If you open Discord and it keeps trying to update without ever finishing you are experiencing the discord update failed loop. It prevents the app from launching and interrupts voice chats, game nights and work calls.
The visible symptom is simple but the underlying causes vary. This guide walks you through clear diagnostics, immediate fixes and deeper repairs so you can get Discord back to normal quickly and safely.
Why Discord gets stuck in an update loop
When the updater cannot download or replace files it may try again and again. Common underlying reasons include corrupt temporary files permissions that block file replacement network interference or conflicts with other software. System level issues such as limited disk space or damaged system files can also stop the update from completing. Understanding the likely cause helps you choose the right fix.
Signs that you have the discord update failed loop
You may notice one or more of these behaviors: the app never opens the main window and instead shows an updating screen the tray icon indicates an update but nothing changes the app repeatedly attempts to download an update or you receive generic error messages about failing to update. If other apps update normally on the same machine the problem is probably local to Discord.
Quick reference tables and essential info for the discord update failed loop
Below are concise diagnostics and quick actions you can try before reading the detailed step by step sections.
| Symptom | Quick action | Why it works |
| App stuck at updating screen | Force close Discord then restart | Clears temporary locks and gives the updater a fresh start |
| Update repeatedly fails | Remove cached update files and restart | Removes partial or corrupt files that block installation |
| Permission denied errors | Start the installer with elevated rights | Updater needs permission to replace app files |
| Tool | Use | When to use |
| Task Manager or Activity Monitor | End all Discord processes | When the app will not close normally |
| File manager | Remove cache and temporary update files | When partial downloads or corrupt caches exist |
| Security settings | Allow Discord to access network and files | When firewall or antivirus is blocking the updater |
Before you begin important safety and backup notes
Make sure you have two things before performing major changes. One back up any unsaved local configurations you might need and two have your account sign in details handy because a reinstall requires logging in again. Most of your chat history and servers are stored on Discord servers and will return after sign in but local tweaks may be lost.
Step by step basic fixes that solve most cases
Force quit and restart Discord
Simple and often effective. Completely close the app and restart it.
- Open your system process manager and stop any processes related to Discord or its updater.
- After all processes end open Discord directly from its application shortcut or executable.
Why this works: The updater can leave background processes that lock files. Stopping them removes those locks and often lets the update finish.
Clear Discord cache and temporary update files
Corrupt cached files are a common cause. Clearing them forces Discord to retrieve fresh copies.
- Use your file manager to open the system folder where application data is stored for your user account.
- Locate the Discord folder and delete cache subfolders and any temporary update directories you find.
- Restart Discord.
Why this works: Deleting cache and partial update data removes corrupted content that confuses the updater.
Install with the full installer manually
If the in-app updater cannot replace files a full installer can often succeed.
- Download the official Discord installer using your browser and run it.
- Follow the installer prompts to repair or replace the existing files.
Why this works: The manual installer runs outside the in-app updater and can overwrite files the updater could not.
Network and permission fixes for stubborn update loops
Check network connection and temporary services
A flaky internet connection or a VPN proxy can break the update. Test a different network such as a phone hotspot. If that fixes the problem you know it is network related. Disable VPNs or proxies before attempting the update.
Allow Discord through firewall and security software
Security software can prevent the updater from downloading or writing files. Add Discord to trusted programs or create an exception for its application folder in your security software. If you are uncomfortable changing settings temporarily disabling real time protection for a brief test can help identify whether the security software is the issue.
Use elevated privileges when needed
On many systems the updater needs permission to replace files. Run the installer or the application with elevated rights to allow file modifications. If you are unsure how to do that on your system I can provide step by step instructions based on your operating system.
Advanced fixes for technical users
Remove Discord completely then reinstall
A clean reinstall is often the most reliable way to fix persistent issues.
- Uninstall Discord through your system settings or package manager.
- After uninstall remove leftover application data and configuration folders for your user account.
- Reinstall using the official installer.
Why this works: This removes corrupted program files and forces a fresh installation.
Use system repair utilities and disk checks
Problems with the file system or missing system files can block installers. Run your operating system’s disk and system repair tools to check and fix errors. If repair tools report fixes try reinstalling Discord after the repairs complete.
Investigate conflicting applications
Applications that inject overlays record audio or hook into other programs may lock files and block updates. Temporarily disable overlays and recording tools and try the update again. If the update succeeds reenable those tools one at a time to find the conflict.
Platform specific hints
Windows
- Ensure there are no pending system restarts from system updates that might block installers.
- If you have user level restrictions make sure the installer can write to your user application folders.
macOS
- If the installer is blocked by security preferences allow apps from identified developers or approve the blocked action when prompted by the system.
- Use the system disk repair utility to check for disk errors if installation repeatedly fails.
Linux
- Use your distribution’s package manager or the official application package to reinstall.
- Check user level permissions for configuration directories and remove cache folders if needed.
