Discord Error update-failed: Update Failed Loop
This error typically occurs when corrupted discord update files in localappdata. Below you'll find 5 proven fixes to resolve it.
What Causes Discord Error update-failed?
Discord error update-failed (Update Failed Loop) can be triggered by several issues:
- Corrupted Discord update files in LocalAppData
- Antivirus quarantining Discord update components
- Insufficient user permissions to write update files
- Old update files stuck preventing new download
- Conflicting Discord installation (PTB and stable both installed)
How to Fix Discord Error update-failed — Step by Step
Delete the Discord LocalAppData folder
Press Win + R > type %localappdata% > find the Discord folder > delete it entirely. This removes all corrupted update files. Then download a fresh installer from discord.com.
Run Discord as Administrator
Right-click the Discord shortcut or Discord.exe > Run as administrator. Permission issues prevent the updater from writing files. If it updates successfully, right-click > Properties > Shortcut > Advanced > Always run as administrator.
Disable antivirus during update
Your antivirus may quarantine update files as they download. Temporarily disable it, launch Discord so it can update, then re-enable and add Discord to the exclusion list.
Clear the Temp folder
Press Win + R > type %temp% > select all files (Ctrl + A) > delete (skip any in use). Temp file accumulation can block Discord's updater from writing new files.
Install Discord PTB instead
Download Discord PTB (Public Test Build) from discord.com/download. PTB uses a separate installation path and often updates successfully when the stable version is stuck in a loop.
Still Getting Error update-failed?
IT Cares can diagnose and fix this error remotely — usually in under 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Discord get stuck in an update loop?
The updater downloads new files but cannot replace the old ones — usually because they are corrupted, locked by antivirus, or the process lacks write permissions.
Will I lose my Discord data if I delete the LocalAppData folder?
No. All messages, servers, and friends are stored on Discord's servers. Deleting the local folder only removes the app installation — your account is untouched.
Can I use Discord while it is stuck updating?
Yes. Open discord.com in any browser for full web access while you fix the desktop app.
Why does running as admin fix the update?
Discord's updater needs to write files to the installation directory. On some systems, standard user accounts lack write permission for that folder — admin rights bypass this.
How do I prevent this from happening again?
Add Discord to your antivirus exclusion list and ensure the LocalAppData folder has write permissions for your user account. Keep Windows updated to avoid permission regression bugs.
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