How to Fix Discord Stuck on Checking for Updates?

Discord is a platform where you can chat with friends, join voice channels, share your screen, manage your server, and talk with people in different communities. But sometimes when you open Discord, it does not open and stays on the “Checking for updates” screen.

This issue is annoying because you cannot check your messages, join calls, or use your Discord server. It can happen for many reasons like weak internet, Discord server issue, corrupted cache, firewall block, VPN, proxy, DNS problem, or broken Discord files.

This easy guide will help you to fix Discord stuck on checking for updates by providing simple steps. It will also tell you what this issue means, why it happens, and how you can avoid it in future.

What Does Discord Stuck on Checking for Updates Mean?

Discord stuck on checking for updates means Discord is trying to check new update files but it is not completing the process. Normally when you open Discord, it checks updates first and then opens your account, servers, messages, and voice channels.

But when this update checking process is blocked, Discord stays on the same screen. You may see this issue on Windows or Mac. It can also appear after reinstalling Discord, changing Wi-Fi, using VPN, or after a failed Discord update.

Common Causes of  Discord Stuck on Checking for Updates

Discord can stuck on checking for updates for many reasons. Here are some common and possible reasons behind this issue.

• Weak internet connection: Discord needs stable internet to connect with its update servers. If your Wi-Fi, router, or modem is slow then Discord may not open properly.
• Discord server problem: Sometimes Discord servers are down or slow. In this case the problem is not from your device.
• Corrupted cache files: Discord stores temporary files on your computer. If these files become damaged then Discord may stuck while checking updates.
• Firewall or antivirus block: Windows Firewall, antivirus, or any security software can block Discord update files.
• VPN or proxy issue: If you are using VPN or proxy then Discord connection may become unstable and update checking may fail.
• DNS problem: A bad DNS server or old DNS cache can stop Discord from connecting with its update service.
• Broken Discord installation: If Discord files are missing or damaged then Discord can keep checking for updates again and again.

How to Fix Discord Stuck on Checking for Updates?

Fixing Discord stuck on checking for updates is not a big issue but it can be difficult for beginners or those users who do not know Windows or Mac settings very well.

If you follow the given methods one by one then you can easily find the reason and fix Discord. Here are the fixes you need to perform.

Fix #1: Restart Discord Completely

Restarting Discord is the first and simple method. Sometimes you close Discord but it still runs in the background. Due to this, the update process may stuck and Discord does not move forward.

Here are the steps you need to perform:

• Close Discord from the screen.
• Right click on the taskbar if you are using Windows.
• Open Task Manager.
• Find Discord in the running apps list.
• Click on End Task.
• Open Discord again.

If you are using Mac then open Activity Monitor, find Discord, and quit it from there. After this open Discord again and check if it passes the checking for updates screen.

Fix #2: Check Your Internet Connection

Discord needs internet to check updates. If your internet is weak or not working properly then Discord cannot connect with its update servers.

Follow these steps:

• Open any website in your browser.
• Check if the website is opening fast or slow.
• Restart your router or modem.
• Turn off Wi-Fi and turn it on again.
• Try another Wi-Fi connection if possible.
• You can also use mobile hotspot for testing.
• Open Discord again.

If Discord works on mobile hotspot then your first internet connection has some issue. It can be router, DNS, ISP, school network, office network, or any network restriction.

Fix #3: Check Discord Server Status

Sometimes your internet is working fine but Discord itself has a server problem. In this case, your app may stay on checking for updates because Discord servers are not responding properly.

You can check the official Discord status page from your browser. If there is any outage or service problem then you cannot fix it from your side. You need to wait until Discord fixes the issue.

This problem can affect login, messages, voice channels, servers, and the update screen. So if many users are facing the same issue at the same time then it is mostly a Discord server problem.

Fix #4: Run Discord as Administrator

Sometimes Discord needs permission to update its files. If Windows does not give that permission then Discord may stuck on checking for updates.

Here are the steps:

• Close Discord completely.
• Go to the Discord shortcut on your desktop.
• Right click on Discord.
• Click on Run as administrator.
• Click Yes if Windows asks for permission.
• Wait and check if Discord opens.