How to read Discord logs to diagnose the update loop
Discord stores log files that often include the exact error message the updater produced. Open the most recent logs in the Discord data folder and search for keywords such as error failed update permission denied or network timeout. The log entries usually point directly to what is blocking the process. If you want you can share specific log lines and I will explain them and recommend next steps.
When to contact Discord support
If you exhaust local fixes contact official support and provide these details to speed diagnosis:
- Your exact operating system and version.
- A list of the steps you have already tried and their outcomes.
- Relevant lines from the most recent Discord log files.
- Screenshots of the update screen if possible.
Support can escalate unusual bugs that affect the updater itself.
Preventing future update loops
- Keep your operating system updated because system libraries can affect installers.
- Avoid using third party cleanup tools that remove updater files automatically.
- Allow Discord in your security software so future updates can run without interference.
- When possible install Discord using the official installer rather than third party copies.
Quick troubleshooting checklist you can copy
- Fully close Discord and end any background processes.
- Remove cache and temporary update files.
- Restart your device.
- Try a different network connection.
- Run the installer with administrative privileges.
- Allow Discord through your firewall and antivirus.
- Reinstall using the official installer.
- Run disk and system repair utilities.
- Inspect logs for specific error messages.
- Contact support if the issue persists.
Common causes recap and what each fix targets
- Corrupt cache or partial update content: remove cached and temporary update files.
- Permissions preventing file overwrite: run installer with elevated rights.
- Network or proxy interference: switch networks or disable proxies and VPNs.
- Security software blocking updates: add trusted exceptions or temporarily test by disabling.
- Conflicting software such as overlays: disable and test.
Real world troubleshooting example
You open Discord and it loops. After force quitting and clearing cache it still fails. You run the full installer and encounter an error related to file replacement. Starting the installer with administrative privileges allows it to finish and the app opens normally. In this case the updater lacked rights to overwrite files which the elevated installer fixed.
Extra tips for gamers and streamers
If you use overlays or streaming software remember these tools often inject into other apps and can hold files open. Update overlay tools and try disabling them temporarily while repairing Discord.
When voice or login break after an update attempt
If voice or login fails after a partial update clear cache and sign in again. Verify your audio device settings in the app and test with a private call. If problems persist look for voice related entries in logs which usually indicate which component failed.
How to approach the problem when you are not tech savvy
Follow these simple safe steps in order:
1 Close Discord fully then reopen.
2 Restart your device.
3 Remove cache and temporary update files using your file manager.
4 Run the official installer you downloaded.
5 Test a different network connection such as a phone hotspot.
6 If none of this works, ask for help and include log excerpts so a helper can read the exact error text.
If you want I can provide exact step by step GUI instructions tailored to your operating system.
Closing thoughts and offer to help directly
The discord update failed loop is frustrating but most cases resolve with methodical troubleshooting. Start with the simple steps and then try the deeper repairs.
If you want exact copy paste friendly commands or a fully tailored step by step GUI walkthrough tell me which operating system you use and whether you prefer graphical steps or command line instructions and I will provide them.
FAQ about discord update failed loop
Q What is discord update failed loop
A: The discord update failed loop is when Discord repeatedly attempts to install an update but fails and tries again resulting in being stuck on an updating screen.
Q Will reinstalling Discord delete my chats and servers
A: No your chats and servers are stored on Discord servers. Most account data returns after signing in again. Local custom settings may be lost so note any important local configurations first.
Q How do I clear Discord cache on Windows or other systems
A: Close Discord then open your file manager and navigate to the application data area for your user account. Find the Discord folder and remove cache and temporary update folders. Restart Discord.
Q Could my antivirus cause the update loop
A: Yes security software can block downloading or writing files. Add Discord to the trusted list in your security app or temporarily disable protection for a quick test.
Q What if the installer reports permission errors
A: Start the installer with administrative rights so it can replace files. If you are unsure how to perform that on your operating system tell me which system you use and I will provide step by step guidance.
Q Is it safe to remove the update folder in Discord files
A: Yes removing temporary update files and cache is safe and often recommended when the updater gets stuck because it clears partial downloads and corrupt files.
Q Can proxies or networks cause the update to fail
A: Yes proxies VPNs and restricted networks can block the updater. Try a different network or disable proxies and VPNs for the update.
Q After reinstall my voice does not work what should I do
A: Check audio device selection in the app update audio drivers and test with a private voice call. If issues remain clear cache and review logs for voice related errors.
Q How can I find Discord logs to show to support
A: Use your file manager to open the application data or configuration folder for Discord and look for a logs folder. Open the latest file and copy the relevant error lines when contacting support.
Q Does uninstalling and reinstalling usually fix the discord update failed loop
A: Yes in many cases a clean reinstall removes corrupted files and allows a fresh installation which typically resolves the loop unless an external factor such as network or security software blocks updates.
