Discord Stuck Checking for Updates in Windows? 11 Fixes to Try

Before pulling out all your hair

Each timeDiscordlaunches on Windows, it automaticallychecks for and installs new updates. This ensures you can access the latest features, performance enhancements, and bug fixes. However, this also means you’ll be unable to use Discord if it gets hung up at the “Checking for updates” phase.

Connectivity issues aside, there are several other reasons why Discord might get stuck updating. These range from simple technical glitches to cache corruption or conflicts with antimalware programs. This guide will walk you through various solutions to push Discord out of its update loop.

1. Quit and Relaunch the Discord App

Like any other program, it’s not unusual for Discord to run into random issues as it starts up. A quick fix to get things moving again is to quit the stuck update processusing the Windows Task Manager. Here’s how:

You can now exit the Task Manager and re-launch Discord. If the problem persists, we recommend repeating the above steps before working on each of the following fixes.

2. Restart Your Computer

The age-old IT advice of turning a device off and then back on isn’t just a cliché. It’s recommended because a standard reboot refreshes the system and resolves various disruptions—from features likeFast Startup in Windows—that impede application functions. To restart your PC, open theStart menu, and selectPower>Restart.

3. Clear the Discord Cache Folder

Partially downloaded or corrupt Discord update files are another reason for Discord to freeze at “Checking for updates.” Hence, the logical next step is to clear the Discord cache. It’s located inside thehidden Roaming folder of your Windows user account, but a fast way to get there and delete it is to:

4. Run Discord Updater With Administrator Privileges

Granting an application administrative privileges often resolves problems from permissions-related conflicts with the Windows file system. To do that with Discord, just:

If Discord updates normally, you shouldconfigure the application to always launch as an administrator.

5. Check Discord’s Server Status

If the above solutions prove ineffective, the update issue might lie with Discord’s servers. To verify, check theDiscord System Status pageor theDiscord Status subredditfor outages. If there’s a service disruption, particularly with theGatewaysystem, monitor the page and relaunch Discord when everything is up and running.

6. Check Your Internet Connection

If Discord’s servers aren’t the problem, it’s time to focus on your internet connection since Discord needs stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet to work correctly. Test the connection speed by browsing some websites, streaming a video, or using online tools likeFast.com. If there are slowdowns:

If speeds continue to suffer, log a call with your internet service provider (ISP) and use another connection in the meantime. You can also refer to these guides onfixing slow Wi-FiandEthernet connectionsfor additional network-related troubleshooting.

7. Clear the DNS Cache Files

Clearing the DNS (Domain Name System) cachein Windows prompts the network configuration to update IP addresses for previously visited web URLs, which includesDNS datarelated to Discord’s update servers. To do that:

8. Switch DNS Servers

Your ISP’s DNS servers may be preventing Discord from connecting to its update service, so switching to apublic DNS service like Google Public DNScould be the solution. If you’d like to give that a try:

9. Disable Proxy Servers and VPNs

Proxiescan introduce network delays, leading to Discord hanging during updates. To disable your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection from connecting to a proxy server:

Like proxies, VPNs also impede Discord’s ability to connect to its update servers. If you use aVPN (or virtual private network), open the Windows Settings app, go toNetwork & internet>VPN, and turn it off.

10. Disable Windows Defender

Windows Security(a.k.a. Windows Defender) is the native antivirus software in Windows. At times, it may interfere with Discord’s ability to function. To rule that out, briefly disable the “Real-time protection” and “Firewall & network protection” modules. Here’s how:

If Discord updates itself without issues, reactivate both security modules but add Discord as an exclusion to Windows Security. To do that, go toReal-time protection>Exclusions>Add or remove exclusions>Add an exclusion>Processand type inDiscord.exe. Additionally, make sure thatDiscord has unrestricted access through the Windows Firewall.

What if you use a third-party antivirus program? The same solution applies—just pause it and add Discord to its exceptions list if that fixes the problem.

11. Remove and Reinstall Discord

If all else fails, it’s time to remove and reinstall Discord on your computer. That should rectify stuck updates caused by a corrupt Discord app installation. Just:

You can also use adedicated app uninstaller like Revo Uninstallerto remove all traces of Discord before reinstalling it. Try that if Discord’s stuck update screen issue persists.

Discord Is Now Up-to-Date

As you just learned, there are many ways to deal with Discord when it stalls at “Checking for updates.” From simply restarting the app to reinstalling it, the fixes above should help you get back in touch with other Discord users. If the issue persists or youencounter a “Discord update failed” error, considercontacting Discord Supportand using theweb version of Discordfor now.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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Discord Stuck Checking for Updates in Windows? 11 Fixes to Try#

1. Quit and Relaunch the Discord App#

2. Restart Your Computer#

3. Clear the Discord Cache Folder#

4. Run Discord Updater With Administrator Privileges#

5. Check Discord’s Server Status#

6. Check Your Internet Connection#

7. Clear the DNS Cache Files#

8. Switch DNS Servers#

9. Disable Proxy Servers and VPNs#

10. Disable Windows Defender#

11. Remove and Reinstall Discord#

Discord Is Now Up-to-Date#

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