10 Ways to Fix Discord Stuck on Checking for Updates on Windows/Mac

Are you among the many Discord users frustrated with being stuck on the 'Checking for Updates' screen? This issue can be particularly bothersome when you're excited to catch up with friends or dive into that long-awaited gaming session.

Rest assured, this guide is here to help. We've compiled a set of user-friendly solutions on both Windows and Mac platforms to get you back to chatting and gaming in no time, regardless of whether you're a tech novice or an experienced user.

What Causes Discord to Get Stuck on Updates?

Before we explore the solutions, let's understand why "Discord stuck on checking for updates on Mac or Windows PC" might be happening. Several factors could be causing this issue:

• 🌐 Network Issues: Poor internet connection can hinder Discord's ability to download updates.
• 📜 Corrupted Cache or Files: Over time, temporary files and caches can get corrupted, causing Discord to malfunction, including getting stuck on updates.
• 🔏 Permissions issue: Discord may get stuck on "checking for updates" when it does not have write permissions.
• 🚫 Software Conflicts: Other programs on your computer, like antivirus programs or firewalls, can interfere with Discord's ability to update itself.
• ⚠️ Outdated Software: Using outdated versions of Discord or your operating system can cause compatibility issues.
• 📥 Server-Side Problems: Occasionally, the issue might be on Discord's end, involving their servers.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Discord Stuck on Checking for Updates in Windows 10/11 and Mac

Now that you know why this issue might happen, let's learn how to fix it. Follow these steps one by one to see what works for you.

1. Check Your Network

Why is my Discord app stuck on the "checking for updates" screen? A network connection issue might be the culprit. Here's the Fix:

1. Restart Your Router: Turn it off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
2. Reconnect to Your Network: Disconnect from your Wi-Fi and reconnect to refresh the connection.
3. Opt for a Wired Connection: If possible, connect directly to your computer using an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.

2. View Discord Status

Discord occasionally performs maintenance and upgrades to keep its services running smoothly. If you update during this time, you may experience getting stuck here. To avoid this period, please click here to check Discord Status.

3. Disable or Enable a VPN

If you suspect network restrictions, closing or using a VPN can help bypass them and update Discord smooth

4. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can solve this issue. Here's how to fix Discord checking for updates loop:

Windows:

1. Click on the "Start" menu.
2. Select the "Power" button.
3. Click on "Restart."

Mac:

1. Click the "Apple" icon in the top menu of the screen.
2. Select "Restart" from the dropdown menu.

5. Clear Discord Cache

Corrupted or missing necessary cache files can also prevent Discord from updating. You can reload the issues by following the guides below to resolve them.

Windows:

1. Quit "Discord" app.
2. Press the "Win + R" keys to open the Run dialog.

3. Type "%appdata%" and hit Enter.
4. Navigate to the Discord folder.

5. Delete the "Cache," "Code Cache," "DawnCache," and "GPUCache" folders.
6. Restart Discord, then wait a few moments before attempting the update again.

Mac:

1. Open Finder and press "Cmd + Shift + G" to open the "Go to Folder" dialog.

2. Type "~/Library/Application Support/discord" and hit Enter.

3. Also, delete the above Discord cache folder and reopen the program.

6. Run Discord as Administrator (Windows Only)

For Discord, it cannot save any data on the hard disk if it does not have sufficient permissions. Therefore, you can try to grant write permissions to fix Discord is stuck on checking for updates in Windows 11/10:

1. Right-click on the Discord shortcut on your desktop.

2. Select "Run as Administrator."
3. Reopen this app again to try updating.

7. Run Compatibility Troubleshooter by Discord (Windows Only)

After the system update, is your Discord stuck on checking for updates? A compatibility issue may cause this. The solution is:

1. Find the "Discord" program icon on your desktop.
2. Right-click and select "Properties" and switch to the "Compatibility" tab.

3. Click "Run Compatibility Troubleshooter."

4. Select "Troubleshoot program" and follow the instructions to fix this error.

8. Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, security software settings can block Discord updates. To fix the Discord stuck on checking for updates on Mac/Windows, try temporarily turning off your security software by following these steps:

Windows 11/10:

For Antivirus

1. Click the "Win" key and select "Settings" in the menu that appears.

2. Navigate to "Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection."

3. Scroll down to find "Manage settings" and click on it.

4. Turn off "Real-time protection" and try updating again.

For Firewall:

1. Open the "Control Panel" and go to "System and Security."
2. Select "Windows Defender Firewall."
3. Click "Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off."

Mac:

1. Click "System Settings" in the Dock at the bottom of the screen.
2. Click "Network" in the left panel.

3. Click "Firewall" and turn it off.
4. Open "Discord" again and update.

9. Reinstall Discord

If the above steps don't work, a fresh installation might help.

Windows:

1. Open "Control Panel."
2. Navigate to Programs > Uninstall a Program.
3. Find Discord and click Uninstall.

Mac:

1. Open Finder.
2. Go to the Applications folder.
3. Drag Discord to the Trash.

After uninstalling, reinstall the latest version from the official Discord website.

10. Contact Discord Support

If you are still stuck on the "Checking for Updates" page after reinstalling, you can contact Discord's support team, who can provide further assistance.

How Can I Prevent Future Update Issues?

To minimize the chances of encountering Discord stuck on checking for updates in the future:

• ⚙️ Keep your operating system and drivers up to date.
• ✔️ Ensure your Network is stable and fast.
• 🧹 Regularly clean your Discord cache.
• 💢 Avoid using unstable or beta versions of Discord unless necessary.

Conclusion

Discord is a fantastic platform for communication and collaboration, but not updating can be a significant hindrance. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can fix Discord stuck on checking for updates on Windows/Mac, ensuring you always catch all the updates.

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