How To Update Discord on Windows 11 A Step by Step Guide

By / October 21, 2025

Discord has become the go-to app for gamers, creators, and communities around the world — but like any software, it needs regular updates to stay fast, secure, and bug-free. Whether you use it for chatting with friends or managing a gaming server, keeping Discord up to date ensures you get access to the latest features and security fixes.

In this article, you’ll learn how to update Discord on Windows 11 — step by step — using legitimate methods that work every time. We’ll also cover troubleshooting tips, auto-update settings, and what to do when Discord fails to update properly.

What is Discord and why should you keep it updated?

Discord is a free communication platform designed for text, voice, and video chats. It’s used by gamers, communities, and even professionals for collaboration.

Keeping Discord updated ensures you:

  • Get access to new features (like improved video quality or server tools).

  • Stay protected from security vulnerabilities.

  • Fix bugs and performance issues.

  • Maintain compatibility with Windows 11 updates.

In short, updating Discord = a smoother, safer, and better-connected experience.

2. How Discord updates work on Windows 11

Discord includes a built-in auto-update system. Every time you launch the app, it automatically checks Discord’s servers for a newer version. If an update is available, it downloads and installs it before opening the app.

However, sometimes this auto-update fails due to network issues, corrupted files, or blocked permissions. That’s when manual updating or reinstalling helps.

3. How to check your current Discord version

Steps:

  1. Open Discord.

  2. Click the Settings (⚙️) icon next to your username at the bottom-left.

  3. Scroll to the bottom of the sidebar and select About Discord.

  4. You’ll see the current version number listed under the Discord logo.

If your version is older than the latest one listed on discord.com/download, you should update.

4. Method 1: Update Discord automatically (default method)

This is the easiest and most common way.

Steps:

  1. Close Discord completely:

    • Right-click the Discord icon in the system tray (bottom-right of taskbar).

    • Choose Quit Discord.

  2. Reopen Discord from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

  3. You’ll briefly see “Checking for updates” before the app opens.

If an update is found, Discord downloads and installs it automatically — no manual steps required.

✅ Tip: You can press Ctrl + R inside Discord to refresh and force an update check.

5. Method 2: Manually update Discord via restart

If automatic updates aren’t working, you can manually trigger one.

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Locate Discord in the Processes tab.

  3. Right-click it → choose End Task.

  4. Open Start → Discord.

  5. The app should display “Checking for updates” and install any pending updates.

If it still doesn’t update, proceed to reinstall.

6. Method 3: Reinstall Discord to get the latest version

Reinstalling Discord installs the newest version directly from the official site.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I → Apps → Installed apps.

  2. Scroll down to Discord → click ⋯ (three dots) → select Uninstall.

  3. Confirm the uninstallation.

  4. Visit https://discord.com/download.

  5. Click Download for Windows.

  6. Run the downloaded DiscordSetup.exe file and let it install.

This guarantees you have the most recent version — and it also fixes broken update loops.

7. Method 4: Update using the Discord web app (temporary access)

If your desktop app isn’t working, you can still use Discord through your browser.

Steps:

  1. Go to https://discord.com/app.

  2. Sign in with your Discord credentials.

  3. You’ll have full access while you troubleshoot or reinstall the desktop version.

This doesn’t update your desktop app, but it keeps you connected while fixing issues.

8. How to enable automatic startup and updates in Discord

Discord can start automatically with Windows 11, ensuring updates run at login.

Steps:

  1. Open Discord → click the Settings (⚙️) icon.

  2. Scroll down to Windows Settings.

  3. Toggle on Open Discord when your computer starts.

Now, every time you boot your PC, Discord will check for updates in the background.

