🚫 Fix: Discord Update Failed Error [Easy Guide]

Discord is an extremely popular communication platform for gamers, communities, and professionals alike. However, many users encounter the frustrating Discord Update Failed error, which prevents the app from launching properly.

In most cases, Discord gets stuck in a failed update loop, making it impossible to use the application without troubleshooting.

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, you’ll learn simple, step-by-step methods to resolve the Discord update error and get the app running again in no time.

Let’s get started with the top solutions for fixing the Discord update loop issue.

🛠️ How to Fix the Discord Update Failed Error

🔧 Method 1: Run Discord as Administrator

One of the simplest ways to resolve the Discord Update Failed error is by running Discord with administrator permissions. This grants the app the necessary rights to download and install updates on your system.

⚠️ Note: Your Windows user account must have administrator privileges. If not, you’ll need the admin password to proceed.

✅ Steps to Run Discord as Administrator:

• Click on the Search bar in your Windows 10 taskbar (or press Windows + S on your keyboard).
• Type “Discord” into the search field.

• In the search results (under Best Match), right-click on the Discord app.
• Select Run as administrator from the context menu.

• When prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow Discord to run with elevated permissions.

🔧 Method 2: Rename the Update.exe File

Some users have reported that the Discord Update Failed error is linked to a corrupted or malfunctioning Update.exe file. Renaming this file can help bypass the issue and force Discord to update properly.

✅ How to Rename Discord’s Update.exe File:

• Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• Paste the following path (replace Username with your actual Windows username): C:\Users\Username\AppData 💡 Tip: If you don’t know your username, open File Explorer and navigate to:
  This PC → C: → Users → [Your Username] → AppData

• Open the Local folder.
• Inside, find and open the Discord folder.
• Locate the file named Update.exe.
• Right-click on Update.exe and choose Rename.

• Rename it to: UpdateX.exe ⚠️ Important: The file name is case-sensitive, so make sure it’s typed exactly as shown.

• Press Enter to save the change.

🔧 Method 3: Disable Windows Defender Temporarily

In some cases, Windows Defender—Windows 10’s built-in antivirus—may interfere with Discord’s update process, causing the app to get stuck in an update loop. Temporarily disabling real-time protection can help you bypass the Discord Update Failed error.

✅ How to Disable Windows Defender on Windows 10:

• Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, or click the gear icon in the Start menu.

• Click on Update & Security.

• In the left-hand menu, go to Windows Security, then click on Virus & threat protection.
• Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.

• Toggle Real-time protection to Off. ⚠️ This will temporarily disable Windows Defender until you turn it back on manually.

Now, run Discord again, preferably by right-clicking the app and selecting “Run as administrator” (refer to Method 1). If the update completes successfully, Windows Defender was likely blocking the update process.

💡 Reminder: After the update is complete, don’t forget to re-enable Windows Defender to keep your system protected.

🔧 Method 4: Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus

Sometimes, antivirus software can interfere with your internet connection or block applications, causing errors like the Discord Update Failed issue. To troubleshoot, you can temporarily disable your antivirus to check if it’s the cause of the problem.

⚠️ Important Warning: Disabling your antivirus is not recommended for extended periods, as it leaves your system vulnerable to threats. Only proceed if you’re aware of the risks and have a backup of your system in place.

✅ How to Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus:

• Right-click on an empty area in your taskbar and choose Task Manager.
• If Task Manager opens in compact mode, click on the “More details” button to expand it.
• Switch to the Startup tab by clicking the tab at the top of the window.
• Find your antivirus application in the list and select it by clicking on it.

• Click on the Disable button at the bottom-right corner of the window. This will stop the antivirus from launching automatically when you restart your computer.
• Restart your computer.
• Once your PC reboots, open Discord to see if the error persists. If the update succeeds, your antivirus is likely the cause of the issue.

🔧 Method 5: Reinstall Discord and Clear App Data

If none of the previous solutions have worked, the final method is to reinstall Discord and clear any residual app data. This ensures that you’re starting with a clean installation, which can resolve any deeper issues that might be preventing Discord from updating.

✅ How to Reinstall Discord and Clear App Data:

• Uninstall Discord:
  • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, or click the gear icon from your Start menu.
  • Click on the Apps tab.

In the list of installed programs, find Discord (you can use the search bar or sort by name).

Click on Discord and choose the Uninstall option.

Confirm the uninstallation by clicking Uninstall again.

• Delete Residual Files:
  • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “%appdata%” (without quotes) and click OK. This will open the AppData folder in File Explorer.

Locate the Discord folder and right-click on it.

Select Delete to remove any leftover files.

• Download the Latest Version of Discord:
  • Head over to the official Discord website.
  • Click the Download for Windows button to get the latest version of the application.

• Install Discord:
  • Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts to install Discord on your computer.

Once Discord is reinstalled, try launching the app again. The update error should now be resolved.

💭 Final Thoughts

If you’re still experiencing issues after following these methods, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team, available 24/7 to provide assistance. We’re here to help resolve any problems you may encounter with Discord or other technical issues.

Be sure to return to our site for more informative articles, tips, and guides on productivity and the latest trends in modern technology!

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