Discord Stuck Checking for Updates | Steps to Fix it

This Discord Stuck while updating is a common “update loop” error. The app is likely struggling to handshake with the update server due to a corrupted cache file or a permission block.

Here is the step-by-step fix, ordered from the easiest to the most effective solutions.

1. The “Quick Fix” (Try this first)

Sometimes the update process just needs a “kick” to get moving.

• Run as Administrator (Windows):

  1. Close Discord completely (check your taskbar/system tray to make sure it’s not hiding there).

  2. Right-click the Discord shortcut on your desktop.

  3. Select Run as administrator.

• The Browser Trick (Mac/Windows):

  1. Open the Discord Desktop app and let it sit on the “Checking for updates” screen.

  2. Open your web browser and log in to the web version atdiscord.com/login.

  3. Sometimes, logging into the web version while the app is open forces the app to recognize your account and skip the update check.

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2. Clear the Corrupted Cache (Most Effective)

If the quick fix didn’t work, you likely have a corrupted update file stuck in your temporary folder. You need to delete it manually.

For Windows:

1. Close Discord completely (End task in Task Manager if needed).

2. Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.

3. Type %appdata% and hit Enter.

4. Find the discord folder and open it.

5. Locate the file named Update.exe (it might just say Update).

6. Rename it to UpdateX.exe (or just delete it).

7. Try opening Discord again. It will see the file is “missing” and force a fresh download of the update.

For Mac:

1. Quit Discord completely.

2. In Finder, choose Go > Go to Folder (or Shift+Cmd+G).

3. Type:~/Library/Application Support/discord

4. Delete the folders named Cache, Code Cache, and GPUCache.

5. Empty your Trash and restart Discord.

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3. Disable Proxy Settings

Sometimes Discord thinks you are using a proxy server that doesn’t exist, which blocks the connection.

• Windows: Press Windows Key, type “Proxy”, and open Proxy Settings. Ensure “Use a proxy server” is toggled OFF.

• Mac: Go to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > Proxies. Ensure all proxy protocols are unchecked.

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4. The “Nuclear” Reinstall

If none of the above work, you need to do a “clean” reinstall (uninstalling normally often leaves the broken files behind).

1. Uninstall Discord via the Control Panel (Windows) or by dragging to Trash (Mac).

2. Crucial Step: Repeat the steps in Section 2 (Clear Cache) to ensure the discord folder in %appdata% (Windows) or Application Support (Mac) is completely deleted.

3. Restart your computer.

4. Download the installer fresh from discord.com and reinstall.