9. How to fix Discord stuck on “Checking for updates”

If Discord freezes on the “Checking for updates” screen:

Fix 1: Run as Administrator

  1. Right-click the Discord shortcut → choose Run as administrator.

  2. This bypasses permission restrictions.

Fix 2: Delete the Update Cache

  1. Press Win + R, type:

    %localappdata%\Discord

  2. Delete the folder named Update.

  3. Restart Discord — it will redownload fresh update files.

Fix 3: Check Firewall or Antivirus

Ensure your firewall isn’t blocking Discord’s updater. Temporarily disable it and retry.

10. How to fix Discord update failed error

If you see “Update Failed – Retrying in X seconds”, try these solutions:

  1. Run Discord as Administrator.

  2. Delete the update cache (see above).

  3. Check your internet connection.

  4. Reinstall Discord using the latest setup file.

  5. Disable VPN or proxy, which can block update servers.

If all else fails, manually reinstall — it’s the most reliable fix.

11. How to clear Discord cache for smoother updates

Over time, Discord’s cache can slow down updates or cause weird behavior.

Steps:

  1. Close Discord completely.

  2. Press Win + R, type:

    %appdata%\Discord\Cache

  3. Delete all files in the Cache folder.

  4. Restart Discord.

You can also clear Local Storage and Code Cache folders for a deeper cleanup.

12. Common reasons Discord fails to update

Cause Description Fix
Poor internet connection Interrupted download Reconnect Wi-Fi or switch to LAN
Limited user permissions Updater needs admin rights Run Discord as administrator
Firewall blocking updates Windows Defender or antivirus blocking files Allow Discord in firewall
Corrupted cache Old update files conflicting Delete %localappdata%\Discord\Update
Outdated Windows version Compatibility issues Install latest Windows 11 updates

13. Security benefits of updating Discord regularly

Updating Discord isn’t just about new emojis or interface tweaks — it also:

  • Fixes security vulnerabilities hackers could exploit.

  • Improves encryption and privacy for chats and calls.

  • Keeps integration compatibility (Spotify, YouTube, Xbox).

  • Reduces the risk of malicious injection attacks in old builds.

Simply put — keeping Discord current protects your account and your conversations.

14. Pro tips for managing Discord versions on multiple PCs

If you use Discord across several computers:

  • Always log out and restart after major updates.

  • Keep auto-start enabled for hands-free updates.

  • Avoid using old portable builds — use the official installer instead.

  • Sync update schedules by launching Discord at least once per week.

15. Conclusion — keep your Discord fresh and secure

Now you know exactly how to update Discord on Windows 11 — whether through automatic updates, manual restarts, or reinstalling the latest version.

Regular updates help you:

  • Stay connected with fewer bugs.

  • Get new features faster.

  • Keep your system safe and stable.

If your updates ever fail, remember: delete the cache, reinstall, or simply run as administrator — it fixes most problems instantly.

Keep your Discord up to date, and you’ll always enjoy the best experience possible!

16. FAQs

Q1: How do I force Discord to update?
A1: Close the app completely, then reopen it. You can also press Ctrl + R to force a manual update check.

Q2: Why is Discord not updating automatically?
A2: It might be blocked by antivirus software, missing admin rights, or corrupted cache files. Run as administrator and delete %localappdata%\Discord\Update.

Q3: Does Discord update itself automatically?
A3: Yes. Every time you open it, Discord automatically checks for updates and installs them silently.

Q4: Can I update Discord without reinstalling it?
A4: Yes, just restart the app. Reinstalling is only necessary if the update fails repeatedly.

Q5: Is it safe to download Discord updates from other websites?
A5: No — only download from discord.com/download. Third-party sources may include malware.

17. Summary: key takeaways

  • Default update method: Close and reopen Discord — it checks for updates automatically.

  • Manual fix: Press Ctrl + R or restart as Administrator.

  • Reinstall from official site if updates fail.

  • Delete cache folders to fix corrupted updates.

  • Never download from unofficial sites.

Keeping Discord updated on Windows 11 is quick, safe, and essential for the best experience. Whether you’re managing a server, gaming with friends, or streaming, just remember — an updated Discord is a smoother, safer Discord.

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