Fix: Discord Not Updating

Discord’s team of developers is constantly releasing bug fixes, new features, and various other updates to improve the user experience.

Users are receiving higher-quality voice communication, optimized streaming, more intuitive UI, and other upgrades with each update.

However, if your Discord isn’t updated, you can’t enjoy any of the new features. Updates can sometimes fail, leaving you stuck with an older version.

Here are a few fixes you should try to ensure you have the latest version of Discord.

Fix 1: Use The Dedicated Update Option

To install an update on Discord, the user usually only has to restart the application. However, this doesn’t always work.

Thankfully, the Discord team has added a dedicated button that forces the application to update! You can find the button in the top right corner, to the right of the search bar.

When you press it, the application will immediately close and relaunch itself, forcing the update.

But, if you cannot spot the update symbol, attempt remedy number two.

Fix 2: Run As Administrator

Some programs have trouble running properly without being assigned the necessary administrator privileges. As a result, those programs often cause trouble when installing or updating them.

This could be the reason that Discord is not updating on your computer. Here is what you need to do to give it admin rights:

1. Right-click the Discord icon from your Desktop or Start Menu
2. Select Run As Administrator and confirm your choice

Discord should now commence and update itself.

Fix 3: Temporarily Disable Anti-Virus Protection

Anti-virus software on your computer can override your decisions, even when your user account has administrator/owner rights. This ensures that the anti-virus software can protect you from dangerous files, even when you grant programs admin permissions.

However, the anti-virus isn’t always right and can detect false positives while attempting to protect you. For example, it can flag legitimate files and programs (such as Discord) as a virus or malware.

Your AV software could be preventing Discord from updating, meaning you will need to disable it temporarily. Here is how you can do that on Windows Defender (the default and most common Windows anti-virus):

1. Open Windows Security through the Start Menu
2. Open Virus & Threat protection and then go into Virus & Threat protection settings.
3. Disable Real-Time Protection and then run Discord (preferably as Administrator)

If this resolves your problem, remember to enable anti-virus immediately after. Don’t leave your computer vulnerable for too long!

If this does not resolve your problem, you might need to resort to a more aggressive fix.

Fix 4: Reinstall Discord

When facing these issues, it’s typically wise to simply reinstall the program. It can be a bit inconvenient, but it’s quick and your settings and user details will remain unaffected. Moreover, Discord will automatically log you back in following the reinstallation.

1. Search for Discord in the Start Menu, right-click the icon and select Uninstall
2. Once the Programs and Features window opens, find Discord and press Uninstall again.
3. Go to Discord’s website and select Download for Windows
4. Complete the setup steps

After reinstalling the app, you should have the latest version on your computer.

There aren’t many alternative methods to resolve this issue, so one of the two solutions should help you get your Discord up to date!