How to Fix a Discord Update Failed Loop

It’s like being stuck in a time warp

Discord, the popular gaming communication tool, is regularly updated with new features and bug fixes. You don’t have to try the alpha Discord Canary release to get some of these, as the Discord client will update automatically.

However, if your Discord update has failed for some reason, you’ll miss out on these new features and fixes. You may also find yourself stuck in a Discord update failed loop, where Discord simply can’t update and won’t allow you to use the client until it’s fixed. This tutorial covers troubleshooting solutions to Discord update issues in Windows 10/11 and macOS.

Check Discord Service Status

A Discord update failed loop isn’t necessarily caused by an issue on your PC or Mac. Discord may fail to download updates if there are problems with Discord servers. Check Discord’s service status using the Discord website to verify if that’s the case.

Discord maintains astatus website for Discord usersto check the current state of the platform. Everything from the Discord API to local server issues is on the website. The tool lets you pinpoint whether the update failure is due to problems with your computer or Discord’s servers.

On the Discord status website (discordstatus.com), you’ll see a 90-day history for each Discord service element—each segment represents a single day. In particular, if theAPIsection shows recent operational issues (e.g., if today’s segment is red or orange), you may need to wait before you try to update your client.

You can usually hover over the segment to see more information on the cause of any outages. However, service-wide messages will also appear at the top of the page. There’s not much you can do if Discord is down. Wait it out and try again later when the service is up and running again.

Run Discord as an Administrator

Running the Discord desktop client as an administrator in Windows can help you update Discord without any issue. You’ll need to do this if you’re running Discord on alocal or guest user accountwithout permission to install or modify programs.

First, close Discord and ensure it isn’t running in the background. Afterward, reopen Discord with administrative privileges.

Check Your Internet Connection (and Disable VPNs, Firewalls, or Proxies)

While Discord itself should work over a virtual private network or proxy connection, it isn’t guaranteed. Certain VPN services block particular services, while Discord may block specific VPN IP ranges that it believes may be disruptive. VPN services could be inadvertently blocked, thereby preventing updates from working.

If you aren’t using VPN, firewall, or proxy connections, problems with your internet connection can prevent Discord from downloading/installing updates. An intermittent internet connection or aDNS outagecould stop Discord itself from working, for instance.

Head to theDiscord website(www.discord.com) and check if you can access Discord’s web interface. If Discord is working through the website, then it’s likely that the problem isn’t related to your connection. Reboot your router or contact your internet service provider (ISP) if your computer doesn’t have an internet connection.

Temporarily Disable or Uninstall Your Antivirus

Third-party antivirus software can disrupt the Discord update process.Some Discord usersresolve the problem bydisabling their antivirus software, restarting their PC, and retrying the update. If that doesn’t fix the problem, uninstall your antivirus and try again.

From our research, “Kaspersky” was the antivirus app that commonly caused this problem. However, other antivirus programs can also get Discord stuck in the “Update Failed” loop.

Disable Windows/Microsoft Defender

Windows’ native antivirus can also prevent you from installing Discord’s latest update. Temporarilydisable Windows Defenderon your computer and check if you can update the Discord app.

Clear Discord’s Cache Files

The Discord client saves specific files into hidden folders on your PC or Mac for later use. These cache files are essential for Discord to work correctly. But they can stop essential services (like Discord updates) from working if they become corrupt.

To resolve this issue, remove the app’s cache files by deleting the DiscordAppDatafolder (on Windows). If you’re using a Mac, delete the DiscordApplication Supportfolder. Before trying these steps, ensure that Discord isn’t currently running, either visibly or in the background.

Rename the Discord Update Executable File

The Discordexecutable file(update.exe) is solely responsible for keeping the Discord client updated on a Windows PC. If you’re stuck in a Discord update failed loop, you can rename this file to get Discord updated.

This isn’t recommended as a long-term solution, however. Without updates, your Discord client will lack the latest features and bug fixes. Over time, your service may degrade, and the client itself may stop working as older versions are blocked from use.

Follow the steps below to rename Discord’s update file on your computer.

Alternatively, open File Explorer and select the navigation bar at the top of the window. TypeC:UsersusernameAppDataLocalDiscord(replacingusernamewith your Windows user folder) and pressEnteron your keyboard.

Remove and Reinstall Discord

If the steps above don’t resolve the problem, try reinstalling the client on your Windows or Mac computer. Reinstalling Discord will provide you with the latest version of the stable release files, although you can also download the beta and Canary release versions.

Follow any additional on-screen instructions. After uninstalling,download the latest Discord installation files, and run the installer to complete the process.

Once removed,download the latest Discord Mac installerand run the file, then follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Get Discord Up-to-Date and Working Again

An update failure is one of many possible Discord errors that can ruin your experience on the platform.Discord connection issuescan even trigger afatal Javascript errorthat crashes the app. If your Discord update has failed, the troubleshooting solutions above should resolve the issue. Switch to theDiscord web interfaceorcontact Discord Supportif the problem persists.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved