If you’re encountering issues like Discord not opening, Discord not working, or Discord not updating on Windows 10, you’re not alone. Many users face similar problems, such as Discord crashing, Discord being down, or Discord update failures.
These issues can be frustrating, especially if you’re relying on Discord for daily communication. However, don’t rush into deleting Discord just yet—many users have had similar thoughts, but the good news is that most of these errors are fixable.
This article will walk you through how to resolve Discord issues on Windows, including fixes for Discord not opening, Discord being down, stuck updates, lagging, infinite loops, installation errors, and other common Discord problems.
With the rise of remote work and communication, it’s crucial that every application you use to stay connected works flawlessly. With over 250 million users, Discord has become an essential tool for many, offering direct messaging, video calls, and voice chats.
However, some users encounter issues when trying to open Discord on Windows 10, such as Discord getting stuck, not appearing on screen, or running only in the background.
In this article, we’ll guide you through effective solutions to fix Discord not opening, ensuring that you can get back to using it without any interruptions.
What is Discord? Is Discord Safe?
Discord is a free, versatile application designed for online communication, positioning itself as a strong competitor to apps like Skype and TeamSpeak. It offers an array of features that many other free apps do not, making it a popular choice for both casual users and businesses.
Key Features of Discord:
- Private text chat
- Public and private servers
- Audio and video calls
- Live streaming and screen sharing
- File sharing and embedding media
- Affordable premium service to enhance free features
- Built-in DDoS protection
Whether you’re setting up a remote work server for your business or just looking to hang out with friends, Discord is an application for everyone. However, issues like Discord not opening or getting stuck during launch can be frustrating.
After its 2021 rebrand, Discord emphasized its accessibility for all users, whether for work or for exploring communities and making new friends. Discord’s built-in protection sets it apart from other communication apps. With DDoS protection, security bots, two-factor authentication, and safe direct messaging, Discord ensures a secure experience.
While Discord is a safe app, it’s important to remember that you may encounter misleading or harmful content on public servers, just like on any online platform. Fortunately, most servers have active moderation teams to quickly remove any dangerous material.
Why is Discord Not Opening on Windows 10?
There can be multiple reasons why Discord is not opening or gets stuck on the Windows 10 screen. While not all causes are known, several common issues can help pinpoint where the problem lies. Here are the most common reasons why Discord won’t open on your PC:
1. Discord is Blocked by Another Program
Often, another application, especially an antivirus program, may block Discord from launching properly. Ensure your security software is not preventing Discord from running.
2. Discord is Down
Though rare, Discord might be down due to a temporary outage. You can check the real-time status by searching “Is Discord down?” or using a down detector tool.
3. A Game is Running on Your Device
If a game is already running, Discord’s in-game overlay may cause conflicts, preventing the app from opening. Make sure to close the game before trying to launch Discord.
4. Damaged or Missing Files
Corrupted or missing Discord files can prevent the app from launching. In such cases, you will need to restore or reinstall Discord to resolve the issue.
5. Windows-Related Issues
Common Windows errors like insufficient storage space, high CPU usage, or a poor internet connection can interfere with Discord. Make sure your system is optimized and check your hardware.
While these are some of the most frequent causes, the troubleshooting steps below can help resolve Discord not opening in case of unique problems. Let’s dive into the solutions!
Discord Won’t Load on Windows? General Fixes
If Discord is not opening, stuck on updating, or showing a grey screen, you can try a quick fix before diving into more technical solutions.
1. Use the Web Version of Discord
Some users have found success by logging into the web version of Discord at discord.com. This can help reset the app session. After logging in with your credentials, try launching the app on your PC again, and it should work properly.
2. Ensure Your System is Up to Date
Check if your Windows operating system is up to date. Installing the latest updates can resolve compatibility issues that might be affecting Discord.
3. Reinstall Discord
If the above steps don’t work, uninstalling and reinstalling the app can resolve corrupted files or settings causing the issue.