If Discord opens after this method then the issue was related to permission. You can use this method when Discord does not update properly on Windows.

Fix #5: Clear Discord Cache

Discord cache helps the app to load faster. But sometimes these cache files become corrupted. When this happens, Discord may not load update files properly and can stay stuck on checking for updates.

Here are the steps for Windows:

• Close Discord from Task Manager.
• Press Windows + R from your keyboard.
• Type %appdata% and press Enter.
• Find and open the Discord folder.
• Delete the Cache folder.
• Delete the Code Cache folder.
• Delete the GPUCache folder.
• Restart your computer.
• Open Discord again.

If you are using Mac then open Finder and go to this location:

~/Library/Application Support/discord

After opening this folder, delete cache folders if you find them. Do not worry because clearing Discord cache does not delete your account, servers, friends, messages, or voice channels.

Fix #6: Turn Off VPN or Proxy

VPN and proxy can also cause this issue. They change your internet route and sometimes Discord cannot connect with its update servers.

Follow these steps:

• Turn off your VPN app.
• Open your computer network settings.
• Check if any proxy setting is turned on.
• Turn off proxy if you do not need it.
• Restart Discord.
• Try to open Discord again.

If Discord opens after turning off VPN then your VPN server was causing the problem. You can use another VPN location later, but first allow Discord to update on normal internet.

Fix #7: Allow Discord Through Firewall or Antivirus

Firewall and antivirus are used to protect your computer but sometimes they block safe apps also. If Discord update files are blocked then Discord can stuck on checking for updates.

Here are the steps for Windows:

• Open Windows Security.
• Go to Firewall & network protection.
• Click on Allow an app through firewall.
• Find Discord in the list.
• Allow Discord on private network.
• Allow Discord on public network also if needed.
• Save the settings.
• Restart Discord.

If you are using another antivirus then open its settings and check blocked apps. If Discord is blocked there then remove it from the blocked list or add it in allowed apps.

Fix #8: Reinstall Discord

If all methods do not work then Discord files may be damaged. Reinstalling Discord can fix broken update files and give you a fresh setup.

Here are the steps:

• Close Discord completely.
• Open Settings or Control Panel on your computer.
• Uninstall Discord.
• Restart your computer.
• Go to the official Discord website.
• Download Discord again.
• Install Discord on your device.
• Open Discord and login again.

If you are using Windows and the issue still appears then you may need to delete leftover Discord folders from AppData. But do this carefully and delete only Discord folders, not other app folders.

Should I Reinstall Discord?

Yes, you can reinstall Discord if other fixes do not work. Reinstalling is useful when Discord files are damaged, missing, or stuck in an update loop.

But before reinstalling, first try simple methods like restarting Discord, checking internet, clearing cache, turning off VPN, and checking firewall.

How to Avoid Discord Stuck on Checking for Updates in Future?

You cannot stop every Discord issue but you can reduce this problem by following some simple tips.

• Keep Discord updated and do not close it while it is updating.
• Keep Windows or Mac updated.
• Use stable Wi-Fi or wired internet.
• Restart your router sometimes when internet becomes slow.
• Avoid unknown VPN and proxy services.
• Allow Discord through firewall and antivirus.
• Clear Discord cache when the app becomes slow or buggy.
• Download Discord only from the official Discord website or trusted app store.

Conclusion

Discord stuck on checking for updates means Discord is unable to finish its update check. This issue can happen because of weak internet, Discord server issue, corrupted cache, firewall block, antivirus, VPN, proxy, DNS problem, or damaged Discord installation.

Start with easy methods first. Restart Discord, check your internet, check Discord server status, and clear cache. If these methods do not work then allow Discord through firewall or reinstall Discord.

If Discord still does not open then use Discord web for some time or contact Discord support. Also, if this guide helped you then share it with others and comment which method worked for you. It can help other users who are facing the same Discord update issue.

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rizwanrkiff

With 7+ years in SEO and blogging, I optimize reputable websites for better rankings. I’m passionate about creating detailed guides, especially in gaming and IT.

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