Will deleting Discord cache remove my account or servers?

No. Deleting Discord cache does not delete your account, servers, friends, or messages. You may just need to sign in again if you remove all local app data.

Why does Discord keep updating every time I open it?

That usually means the updater cannot replace old files or save the new version correctly. Corrupted local files, a stuck background process, or security software blocking changes are common causes.

Should I use the website if the desktop app will not update?

Yes. The Discord web app is a good temporary workaround while you fix the desktop install. It will not solve the updater problem, but it lets you keep using Discord.

Can VPNs or proxies cause a Discord update loop?

They can. If Discord cannot reach its update servers reliably, the update may fail or restart repeatedly. Try a normal connection briefly to test whether the network path is part of the problem.

Guides/Apps

How to Fix Discord Update Loop Stuck Updating Forever

If Discord is trapped in an update loop, cached files or permissions may be the issue, and Kudu can help resolve it.

By the Kudu Team · Reviewed Oct 17, 2026

App cache cleaning

Clear caches for supported apps

Kudu’s cleaner includes rules for browsers, chat apps, launchers, and developer tools. Every item is listed for review before removal. Browse the catalog to see what is covered.

Download Kudu Free →How App cache cleaning works

What Causes This?

Discord usually gets stuck in an update loop when its local update files, app cache, or updater files become corrupted. On Windows, the updater may also fail if Discord is still running in the background, if security software blocks file changes, or if leftover files in AppData conflict with the current install. On macOS and Linux, the same problem is more often caused by a damaged app install, stale cache, or a package update that did not finish cleanly.

Common Symptoms

Discord shows Updating or a spinning update screen that never finishes
The app closes and reopens repeatedly without loading
Discord tries to update every time you launch it
You see an update failed message or a blank gray screen after restarting
Reinstalling Discord seems to help only for a short time

How to Fix It Manually

Fully close Discord
- On Windows, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager
- End Discord and any related processes such as Update.exe if present
- On macOS, open Activity Monitor, search for Discord, and quit it
- On Ubuntu or Fedora, close Discord, then run pkill Discord in Terminal if it is still stuck in the background
Delete Discord cache and updater files
- Windows: press Windows+R, enter %appdata%, open Discord, and delete Cache, Code Cache, and GPUCache if they exist
- Then open %localappdata% and check Discord for leftover updater files such as SquirrelTemp or old app version folders
- macOS: in Finder, use Go to Folder and open ~/Library/Application Support/discord/, then remove Cache, Code Cache, and GPUCache
- Linux: remove Discord cache from ~/.config/discord/ if that folder exists
Remove the old app install before reinstalling
- Windows: uninstall Discord from Settings > Apps > Installed apps, then delete leftover Discord folders from %localappdata% and %appdata% if they remain
- macOS: move Discord from Applications to the Trash, then remove its support folder in ~/Library/Application Support/discord/ if you want a clean reinstall
- Ubuntu/Fedora: remove Discord using the same method you installed it with, such as your package manager or software app, then install it again from the official source for your distro
Restart your computer
- Restarting clears locked files and any updater process still hanging in the background
Download a fresh copy of Discord
- Get the latest installer from Discord’s official download page
- On Linux, prefer your distro package, Flatpak, or the official package rather than mixing install methods
Install it normally, then open Discord
- On Windows, running the installer normally is usually enough; use Run as administrator only if a normal install fails with a permissions error
- On macOS, drag Discord to Applications if prompted
- On Linux, finish the package install and launch Discord from your apps menu
Check security software if the update still fails
- On Windows, open Windows Security and review Protection history for anything blocked around the time Discord tried to update
- If Controlled folder access is enabled under Virus & threat protection > Ransomware protection, allow Discord only if it is being blocked
- If you use third-party antivirus, pause it briefly and test the update, then turn protection back on
Try a clean boot on Windows if it still loops
- Press Windows+R, type msconfig, and press Enter
- On the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then disable the remaining non-Microsoft services temporarily
- Open Task Manager > Startup apps and disable non-essential startup items
- Restart, test Discord, and then re-enable items after testing

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can help with the cleanup part of this problem by scanning Discord cache and other leftover temporary files that may be interfering with updates. Its System Cleaner lets you review and remove supported app caches safely, and Performance Monitor can help you spot and end a stuck Discord or updater process before reinstalling.

Download Kudu Free →

Frequently asked questions

Will deleting Discord cache remove my account or servers?: No. Deleting Discord cache does not delete your account, servers, friends, or messages. You may just need to sign in again if you remove all local app data.
Why does Discord keep updating every time I open it?: That usually means the updater cannot replace old files or save the new version correctly. Corrupted local files, a stuck background process, or security software blocking changes are common causes.
Should I use the website if the desktop app will not update?: Yes. The Discord web app is a good temporary workaround while you fix the desktop install. It will not solve the updater problem, but it lets you keep using Discord.
Can VPNs or proxies cause a Discord update loop?: They can. If Discord cannot reach its update servers reliably, the update may fail or restart repeatedly. Try a normal connection briefly to test whether the network path is part of the problem.

App cache cleaning

Clear caches for supported apps

Kudu’s cleaner includes rules for browsers, chat apps, launchers, and developer tools. Every item is listed for review before removal. Browse the catalog to see what is covered.

Download Kudu Free →How App cache cleaning works

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