If these quick fixes don’t resolve the Discord not opening issue, don’t worry! We’ve outlined 7 more methods below to help you get Discord back up and running.
How to Fix Discord Not Working or Stuck on Checking for Updates
When Discord isn’t working or is stuck on checking for updates on Windows, many of the troubleshooting methods have similar solutions. We’ve compiled a list of steps specifically for Windows 10 users to help resolve these issues.
Don’t worry—your Discord account and all related data, including servers, profile pictures, friends list, and Nitro subscriptions, will remain intact. However, some settings, such as appearance customizations, may revert to their default settings.
Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure there is no Discord outage. You can check the Discord server status using a down detector website or refer to the Discord Status page for real-time updates.
Method 1: Clear the Local AppData to Fix Discord Not Opening
Sometimes, Discord’s cache files in the AppData folder can cause issues if there’s not enough storage. To fix this, you can clear the cache:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run utility.
- Type %appdata% and press Enter. This will open the AppData folder in File Explorer.
- Locate the Discord folder, right-click on it, and select Delete.
- Restart your PC and check if Discord opens properly.
If this doesn’t fix the Discord not opening issue, don’t worry—continue with the next troubleshooting step!
Method 2: Launch Discord from Its Installation Location
If Discord is not opening, some users have found that launching the app directly from its installation folder resolves the issue. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open File Explorer on your PC.
- Navigate to the following folder:
C:\ProgramData%user%\Discord
Note: Replace%user%with your local account username.
- Find the discord.exe file and double-click it to launch the app.
If that doesn’t work, right-click on discord.exe and select Run as Administrator to try launching Discord with administrative permissions.
This method often bypasses issues caused by normal shortcuts or settings. If it doesn’t resolve the problem, proceed with other troubleshooting steps.
Method 3: Close Discord Using Command Prompt
If Discord seems to be running but is stuck or won’t open, you can try killing the process and restarting the app. This can be done easily using Command Prompt.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch Command Prompt with administrative permissions.
- Enter the following command and press Enter:
taskkill /F /IM discord.exe
- Close the Command Prompt window.
- Try reopening Discord to see if the issue is resolved.
This method helps force close Discord if it’s running in the background and not responding properly. If the problem persists, move on to the next solution.
Method 4: Stop Discord Using Task Manager
If Discord is stuck or not opening properly, you can try ending its process through Task Manager, which is a quick and easy method for many users.
- Right-click on any empty space in your taskbar, then select Task Manager from the context menu.
- If Task Manager opens in compact view, click on the More details button at the bottom left.
- In the Apps section, locate and select Discord.
- Click the End Task button to stop the process.
- Close Task Manager and try reopening Discord.
This method can help stop Discord from running improperly and allow you to relaunch it successfully. If the issue persists, proceed with additional troubleshooting steps.
Method 5: Run the System File Checker (SFC Scan)
If Discord is not opening due to corrupted system files, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) to automatically fix these issues. Here’s how to run an SFC scan:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run utility.
- Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch Command Prompt with administrative permissions.
- If prompted, click Yes to allow the Command Prompt to make changes to your device.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- Wait for the SFC scan to complete. This may take some time, so be patient and don’t close the Command Prompt or shut down your computer during the process.
- Once the scan is finished, restart your device and check if Discord opens properly.
Running the SFC scan can help resolve issues caused by corrupted system files, allowing Discord to function correctly.
Method 6: Close Background Applications
If Discord is not opening, closing unnecessary background applications might help resolve the issue. Here’s how to manage background apps:
- Open the Settings application by pressing Windows + I or clicking the gear icon in your Start menu.
- Select the Privacy tab.
- In the side menu, choose Background apps.
- Toggle off the Let apps run in the background option.
- Restart your computer and check if Discord opens properly.
This method can help free up system resources and prevent conflicts that may be preventing Discord from launching.
Method 7: Manually update or reinstall Discord
If none of the above methods works, you may want to apply a Discord update or reinstate the application manually.
You can download it by navigating to the Download Discord page in your browser, and choosing the appropriate version for your system.
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