Fix Discord 'Update Failed' Loop (2025 Working Method)

Updated: 11/29/2025

It is the most iconic and annoying error in Discord history. You open the app, the little logo spins, and then it hits you: 'Update Failed - Retrying in X seconds'. It counts down, retries, and fails again. Forever. This usually happens because a specific update file inside your Local AppData folder has become corrupted or locked by your antivirus, preventing the new version from writing over it.

Table of Contents

The 'Rename' Trick (Fastest Fix)

This method forces Discord to ignore the corrupted file and download a fresh one. It works for about 80% of users instantly.

Step 1: Open AppData

Press Win + R on your keyboard, type the following, and hit Enter:

%localappdata%

Step 2: Rename the Update File

Open the Discord folder. Look for a file named Update.exe. Right-click it, select Rename, and change it to UpdateX.exe (or anything else). Try launching Discord again.

Method 2: The Full Clean Reinstall

If renaming didn't work, you need to purge the cached data. Uninstalling Discord normally DOES NOT remove these files, which is why the error comes back.

Step 1: Delete Local Data

Go back to %localappdata% and delete the entire Discord folder.

Step 2: Delete Roaming Data

Press Win + R again, type %appdata% (no 'local'), and delete the Discord folder there too.

Warning: This will reset your user settings and keybinds, but it guarantees a fresh start.

Method 3: Disable Real-Time Protection

Sometimes Windows Defender flags the new Update.exe as a false positive threat.

Temporarily turn off 'Real-time protection' in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection settings, run the update, and then turn it back on immediately.