How to Fix Discord stuck on checking for updates

Discord is a popular messaging and voice chat platform used by millions around the world. However, it can sometimes get stuck on the "checking for updates" screen, leaving users frustrated. Don't worry! In this guide, we will walk you through some friendly troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue.

Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software temporarily

One of the potential causes of Discord getting stuck on the "checking for updates" screen is overprotective firewall or antivirus software interfering with the update process. These programs may mistakenly identify Discord's update files as potentially harmful and block them. To overcome this issue, you can temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software and try updating Discord again. Here's how:

1. Locate the firewall or antivirus software on your computer.

2. Access its settings or control panel.

3. Look for options to temporarily disable or turn off the software.

4. Save the changes and close the settings.

Once you've disabled the firewall or antivirus software, relaunch Discord and check if the update process completes successfully.

Ensure Discord Servers are not Down

Before troubleshooting further, it's crucial to rule out any temporary server outages on Discord's end. While it's a rare occurrence, server issues can prevent Discord from updating properly, resulting in the "checking for updates" screen. To check if Discord servers are facing any problems, you can visit the official Discord status page or search online for any reported server outages.

If there are any reported server issues, you'll need to wait until Discord resolves them. Usually, server-related problems are resolved quickly, and you should be able to update Discord once the servers are back up.

Change DNS Settings

Network-related issues can also cause Discord to get stuck on the update screen. DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing your computer to access websites and services. Sometimes, changing your DNS settings can resolve connectivity issues and help with Discord updates. You can try using a different DNS server, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1). Here's how to change your DNS settings:

1. Open the Control Panel on your computer.

2. Navigate to "Network and Internet" or "Network and Sharing Center."

3. Click on "Change adapter settings" on the left-hand side.

4. Right-click on your active network connection and select "Properties."

5. In the Properties window, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on "Properties."

6. Choose the option to "Use the following DNS server addresses."

7. Enter the preferred DNS server address (e.g., 8.8.8.8) and alternate DNS server address (e.g., 8.8.4.4) provided by your chosen DNS service.

8. Click "OK" to save the changes.

After changing your DNS settings, restart Discord and see if the update process completes successfully.

Uninstall and Reinstall Discord

If none of the above methods work, uninstalling and reinstalling Discord might solve the problem. Sometimes, the issue could be with the installation files or configurations, and a clean installation can help resolve it. Follow these steps for a clean installation of Discord:

1. Uninstall Discord from your computer through the Control Panel or Applications folder.

2. After uninstalling, navigate to the installation directory (usually located in "C:\Program Files" or "C:\Program Files (x86)") and delete any leftover files or folders related to Discord.

3. Go to the official Discord website (https://discord.com) and download the latest version of Discord.

4. Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts to install Discord on your computer.

Once the installation is complete, launch Discord and check if it updates successfully without getting stuck on the "checking for updates" screen.

Contact Discord Support

If all else fails and you're still experiencing issues with updating Discord, it's time to reach out for further assistance. Discord's support team is dedicated to providing personalized help and guidance to resolve such problems. Here's how you can contact Discord support:

1. Visit the Discord support website (https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us).

2. Search for any relevant articles or troubleshooting guides related to the "checking for updates" issue.

3. If you can't find a solution, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Contact Support."

4. Fill out the support form with detailed information about the issue you're facing.

5. Submit the form and wait for a response from Discord's support team.

By reaching out to Discord's support team, you'll receive expert assistance tailored to your specific problem.

Getting stuck on the "checking for updates" screen in Discord can be frustrating, but with these friendly troubleshooting steps, you should be able to fix the issue. Remember to temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software, check Discord server status, change DNS settings if needed, and consider uninstalling and reinstalling Discord. If all else fails, don't hesitate to contact Discord's support team for further assistance. Happy chatting!