Discord updates itself every time it opens, so the simplest way to update Discord on Windows 11 is to close it completely and open it again. To check without restarting, right-click the Discord icon in the notification area near the clock and select Check for Updates, or press Ctrl + R while Discord is open. If an update downloads, Discord finishes installing it the next time it restarts.
Applies to: Windows 11 and the Discord desktop app. Checked against Discord Support on September 30, 2026.
There’s no update button in Discord’s settings and no separate installer to run. The updater is built into the app.
Method 1: Quit Discord and open it again
Selecting X on the Discord window usually just hides it, so make sure it’s fully closed.
- Select the ^ arrow next to the clock to show hidden icons.
- Right-click the Discord icon and select Quit Discord.
- Select Start, type Discord and open it.
Discord shows a small window while it checks for updates. If there’s an update, it downloads and installs it, and then opens as normal.
Method 2: Use Check for Updates in the notification area
- Select the ^ arrow next to the clock.
- Right-click the Discord icon.
- Select Check for Updates.
If an update is found, Discord downloads it and asks to restart, or installs it the next time you open the app.
Method 3: Press Ctrl + R
With the Discord window selected, press Ctrl + R. Discord reloads, and it checks for updates as it does. Updates that it finds are installed when Discord next restarts, so quit and reopen it (Method 1) to finish.
Ctrl + R is also a quick fix when Discord looks stuck or a server doesn’t load.
Check which version you have
- Open Discord and select User Settings, the gear icon next to your name.
- Scroll to the bottom of the list on the left.
Discord shows its version and build numbers there. If you contact Discord Support about a problem, include these numbers.
Update Discord automatically
You don’t need to do anything to keep Discord up to date. It checks for updates each time it opens. If you’ve stopped Discord from opening when Windows starts, it simply updates the next time you open it yourself. See how to stop Discord from opening on startup in Windows 11.
If Discord won’t update
If Discord keeps saying it’s checking for updates, shows Update failed, or restarts in a loop, try these steps in order.
- Check your internet connection. Open a website in your browser. If you use a VPN or proxy, turn it off and try again.
- Close every Discord process. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select Processes, select Discord, and select End task. Then open Discord again.
- Restart your PC. This clears anything left over from an interrupted update.
- Make sure you have free space. Discord needs room on your drive to download updates. See how to free up disk space in Windows 11.
- Reinstall Discord. Uninstall it from Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps (see how to uninstall a program in Windows 11), restart your PC, and then download the latest version from Discord’s official download page at discord.com/download. A fresh install is always the newest version.
Reinstalling doesn’t delete your account, servers or messages, which are stored online. You’ll need to sign in again, and a few app settings may go back to their defaults.
If you use Windows 11 through your work or school, your organization might block installing or updating apps. In that case, ask your IT administrator.
Clear Discord’s cache if updates keep failing
A damaged cache can stop Discord from finishing an update. To clear it:
- Quit Discord completely: right-click its icon in the notification area and select Quit Discord.
- Press Windows + R, type %AppData%\discord, and press Enter.
- Delete the Cache, Code Cache, and GPUCache folders.
- Open Discord again and let it check for updates.
This doesn’t sign you out or delete messages, which are stored on Discord’s servers.
Check whether Discord itself is having problems
Sometimes an update fails because Discord’s own servers are having trouble, not your PC. Discord posts outages and incidents on its official status page, discordstatus.com. If an incident is listed, wait until it’s resolved and then restart the app instead of reinstalling.
Try the test versions
Discord also offers two early-access builds: Discord PTB (Public Test Build) and Discord Canary. They get new features and fixes before the regular app and install alongside it with their own icons. Canary is the least stable, so use it only if you’re comfortable with occasional bugs.
Frequently asked questions
Does Discord update automatically?
Yes. It checks for updates every time it opens, and installs them before it finishes loading.
Can I turn off Discord updates?
No. Discord doesn’t have a setting to stop updates, and running an out-of-date version can stop features from working.
Do I need to update Discord on my phone separately?
Yes. The Windows app updates itself, but the phone app updates through the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android, like your other apps.
Will updating Discord reset my settings?
No. Your account settings, servers, and messages are stored online, and app settings such as keybinds and voice options stay on your PC through updates. Only a full uninstall that also deletes the AppData folders removes local settings.
Why does Discord update so often?
Discord releases small updates frequently. Most take only a few seconds to install.
Next steps
For more about the tool used in the fixes above, see how to open Task Manager in Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.