Discord updates itself automatically on Windows 11, usually every time you open it. But if you keep Discord running for days, updates can pile up, and sometimes the updater gets stuck in a loop. This guide shows how to check for updates manually, force a refresh, and fix Discord when an update fails.
Quick Answer
Click the ^ arrow on the taskbar to show hidden icons, right-click the Discord icon, and choose Check for Updates. Or, with Discord open, press Ctrl + R to reload it and pick up any pending update.
Method 1: Check for Updates from the System Tray
- Click the ^ (Show hidden icons) arrow near the clock on the taskbar.
- Right-click the Discord icon.
- Click Check for Updates.
- If an update is available, Discord downloads it and restarts. You might see a small green download arrow in the top-right corner of the Discord window; click it to install.
Method 2: Refresh Discord with Ctrl + R
With the Discord window active, press Ctrl + R. Discord reloads its interface and applies downloaded updates. It’s quick and doesn’t sign you out.
Method 3: Restart Discord Completely
- Right-click the Discord tray icon and choose Quit Discord. Closing the window with the X only minimizes it to the tray.
- Open Discord again from the Start menu. It checks for updates as it launches.
If Discord won’t quit, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), select Discord, and click End task.
Method 4: Reinstall the Latest Version
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Discord, click the three dots, and choose Uninstall.
- Press Windows + R, type
%appdata%, and delete the discord folder. Repeat with%localappdata%. This removes cached files and the updater. - Download the latest installer from discord.com/download and run it.
- Sign in again. Your servers and messages are stored online, so nothing is lost.
Fix Discord Stuck on “Checking for Updates” or an Update Loop
- Check your connection: make sure you’re online and that a VPN or proxy isn’t blocking Discord. Try turning the VPN off.
- Run as administrator: right-click Discord in Start and choose Run as administrator.
- Rename the updater: in
%localappdata%\Discord, rename Update.exe to UpdateX.exe, then open Discord from Discord.exe in the newest app- folder. (Rename it back afterward, or reinstall to restore auto-updates.) - Allow Discord through antivirus and the firewall: security software sometimes blocks the updater.
- Clear the cache: quit Discord and delete the Cache, Code Cache, and GPUCache folders in
%appdata%\discord. See our guide to clearing Discord’s cache. - Reinstall: use Method 4 if nothing else works.
Discord PTB and Canary
Discord also offers test builds: PTB (Public Test Build) and Canary (alpha). They get new features earlier but can be less stable. They install separately and update the same way. Most people should stay on the regular Stable version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Discord update automatically?
Yes. It checks for updates when it starts and periodically while running.
How do I see my Discord version?
Open User Settings (gear icon) and scroll to the bottom of the left menu. The version and build number are listed there.
Can I stop Discord from updating?
Not in the regular app. Discord requires the current version to connect.
Summary
- Right-click the Discord tray icon and choose Check for Updates.
- Or press Ctrl + R in Discord to reload.
- Quit and reopen Discord to trigger an update on launch.
- Reinstall from discord.com if an update keeps failing.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.