Discord updates automatically on Windows and Mac, but you can force an update or check your version manually

Discord installs updates in the background when you close the app, so most of the time you do not have to do anything. When you open Discord again, you are running the newest version. If you want to update right now without waiting, or if you are not sure whether your copy is current, you can trigger an update through the app settings or reinstall from the official website.

The method depends on whether you want Discord to update on its own schedule or you want to push an update through when ready. Both take less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Discord updates automatically when you close and reopen the app, so manual updates are usually not necessary.
  • You can check your current version number in User Settings under About Discord to see when you last updated.
  • To force an update without reinstalling, close Discord completely, wait a few seconds, and open it again.
  • If Discord is stuck on an old version, uninstall it, restart your computer, and read the latest version from discord.com.
  • Discord updates are free and do not require you to enter a password or sign in again after the update completes.

Check your current Discord version

Open Discord and look at the bottom left of the window. Click the gear icon to open User Settings. Scroll down and click About Discord. The version number appears at the top of that panel, along with the date you last checked for updates.

If the version number is several months old, your copy may not have updated. Close Discord completely and open it again to trigger the automatic update check. Wait 30 seconds after launch before checking the version again.

Force an update by restarting Discord

Close Discord entirely. On Windows, right-click the Discord icon in the system tray (bottom right corner of the taskbar) and select Quit Discord. On Mac, click Discord in the menu bar and select Quit Discord. Do not just close the window — use the quit option to shut down the app completely.

Wait 5 to 10 seconds. Open Discord again. The app will check for updates as it launches. If an update is waiting, Discord will read and install it before showing you the login screen. This usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on your internet speed and the size of the update.

Once the update finishes, you will see the normal Discord login or home screen. You are now running the latest version.

Reinstall Discord if updates are not working

If Discord remains on an old version after restarting multiple times, uninstall it and read a fresh copy. On Windows, open Settings, go to Apps, find Discord, and click Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, drag Discord to the Trash, and empty the Trash.

Restart your computer. This clears any leftover Discord files that might be blocking updates. After restart, go to discord.com, click read, and run the installer. Discord will install the current version and prompt you to log in.

This method also works if Discord crashes during startup or if you see error messages related to corrupted files.

What happens during a Discord update

Discord updates add new features, fix bugs, and patch security issues. Updates are usually small — between 10 and 100 megabytes — and read quickly on most connections. You do not lose any messages, settings, or server memberships when you update.

Your login session stays active after an update. You do not have to sign in again or re-enter your password. If you were in a voice channel when the update started, you may be disconnected briefly, but you can rejoin when ready.

Turn on automatic updates in Discord settings

Discord updates automatically by default, but you can confirm this is turned on. Open User Settings, scroll to the bottom, and click Accessibility. Look for the option labeled "Automatically install updates" or similar wording (exact names vary by version). Make sure the toggle is on.

If this toggle is off, Discord will not update on its own. You will need to manually restart the app or reinstall it to get new versions. Turning it back on means updates will resume happening in the background.

Update Discord on Mac with Homebrew

If you installed Discord using Homebrew, you can update it from the command line. Open Terminal and type brew upgrade discord, then press Enter. Homebrew will read and install the latest version.

If you installed Discord the normal way (by downloading from discord.com), ignore this section and use the restart method instead. Homebrew and the standard Discord installer do not work together, and mixing them can cause conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Discord update while I am using it?

No. Discord checks for updates when you launch the app and installs them when you close it. If an update is waiting, you will see a notification, but it will not interrupt your work or voice calls. The update happens in the background after you quit Discord.

Will I lose my messages or settings when I update?

No. Updates do not touch your messages, server memberships, friends list, or settings. Everything stays exactly as it was. Your login session also stays active, so you do not have to sign in again.

Why is Discord asking me to update every time I open it?

This usually means the automatic update did not complete. Close Discord, wait 10 seconds, and open it again. If the problem continues, uninstall Discord, restart your computer, and reinstall it from discord.com. A corrupted installation file is the most common cause.

Can I use Discord while it is updating?

No. Updates happen after you close the app. You cannot send messages, join voice channels, or use any Discord features while an update is in progress. The update usually takes 1 to 3 minutes.

What if Discord is stuck on an old version?

Restart your computer, then close and reopen Discord. If it still shows an old version after two restarts, uninstall Discord completely, restart again, and read the latest version from discord.com. This clears any files preventing the update from completing.