Discord Stuck on Checking for Updates [Top Fixes for Update Issues]

Part 1. Why Discord Update Fails or Gets Stuck

As you are determined to resolve the discord stuck checking for updates issue, let's learn why this problem occurs and if the app installs updates automatically.

Does Discord Install Updates on Its Own?

Yes, Discord generally updates automatically, although it is determined by the device you are using. When opening it on Windows or Mac, the app will update itself automatically. In case there is an update, it checks and installs it, and then the main window is displayed. An updater screen might briefly appear, and Discord will restart with the new version without any input on your part.

On mobile devices, such as iPhone or Android devices, Discord does not automatically update within the app. Updates come from the App Store or Play Store, which can install them automatically if your device settings allow it.

Common Reasons Discord Update Fails or Gets Stuck

Having the update process clear, explore these 5 reasons, and learn why the discord stuck at checking for updates issue appears:

1. Unstable or Slow Internet Connection: Discord requires a stable, reliable internet connection to download updates. Hence, weak Wi‑Fi or drops can stop downloads and cause "checking for updates" or "update failed" loops.
2. Corrupted Update or Installation Files: Partial or damaged files in Discord's AppData folder can prevent new updates from applying. Additionally, the app may repeatedly retry the same failed update and cause the stuck update issue.
3. Lack of Required Permissions: On Windows, Discord needs administrator rights to replace or add necessary files. Therefore, without these permissions, updates can fail silently or show errors.
4. Firewall, Antivirus, or Software Conflicts: Security software or other programs can block Discord's internet access or lock its files. Thus, this prevents the app from downloading or writing the update.
5. Outdated or Problematic Discord Install: Old or broken Discord installations can conflict with the updater. As a result, this may cause installation loops or repeated "installation failed" messages.

Part 2. Resolve Discord Update Issues Quickly: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

To know how you can get out of the discord update failed loop, review the 7 given solutions:

Way 1: Restart Your Computer or Router

A computer restart can remove temporary application or system glitches, hanging processes, and network driver resets, and can reestablish a connection otherwise blocked by the updater. It also fixes slow or unstable connections or clears cached routing or DNS problems when putting the router back online. Hence, these steps give Discord a clean system and network to reach its update servers, and steps for restarting are given below:

Instructions: Within the "Start" menu, tap the "Power" icon and choose the "Restart" option. After it restarts, open Discord as usual and check whether the update proceeds.

Way 2: Run Discord with Administrator Permissions

For the discord failed to update issue, admin rights allowed the app to write to and replace files that Windows might otherwise block. Thus, this allows the updater to apply downloaded updates rather than fail silently. Additionally, it helps break the endless "checking for updates" loop by granting Discord the necessary access to complete installation. Once done via the given guide, it also bypasses security or UAC restrictions that prevent file changes.

Instructions: Close the Discord app completely, then locate Discord in the Start menu and select the "Run as Administrator" option. When prompted, press the "Yes" option on the popup menu to confirm.

Way 3: Temporarily Turn Off Windows Defender Antivirus

Once the discord failing to update indicator shows, this solution can be used to make the update complete and to know whether the antivirus is the cause of the issue. It also allows Discord to connect without any interruption to its servers. Thus, it is compatible with other solutions, like using Discord as an administrator or reinstalling the program. To find out how you can do that, review the outlined steps:

• Step 1. In the "Windows Security" app, locate the "Virus & Threat Protection" section to locate the "Virus & Threat Protection Settings" section. There, choose the "Manage Settings" option to access the new interface.

• Step 2. Turn off the "Real-Time Protection" option, then select "Yes" when prompted.

Way 4: Disable Any Proxy Server Settings

To fix the discord update stuck issue, turning the proxy off lets Discord connect directly and download updates without interference. A direct connection avoids delays, reduces errors, and often stops the update loop immediately. Hence, if the Discord works after disabling the proxy, you know the proxy was the problem. Thus, to turn it off, simple instructions are given ahead for guidance:

• Step 1. Go to the "Network & Internet" settings to choose the "VPN" option.

