Discord is a useful app that allows people to chat and send messages to each other. It’s usually pretty reliable, but sometimes errors occur. One error is the Discord update failed error. When this happens Discord will be stuck in an update loop.
The result is normally that you end up stuck on the update window with the Discord logo spinning forever. Alternatively, Discord will report a failed update.
Why do I see the Discord update failed loop?
The update failed loop is normally caused by connectivity issues. This can be more complicated than just a poor internet connection.
Bugs and incorrect settings on your computer can also cause this problem.
This problem is most often reported on Windows computers and, particularly, on Windows 10. It does also happen on Apple devices. If you’re on an Apple device, the best fix is often to uninstall and then reinstall Discord. If you’re on Apple, try our things to do in the first section and then skip to option #7 on uninstalling and reinstalling Discord.
How do I solve the Discord update failed loop?
It’s usually not that difficult to resolve the Discord update failed error. This article will take you through the steps that you should take to resolve any bugs, incorrect settings, or connectivity issues that are affecting the Discord app.
Workaround solution
If you’re in a rush to continue a chat on the app or to do some messaging there is an easy workaround solution.
Use Discord on another device
You can just use Discord on another device. If you are using it on your PC or laptop and you have it installed on another device, then run Discord on that device.
If it works on your other device that will also help you to narrow down the problem. If this is the case, then the failed Discord update is most likely caused by a bug or an incorrect setting on your PC or laptop than by a connectivity issue.
Things to do first
Before you try our in-depth solutions, see if your Discord not updating error has a simple solution.
Restart your router and your computer
If your router is not working properly it may have caused a connectivity issue which has caused your Discord app update to be disrupted.
- Turn your router off at the wall and unplug it
- Wait for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and power it up
- Leave it for 5 minutes
- While you are doing this, you should also restart your computer
When you have finished, reopen the Discord app, and if the update does not automatically begin start it manually. Wait and see if the update loop returns.
Check if Discord is down
You can call Discord and check if they are down. If you rarely have problems with Discord, then they may just be experiencing a down.
Run a Virus Scan
Viruses and malware can interfere with Discord updates. You should regularly run virus scans anyway and so it’s worth checking that a virus or malware is not causing the problem. Run a virus scan and remove anything which might be causing the problem.
If you do find any viruses or malware on your computer, then return to Discord and try to repeat the update again.
In-depth solutions
Here are our in-depth solutions to the update failed loop.
Option #1: Update Discord as administrator
Sometimes the Discord update loop can be solved by restarting the app and choosing Run as Administrator. This can override minor bugs affecting the connection or app settings.
- Logout of Discord and close it, or kill it using the Task Manager
- Find your Discord shortcut icon (this is usually on your desktop)
- If you don’t have a shortcut look for the app in the Discord folder on My Computer
- Right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator
The program should start as normal. If the update does not start automatically, then start it manually. Wait and see if the update failed loop returns.
Option #2: Rename the Discord update file
Renaming the Discord update file can resolve issues that are preventing the update process from completing.
- Logout of Discord and close it, or kill it using the Task Manager
- Search for Run in the search bar or click the start button and find the Run app
- Type ‘%localappdata%’ and hit enter
- This will bring up the Local App Data folder
- Double click on the Discord folder
- You will see a file called ‘Update.exe‘
- Rename this as ‘Updatex.exe’
After you have finished reopening Discord. If the update does not start automatically, then start it manually. See if the Discord update failed error returns.
Option #3: Move your Discord folder
Moving the Discord folder can also resolve minor issues that are preventing the update process from completing.
- Logout of Discord and close it
- Search for Run in the search bar or click the start button and find the Run app
- Type ‘%localappdata%’ and hit enter
- Again, you will see the Local App Data folder
- Right-click on the screen and choose New > Folder
- Name your new folder as something memorable
- Drag the Discord folder and put it in the new folder
After you have finished, reopen Discord. If the update does not start automatically, then start it manually. See if the Discord update failed error returns.
Option #4: Disable your antivirus
Antivirus programs can interfere with connectivity or prevent the update process from happening. If you temporarily disable your antivirus then you may be able to complete the update.
Before you do anything, log out of and close Discord.
If you’re on Windows 10, follow the instructions below to turn off Windows Defender. After you’ve finished, return to Discord and try to complete the update. Make sure that you turn Windows Defender back on after you have finished.
Windows Defender (Windows 10)
The inbuilt Windows security virus threat protection can cause connectivity issues which cause the Discord update loop. It works frequently in the background to offer real-time protection, but this means that it can interfere with your internet connection.
To disable Windows Defender…
- Go to the Start menu and find Settings
- Go to Update and Security
- Select Windows Security and then Open Windows Security
- Go to Virus and Threat Protection
- Choose Manage Settings
- Below Real-Time Protection there is a toggle switch
- Turn this to Off
If you use a third-party antivirus make sure that you turn this off as well.
Option #5: Disable Windows Firewall
Disabling Windows Firewall can also resolve connectivity issues that are affecting the Discord update process.
To disable the firewall…
- Logout of Discord and close it
- Type Firewall in the Search Bar and click on it
- Firewall will open
- On the left-hand side go to Turn Windows Defender Firewall On or Off
- There are 2 tick boxes for Block all Incoming Connections. One for your privacy settings and one for your public settings.
- Deselect both of these boxes
- Click OK or hit enter
After you have finished reopening Discord. If the update does not start automatically, then start it manually. See if the Discord not updating error returns. Make sure that you turn Windows Firewall back on after you have finished this process.
Option #6: Disable VPN
Virtual private networks (VPNs) can interfere with the IP address and location of your computer. If this happens while Discord is updating it can interfere with the connection and cause a Discord update to fail.
- Logout of Discord and close it, or kill it using the Task Manager
- Search for the Control Panel in the Search Bar
- Go to Network Connections
- You will see a list of VPN connections
- Select any VPN services which are active by highlighting the icon
- Click on Change Settings of this Connection
- Go to the Networking tab and click Uninstall
- Press Yes to confirm to disable the VPN
After you have finished run Discord again. If the update does not start automatically, then start it manually. See if the Discord not updating error returns.
Option #7: Uninstall and then reinstall Discord
If Discord has become corrupted, then the best thing to do is to uninstall and then reinstall the latest version.
To delete Discord and then reinstall it…
- Logout of Discord and close it
- Search for Control Panel in the Search bar
- Click on Programs
- Go to Programs and Features
- You’ll see a list of apps
- Find Discord and right-click on it
- Choose Uninstall
After you have finished, go to the website and download and install the latest version of Discord. Open Discord and run it. There should be no need for updates as you will have the latest version. This may also have fixed the error which you were encountering.
On iOS devices, delete the Discord app and then reinstall it from the App Store.
Option #8: Contact Discord
If none of the above fixes work, we suggest that you contact Discord for further advice. Discord may be able to resolve the issue for you and are the best people to go to if the fixes we have suggested haven’t worked.
