If Discord won’t download, quit all Discord tasks, clear leftover folders, restart, then reinstall from the official download page.
Stuck at a stalled installer or a missing download prompt? This guide lays out clean, step-by-step moves that fix the most common blockers on Windows, Mac, and Linux. You’ll also get quick checks for browser settings, storage space, and device rules that stop the Discord download before it starts. Work through the fast checklist first, then move into the deeper fixes by platform.
Fast Checks Before You Try A Reinstall
These quick moves solve many “stuck download” cases in minutes. Do them in order, then test the installer again.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No download prompt | Browser block or extension | Use the official download link, switch browser, or disable the blocker briefly. |
| Installer won’t open | Quarantined file or SmartScreen | Right-click the installer, choose Run as administrator, then allow once. |
| “Installation has failed” | Leftover Discord files | End Discord tasks, delete AppData and LocalAppData Discord folders, reboot. |
| Mac can’t move to Applications | App still running | Quit from Activity Monitor, drag to Applications, then eject the disk image. |
| Slow or stuck download | Network filter or DNS | Try another network, pause VPN, or change DNS to a public resolver. |
| Not compatible | Old OS version | Check system requirements, update OS, or use the web app in a pinch. |
Discord Not Downloading On Windows And Mac: Fixes
Most Windows and macOS download issues trace back to leftover files, a locked process, or device policies. A clean reinstall clears the slate. The steps below align with Discord’s own guidance and add a few safe extras when security tools get in the way.
Clean Reinstall On Windows
1) Quit Discord in the tray. Open Task Manager and end any Discord or Update processes. 2) Press Win+R, type %appdata%, delete the Discord folder. 3) In Win+R, type %localappdata%, delete the second Discord folder. 4) Reboot. 5) Download a fresh installer from the official page and run it as administrator. This sequence resolves the “Installation has failed” loop caused by cached components and Squirrel leftovers.
Extra Windows Checks
- Storage: Keep a few gigabytes free on the system drive.
- Policy blocks: On work or school machines, the installer may be blocked. Use the web app or ask the admin for a one-time allow.
- Security tools: If real-time protection flags the installer, add a temporary exception, install, then re-enable protection.
- SmartScreen: If you see the blue prompt, pick “More info” → “Run anyway” for the official installer only.
- Arm laptops: On Snapdragon PCs, use the newest build. If it still feels unstable, use the browser until a native build lands for your device.
Clean Reinstall On Mac
1) Quit Discord from the menu bar. 2) Open Activity Monitor and stop any Discord processes. 3) In Applications, drag Discord to the Trash. 4) Empty Trash. 5) Restart the Mac. 6) Download a fresh copy for macOS and drag it into Applications. If a “file in use” message appears, repeat the Activity Monitor step, then try again.
Extra Mac Checks
- Gatekeeper: If macOS shows a block prompt, open System Settings → Privacy & Security and allow the app.
- OS version: Discord requires macOS 11 or newer. Older systems should use the browser until the Mac is updated.
- Disk image steps: Open the
.dmg, drag the Discord icon into Applications, then eject the disk image before launching.
Linux Tips
Grab the build that matches your distro (deb, rpm, or tar.gz). If your package manager reports dependency errors, refresh the package lists and install required libraries. On locked-down machines, Snap or Flatpak builds can be easier to keep current. When a download stalls, switch mirrors or fetch the package from the official download page.
Why Discord Won’t Download In The First Place
Knowing the usual causes helps you pick the fastest fix. Here are the top culprits, paired with a proven remedy.
Common Causes And Straightforward Fixes
Browser blocks: Privacy extensions and strict download settings can stop installers. Turn the blocker off briefly, or try another browser. Leftover files: A previous install crash leaves folders in AppData or Application Support; delete them before retrying. Permissions: Standard accounts on managed devices can’t install apps; use an admin account or the web app. OS version: Out-of-date Windows or macOS fails the current build; update the OS to meet the listed requirements. Network filtering: Enterprise filters or DNS blocks may time out the download; test a hotspot. Disk space: Low space on the system drive stops the installer about halfway; free space and try again.
Step-By-Step: Fix The “Installation Has Failed” Error
This message on Windows usually points to cached files or a stuck updater. Work through this sequence once; it’s quick and clean.
- End Discord tasks in Task Manager.
- Delete
%AppData%\Discordand%LocalAppData%\Discord. - Reboot the PC.
- Right-click the installer and choose Run as administrator.
- Install, then sign in. If the error returns, repeat and also clear the
AppData\Local\SquirrelTempfolder.
On macOS, the matching fix is to close all Discord processes in Activity Monitor, remove the app from Applications, empty the Trash, restart, then reinstall. If the app won’t delete, the process is still open; end it and try again.
Download Sources You Can Trust
Always grab installers from the official website or the platform’s verified store. Avoid third-party mirrors. If a link came from a random forum, skip it. Use the browser’s address bar to confirm the domain before you click anything.
When Your Device Doesn’t Meet Requirements
Discord keeps current with supported operating systems. If your device runs an older release, the installer may refuse to run. Update Windows to 10 or newer, macOS to 11 or newer, or pick a recent Linux distro. If an update isn’t possible today, use the web app in your browser until you can move to a supported OS.
Second Table: Quick Recipes By Platform
| Platform | Clean Reinstall Recipe | If It Still Fails |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | End tasks → delete AppData and LocalAppData Discord folders → reboot → run installer as admin. | Clear SquirrelTemp, test another user account, or install via the Microsoft Store build. |
| macOS | Quit app → stop in Activity Monitor → drag to Trash → empty Trash → restart → reinstall from disk image. | Allow under Privacy & Security, update macOS, test a new admin user profile. |
| Linux | Download the matching package → install with package manager → relaunch. | Install required deps, switch to Snap/Flatpak, or run the web app until repos refresh. |
Safe Settings That Help The Download Finish
- Browser: Disable “block all downloads” rules for the session, then turn them back on.
- Network: Pause VPN or proxy, switch to a hotspot, then switch back once the installer lands.
- DNS: Use a public resolver if your ISP looks flaky during large downloads.
- Disk space: Keep headroom on the system drive for the installer and the first update pass.
Still Stuck? Practical Workarounds
If the desktop app can’t land today, you still have options for calls and chats. Use the web app in a current browser. On a locked-down laptop, ask for a temporary allow list entry that includes the download host and updater endpoints. If your Windows user profile looks corrupted, create a new local profile, install Discord there, then sign back into your main account after the app updates.
Final Pass: A Short Checklist
- Download from the official page only.
- Close Discord, remove leftover folders, reboot.
- Run the installer as admin on Windows.
- On Mac, stop the app in Activity Monitor before deletion.
- Meet the current OS requirements.
- Re-enable security tools after the install finishes.
Helpful references inside this guide: the Windows installer help page and Discord’s system requirements. Use them when you need exact folder paths or OS support details.
Windows installer errors · system requirements · macOS install errors