Discord Update Failed Error – Methods on How to Fix This Issue

Overview

Discord is a popular online chat service and voice over IP (VoIP) application that allows players to talk to one another in real time. This is a very convenient software for online gamers to communicate with their team mates, to make sure that strategic game plans are properly executed by the whole team to win the game.

However, you may have noticed that the “Discord update failed” error comes up when trying to use this app which prevents important Discord updates, I have experienced it myself and it’s pretty annoying, that is why I came up with this article which aims to help you fix this issue. We’re going over 8 methods to fix Discord update failed error, so read carefully and try them out!

8 Methods on How to Fix Discord Update Failed Error

Method 01: Restart Your Computer/PC

When we restart our PCs, it flushes out all the temporary files and caches that are stored in your RAM. These files may have been corrupted which could cause the error “Discord update failed loop.” Restarting should be the first thing you do if ever you encounter such an error!

If you are still experiencing the “Discord update failed loop” error after restarting your system, that is when it will be time to explore other solutions which we will discuss in detail here.

Method 02: Launch the Discord App with Administrator Level Privileges

Another method that you can try if restarting your PC does not solve the “Discord update failed loop” is to provide the Discord app administrative privilege.

Some apps and programs may require administrative privilege to access necessary resources in order to function properly, which is why there’s always a possibility that Discord needs them too when it needs to update.

To grant the Discord app access to administrative privileges, just follow the steps below

Step 1: Locate Discord app executable in your computer

Step 2: Right click on the Discord icon, then select “Run as Administrator”

Step 3: Open Discord and see if it solves the problem

Method 03: Disable Windows Defender or Other Installed Antivirus

Security software like Windows Defender, Avast and other third party antivirus programs might flag files that it considers threats. This is why your Antivirus could have blocked Discord from getting internet access which can be the reason for Discord update failed error.

If you are having trouble with Discord connecting to the internet, it may be because your antivirus is blocking access. To make sure that this isn’t an issue for you, try temporarily disabling or pausing your antivirus before trying again.

If you are using Windows Defender, you can follow the steps below to temporarily disable it

Step 1: Type “Windows Security” in the search bar

Step 2: Select the Virus and Threat Protection Tab

Step 3: Select the “Manage Settings” option

Step 4: Switch off the Real-time protection

Method 04: Try to Disable Your System’s Firewall

The firewall is another line of defense against viruses and other threats to your computer. Its function is to block certain apps and programs from connecting with the internet, which it deems as a threat that should not be allowed through. I know the firewall sometimes is going a bit overboard as I experienced it myself, with its intense blocking of applications to my internet connection that are neither threats nor malicious.

There is a possibility that the firewall is blocking the Discord app which causes the “Discord update failed error”, so in this method, we will try to temporarily disable our firewall to see if it will fix the issue

Step 1: Type control panel in the Windows search bar and press enter

Step 2: Choose the option System and Security

Step 3: Select Windows Defender Firewall

Step 4: Select “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” which is located on the left side of the panel

Step 5:  Select the radio button “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” for both Private and Public network settings then select Ok to save the settings.

Method 05. Rename the update.exe file in the Discord Folder

Renaming Discord update file is another fix for those pesky Discord Update Failed Error, as some users reported. The logic behind this method stems from the possibility that your desktop’s copy of the discord updater may become corrupted, so when you rename it to a new name, the Discord app may find it missing, so renaming it will force Discord to perform an automatic download from their server.

Just keep in mind that only around 10% of people are successful at fixing the “Discord update failed” error by using this technique, so it is up to you if you want to give this method a try

Step 1: Enter “ %localappdata% “ in the Windows search bar then press Enter.

Step 2: Inside the Local App Data folder, locate the Discord folder then double click it to access.

Step 3: Locate the file update.exe and rename it to any name you want

Step 4: Perform a Discord update to see if it fixed the problem

Method 06: Turn off your Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Your VPN settings might prevent Discord from connecting with the internet and you may experience an update error.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that allows people to browse securely online as these can mask your location and personal data from prying eyes, but when using one there’s always a chance it could cause some problems. For instance if your VPN has incompatible settings with the app itself then this can lead to possible errors like Discord Update loop that prevent the app to download updates.

To disable your VPN, follow the steps below

Step 1: Enter inetcpl.cpl in the Windows search command box then press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to the Connections tab and click it

Step 3: Select LAN settings

Step 4: Remove the check on the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” check box

Step 5: Press Ok and apply the changes.

Try to launch Discord and see if it updates now.

Note: If the check box on Step 4 is already unchecked beforehand, just disregard this method

Method 07: Try to Reinstall Discord app

If you’re still having issues with “Discord update failed” issue after trying all the six solutions above, it’s likely that reinstalling Discord will be your best bet. Reinstalling is pretty easy and can usually do a lot to fix any problems so don’t hesitate- just head over to discordapp.com/downloads/, download the latest discord version then install Discord on your PC or laptop, reboot if needed.

Method 08: Send a Ticket to Discord Technical Support

The Discord development team is always there to help, no matter how messed up your problem. For those of you who are still experiencing this issue with discord even after reading these seven methods above and trying them out for yourself, well I guess it’s time that we get in touch with the support team right away so they can offer their assistance on fixing any other problems you may be having!

After you have submitted a support ticket, it could take some time for the Discord support team to reply. Try not to worry and just be patient

Conclusion

The “Discord update failed” errors can happen for a variety of reasons. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to access the app, and all you see is an error message that doesn’t provide much information about what went wrong or how it could be fixed. We’ve provided eight simple solutions on this page in order to help fix the “Discord update fails” problems.

What fixes did you try? Did it work? Share your experience with us in the comments below.