Stuck in Discord's endless "Update Failed" retry loop? This frustrating error prevents you from accessing your account and using the app. Whether you're on Windows or Mac, this comprehensive guide provides proven solutions based on the latest fixes to resolve Discord update failures permanently.
Why Does Discord Get Stuck in Update Failed Loop?
Discord's "Update Failed" error occurs when the app cannot download or install updates properly. Common causes include:
- Corrupted update files in Discord's local cache
- Antivirus or firewall interference blocking update downloads
- Network connectivity issues or SSL/TLS certificate problems
- Insufficient disk space for update installation
- Registry conflicts or outdated installation files
- Outdated Windows or macOS version incompatible with Discord
The update loop becomes problematic because Discord automatically attempts to update on launch, trapping users in a cycle where they can't access the app until the update succeeds.
Quick Fix: Rename Update File (Works 70% of the Time)
This is the fastest solution and resolves most update issues:
- Close Discord completely — use Task Manager to ensure no background processes remain
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog
- Type
%localappdata%and press Enter - Navigate to the Discord folder
- Open the Update folder
- Right-click on "update.exe" and select Rename
- Add the word "repair" at the end:
update-repair.exe - Press Enter to confirm
- Launch Discord again — it will skip the corrupted update and attempt a fresh one
⚡ Pro Tip: If Discord launches successfully after this step, your issue is likely resolved. If not, proceed to Method 1.
Method 1: Clear Discord Cache and Update Files
This method completely removes corrupted cache files while preserving your login information:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Search for "Discord" in the process list
- Click on it and select "End Task"
- Press Windows Key + R and type
%appdata%\Discord - Delete the entire Discord folder here
- Open another Run dialog and type
%localappdata%\Discord - Delete this folder as well
- Restart your computer
- Download Discord fresh from Discord's official website
- Install and launch — Discord will download a clean update
Note: You'll need to log in again, but your account data remains intact on Discord's servers.
Method 2: End Discord in Task Manager
If Discord is stuck trying to update, force-close it properly:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously
- Search for "Discord" — you may see multiple processes
- Select each Discord process and click "End Task"
- Wait 10 seconds
- Relaunch Discord from your desktop or Start menu
- Allow it to update without interruption
Important: Don't force-restart your PC — use Task Manager to properly terminate processes. This prevents further file corruption.
Method 3: Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily
Security software often blocks Discord's update downloads. Temporarily disable protection:
- Windows Defender Users:
- Search for "Windows Defender Firewall" in Settings
- Click "Allow an app through firewall"
- Check if Discord is listed and enabled
- If not, click "Allow another app" and select Discord
- Third-Party Antivirus (Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, etc.):
- Temporarily disable real-time protection
- Open Discord and let it update completely
- Re-enable protection once update finishes
- If using a VPN, disconnect it during the update process
⚠️ Warning: Only disable protection temporarily during troubleshooting. Re-enable immediately after the update completes.
Method 4: Complete Discord Uninstall and Reinstall
This nuclear option works when all else fails:
- Open Settings → Apps → Installed Apps
- Search for "Discord"
- Click the three-dot menu and select "Uninstall"
- Confirm the uninstallation
- Manually delete remaining folders:
- Press Windows Key + R, type
%appdata%\Discord, delete folder - Press Windows Key + R, type
%localappdata%\Discord, delete folder
- Press Windows Key + R, type
- Restart your computer
- Visit Discord.com and download the latest installer
- Run the installer as administrator
- Allow automatic updates to complete
- Log in with your credentials
Method 5: Fix TLS/SSL Certificate Issues
Some users experience "Could not create SSL/TLS secure channel" errors. This advanced fix addresses that:
- Press Windows Key + R and type
regedit - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols - Right-click and create a new folder named "TLS 1.2"
- Inside, create a subfolder named "Server"
- Right-click in the Server folder and create a new DWORD (32-bit)
- Name it "Enabled" and set the value to "1"
- Restart your computer
- Try updating Discord again
⚠️ Registry Warning: Only modify the registry if comfortable with system files. Incorrect changes can cause system problems. Back up your registry first.
Windows-Specific Solutions
Run Discord as Administrator
- Right-click Discord shortcut on your desktop
- Select "Run as administrator"
- Allow the update to complete with elevated privileges
Check Disk Space
Discord needs at least 500 MB free space to update:
- Open File Explorer
- Right-click your C: drive and select "Properties"
- Check available space
- Delete unnecessary files if needed (temporary files, old downloads)
Update Windows
- Press Windows Key + I to open Settings
- Go to Update & Security
- Click "Check for updates"
- Install any pending updates and restart
- Try Discord update again
Mac-Specific Solutions
Clear Discord Cache on MacBook
- Open Finder → Go
- Navigate to ~/Library/Application Support/Discord
- Delete the Cache folder
- Restart your Mac
- Launch Discord and allow fresh update
Force Quit Discord
- Press Command + Option + Esc
- Select Discord from the list
- Click "Force Quit"
- Relaunch Discord
Update macOS
- Click Apple menu → System Preferences → Software Update
- Install any available updates
- Restart your Mac
- Try Discord update again
Prevention Tips for Future Discord Updates
- Keep Windows/macOS updated — older OS versions cause compatibility issues
- Maintain adequate disk space (at least 1 GB free)
- Don't interrupt updates — let Discord complete the process uninterrupted
- Whitelist Discord in antivirus to prevent blocking
- Disable VPNs during Discord updates
- Use a stable internet connection — avoid Wi-Fi drops during updates
- Keep Discord in a standard installation path — custom locations can cause issues
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the Discord update usually take?
A normal Discord update takes 2-5 minutes depending on your internet speed and file size. If it's been stuck for over 10 minutes, it's likely in an error loop and needs the fixes listed above.
Will I lose my messages if I uninstall Discord?
No. Discord stores all messages, settings, and data on their servers, not locally. Uninstalling only removes the application files. Your account data remains completely safe, and you'll see all messages when you log back in after reinstalling.
Is it safe to disable Windows Defender during Discord updates?
Temporarily disabling it is safe if you're only updating a legitimate app from Discord's official website. Always re-enable protection immediately after the update completes. Never disable antivirus for untrusted downloads.
What does the update-repair.exe renaming do?
Renaming the update file signals Discord to skip the corrupted update and download a fresh version instead. This often fixes the loop because Discord detects the file is "broken" and automatically repairs it on the next launch.
Can outdated Windows cause Discord update failures?
Yes. Older Windows versions may lack required security protocols or have outdated drivers. Keeping Windows and macOS updated is essential for Discord compatibility and should be your first troubleshooting step.
Should I contact Discord Support if these fixes don't work?
Yes. If you've tried all methods above with no success, contact Discord's official support with details about your OS, Discord version, and which fixes you attempted. They can investigate server-side issues or provide account-specific solutions.