• Step 2. Here, disable the given VPN options under the "Advanced Settings For All VPN Connections" section.

Way 5: Delete Discord App Data and Cache

If the discord stuck on checking for updates issue persists, removing cache folders forces Discord to create fresh files and download a clean copy of the app and updater. It also resolves glitches or stale data that slow down startup or updates. Thus, this method works like a soft reset because it removes temporary files without affecting your account, servers, or messages, as guided below:

• Step 1. Upon pressing "Windows + R," type "%appdata%" and press the "Ok" option.

• Step 2. Locate the Discord folder and search for folders like "Cache, Code Cache, and GPUCache."

• Step 3. Right-click on each other and pick the "Delete" option.

Way 6: Rename the Discord Update File

Users who face the discord stuck checking for updates problem can rename the Discord update file. By changing the name of Update.exe, Discord ignores the damaged file and creates a fresh one on the next launch. However, doing this keeps the old file safe, so you can restore it if needed. Besides, the process is quick and simple and does not affect your account, servers, messages, or Windows settings, as guided:

• Step 1. Type "%localappdata%\Discord" as you press "Windows + R" and press the "Ok" option.

• Step 2. In the File Explorer, locate a folder like app-1.0.xxxx, and rename the Update.exe file.

Way 7: Reinstall the Discord App Completely

To get out of the discord update failed loop, uninstall the app and see if this works. This solution removes corrupted files, old executables, and bad settings that block the updater. So, when you download a fresh copy from the official website, you install the latest version with all the required files. This also resets hidden local settings that smaller fixes cannot reach, and is guided ahead:

• Step 1. In the "Apps" and "Installed Apps" settings, choose Discord and pick the "Uninstall" option.

• Step 2. After uninstalling, visit the official site at Discord to download the Windows installer.

Pro Tip: Fix iOS/Android Stuck Problems with Dr.Fone - System Repair

Other than computers, if you face the discord update stuck problem on phones, Dr.Fone - System Repair can help. For Android users, Dr.Fone - System Repair (Android) can cater to various Android system issues like black screen of death, boot loop, etc. Whereas Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) can deal with the 150+ iOS system issues in mere seconds.

Regardless of the tool one opts for based on needs, the tool guarantees a 100% success rate and zero data loss. Android users can get updates and repair solutions for Samsung, Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phones, with the option to access Download Mode for free on Samsung devices. On the contrary, iOS users can reset their iPhone without a passcode/iTunes/Finder, with no technical skills required.

Guide to Fix Android or iPhone System-Level Issues Using Dr.Fone

To know how you can get out of the discord update failed loop on iPhones, dive into the given detailed guide:

• Step 1. Access the System Repair Tool for iOS

  As you connect your iPhone to the computer, choose the "iOS System Repair" tool from the System Repair iOS tool. Here, you need to pick the "Standard Repair" mode to avoid data loss.

• Step 2. Access the Recovery Mode or Follow the Guide

  Following this, press the "Enter Recovery Mode" button or choose the "Guide" button to follow the on-screen instructions to access the Recovery Mode.

• Step 3. Choose to Download the iOS Firmware

  When the tool displays the iOS firmware, click the "Download" button to install it. As the installation ends, press the "Repair Now" button to let the tool fix the system-level issues.

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Part 3. Preventive Tips to Avoid Discord Update Failures

If you want to avoid the discord failing to update issue in the future, follow the given helpful tips and tricks:

Conclusion

To sum up, this guide has addressed the discord stuck on checking for updates issue with 7 possible solutions. Additionally, the reasons for this issue are discussed, along with 5 tips to avoid it again. However, if you encounter the update loop on mobile phones, using Dr.Fone - System Repair for Android and iOS is recommended due to its extensive device and repair support.

4,624,541 people have downloaded it