Discord Update Failed / Stuck Updating – How to Fix (2025)

If Discord is stuck on “Checking for updates”, “Update failed”, or keeps looping without opening, this is a very common problem in 2025.

The issue usually happens before Discord even launches, which makes it more frustrating than other errors.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • Why Discord updates fail
  • What causes Discord to get stuck updating
  • Exact fixes that actually work on Windows and Mac

What Does “Discord Update Failed” Mean?

This error appears when Discord:

  • Can’t download update files
  • Can’t write files to disk
  • Gets blocked by firewall, antivirus, or permissions

Instead of opening normally, Discord gets stuck in an infinite update loop.

Common Causes of Discord Update Failed / Stuck Updating

1. Corrupted Update Files

Old or broken files can stop new updates from installing.

2. Antivirus or Firewall Blocking Discord

Security software may block:

  • Discord’s updater
  • Background network requests
  • File writes in AppData

This is one of the most common causes.

3. Insufficient Permissions

If Discord doesn’t have permission to:

  • Write to system folders
  • Replace old files

The update will fail.

4. Network or DNS Issues

Unstable connections, VPNs, or DNS problems can interrupt updates.

5. Outdated Discord Installation

Very old versions sometimes can’t update themselves correctly.

How to Fix Discord Update Failed / Stuck Updating (Step-by-Step)

✅ Fix 1: Fully Close Discord

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
  2. End all Discord processes
  3. Make sure Discord is not running in background

Then reopen Discord.

✅ Fix 2: Run Discord as Administrator (Windows)

  1. Right-click Discord
  2. Select Run as administrator
  3. Let the update finish

This fixes permission-related update failures.

✅ Fix 3: Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Temporarily disable:

  • Antivirus
  • Firewall
  • Real-time protection

Then:

  • Restart Discord
  • Let it update
  • Re-enable protection afterward

✅ Fix 4: Delete Discord Update Cache (Most Effective Fix)

Windows

Win + R → %appdata%
Delete the folders:
- Discord
- DiscordCanary (if present)
- DiscordPTB (if present)

Then download Discord again from the official site.

Mac

~/Library/Application Support/Discord

Delete the folder and reinstall Discord.

✅ Fix 5: Disable VPN or Proxy

VPNs can:

  • Block update servers
  • Cause region-based failures

Turn off VPN and retry the update.

✅ Fix 6: Change DNS (Optional but Effective)

Try using:

  • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1

This can fix update download issues.

✅ Fix 7: Reinstall Discord Completely

If nothing works:

  1. Uninstall Discord
  2. Delete leftover folders
  3. Restart your PC/Mac
  4. Install the latest version

This always fixes stuck update loops.

Does This Happen More on Certain Systems?

Yes, update issues are more common on:

  • Windows with aggressive antivirus
  • Systems with limited permissions
  • Networks with strict firewalls

Keeping your system clean and updated reduces Discord issues overall.

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Final Thoughts

The Discord Update Failed / Stuck Updating error looks scary, but in 2025 it’s usually easy to fix.

Best fixes to try first:

  1. Close Discord completely
  2. Run as administrator
  3. Clear Discord cache
  4. Reinstall Discord

Most users fix it in under 10 minutes.

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