shader pack does not expect.
- Integrated graphics that cannot handle a heavy pack.
How to identify the cause
- Disable the shader pack. If the problem goes away, it is the pack or driver.
- Try a lighter, well-maintained pack to tell a pack problem from an Iris problem.
- Check the log for shader compile errors, which name the failing shader file.
Step-by-step fix
- Update graphics drivers from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel.
- Update Iris and Sodium to versions for your Minecraft version, or update OptiFine.
- Do not install OptiFine with Sodium or Iris.
- Download the newest version of the shader pack.
- Lower shadow quality and render distance in the shader settings.
If that did not work
- On laptops with two GPUs, force Java to use the dedicated GPU in the Windows graphics settings.
Affected versions
All versions that support shaders.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use Iris or OptiFine?
On Fabric and NeoForge, Iris with Sodium usually performs better and works with more mods. OptiFine is mainly used on Forge or vanilla.