Discord “Update Failed” Loop? 9 Proven Fixes (2026)

Table of Contents

• Why Discord “Update Failed” Loop Occurs
• Method 1: Fully Close Discord and End All Background Processes
• Method 2: Run Discord as Administrator
• Method 3: Delete Discord Cache and AppData Folders
• Method 4: Delete the Discord “Update” Folder
• Method 5: Restart Your Computer
• Method 6: Check Your Internet Connection and Disable VPN
• Method 7: Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall
• Method 8: Reset Network Settings and DNS
• Method 9: Uninstall and Reinstall Discord
• Frequently Asked Questions

Discord “Update Failed” loop is one of the most frustrating issues for users trying to launch the app. When the Discord “Update Failed” loop occurs, the app gets stuck in an endless cycle of checking for updates, downloading, failing, and retrying. According to Discord’s official support documentation, this issue usually stems from a corrupt local installation, leftover updater files, blocked background processes, or a network problem that stops the update from finishing. This guide covers every possible cause and provides clear, step-by-step fixes to resolve the Discord “Update Failed” loop on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac systems.

For more Discord troubleshooting guides, visit our Discord Troubleshooting Hub. You can also check our guide on Discord not opening, our guide on high CPU usage, and our guide on RTC errors for additional help.

For additional assistance, refer to Discord’s official status page and check the server status at DownDetector.

Why Discord “Update Failed” Loop Occurs

Several factors can cause the update loop. According to Discord’s troubleshooting guides and industry experts, the issue is often related to corrupted installation files, blocked update processes, or network problems.

Here are the most common reasons why the Discord “Update Failed” loop happens:

• Corrupted Local Installation: Damaged files in Discord’s installation directory can prevent the update from completing.
• Stuck Background Processes: A Discord process running in the background can lock files that the updater needs to replace.
• Leftover Updater Files: The “Update” folder in Discord’s directory contains temporary files that can become corrupted and cause the loop.
• Network or Firewall Blocking: Antivirus, firewall, or VPN software may be blocking Discord’s update servers.
• Insufficient Permissions: Discord may not have the necessary permissions to write to its installation directory.
• DNS or Network Configuration Issues: Incorrect DNS settings or network configurations can prevent Discord from reaching its update servers.

Method 1: Fully Close Discord and End All Background Processes

According to Discord’s support documentation, the first step when dealing with the Discord “Update Failed” loop is to ensure the app is fully closed. Sometimes a stuck background process locks files that the updater needs to replace.

1. Check the system tray: Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen and click the small upward arrow. If you see the Discord icon, right-click it and select “Quit Discord”.
2. Use Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
3. In the Processes tab, look for any Discord or Discord.exe entries.
4. Select each Discord entry and click “End task”.
5. Switch to the Details tab and check for any remaining Discord.exe processes—end those as well.
6. Wait 10 seconds, then launch Discord again.

Method 2: Run Discord as Administrator

Running Discord with administrator privileges can resolve permission issues that cause the Discord “Update Failed” loop.

1. Right-click the Discord shortcut on your desktop or Start menu.
2. Select “Run as administrator”.
3. If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes”.
4. Check if the update completes successfully.

Method 3: Delete Discord Cache and AppData Folders

Corrupted cache files are a common cause of the Discord “Update Failed” loop. According to Discord’s official support, deleting the AppData and LocalAppData folders can resolve the issue.

1. Close Discord completely using Method 1.
2. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
3. Type %appdata% and press Enter.
4. Find the “Discord” folder, right-click it, and select “Delete”.
5. Press Win + R again, type %localappdata%, and press Enter.
6. Find the “Discord” folder and delete it.
7. If the system says a file cannot be deleted because it is still in use, open Task Manager and end any remaining Discord processes.
8. Restart your computer and launch Discord.

Method 4: Delete the Discord “Update” Folder

The “Update” folder in Discord’s installation directory contains temporary files that can become corrupted and cause the Discord “Update Failed” loop. Deleting it forces Discord to download fresh update files.

1. Close Discord completely using Method 1.
2. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
3. Type %localappdata%/Discord and press Enter.
4. Find the “Update” folder inside the Discord directory.
5. Right-click the “Update” folder and select “Delete”.
6. Restart Discord. The app will now download fresh update files.

Method 5: Restart Your Computer

A system restart clears all temporary processes and can resolve the Discord “Update Failed” loop caused by system-level conflicts.

1. Open the Start menu, click the Power button, and select “Restart”.
2. Wait for your computer to fully restart.
3. Launch Discord and check if the update completes.

Method 6: Check Your Internet Connection and Disable VPN

Discord requires a stable internet connection to download updates. VPNs can interfere with update servers, causing the Discord “Update Failed” loop.

1. Open your browser and visit a website to confirm you have internet access.
2. Run a speed test at speedtest.net to check your connection stability.
3. Disable VPN: Close your VPN application completely.
4. If your connection is unstable, restart your modem and router.
5. Try connecting to a different network (e.g., switch from Wi-Fi to mobile hotspot).

Method 7: Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall

Antivirus or firewall software can block Discord’s update servers, causing the Discord “Update Failed” loop.

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus software.
2. Check Windows Firewall:
   • Open Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
   • Click “Allow an app through firewall”.
   • Ensure Discord is checked for both “Private” and “Public” networks.
   • If Discord is not listed, click “Allow another app” and add it.
3. If you’re using third-party antivirus, check its firewall settings and add Discord to the exceptions list.
4. After disabling, try launching Discord and updating.
5. Remember to re-enable your antivirus after testing.

Method 8: Reset Network Settings and DNS

Corrupted DNS cache or network configuration can prevent Discord from reaching its update servers, causing the Discord “Update Failed” loop.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start > Command Prompt (Admin) or Terminal (Admin)).
2. Run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
   • ipconfig /flushdns
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /renew
   • netsh int ip reset
   • netsh winsock reset
3. Restart your computer.
4. Launch Discord and check if the update completes.

Method 9: Uninstall and Reinstall Discord

If none of the above methods work, a clean reinstall is the most reliable way to resolve the Discord “Update Failed” loop.

1. Uninstall Discord:
   • Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
   • Find Discord and select Uninstall.
2. Delete remaining files:
   • Press Win + R, type %appdata%, and delete the Discord folder.
   • Press Win + R, type %localappdata%, and delete the Discord folder.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Download the latest version from Discord’s official website.
5. Install Discord and log back in.

Conclusion: Resolving This Discord Update Issue

When the Discord “Update Failed” loop occurs, start with the simplest fixes: fully close Discord from the system tray and Task Manager, then delete the %AppData%/Discord and %LocalAppData%/Discord folders. Most cases of this error resolve with these steps. If the problem persists, run Discord as Administrator, delete the “Update” folder, or restart your computer. For more stubborn cases, disable VPN and firewall, reset network settings, or perform a clean reinstall. By following this guide, you can resolve the Discord “Update Failed” loop and get back to chatting.

Frequently Asked Questions