Seeing Discord error 50012 pop up during install or update can stop everything right away. You expect the app to open, but instead it fails before you even reach the login screen. That can feel annoying, especially when you just want to chat or join a server.
This article explains what the error means, where it appears, why it happens, how to fix it, and how to keep it from coming back.
What Is Discord Error 50012?
Discord error 50012 is an installation or update failure. It means the installer cannot write or access required files on your system.
You usually see this error during a fresh install, while updating Discord, or when launching Discord after an update. It often appears as a small installer message or a stalled setup window. On Windows 10 and Windows 11, the issue is commonly tied to permissions, blocked folders, or leftover files from older installs rather than Discord servers being down.
Common Causes of Discord Error 50012
This error can happen for several reasons, depending on how Discord is installed and how Windows handles permissions. Below are the most common causes to check.
- Missing administrator permissions during installation
- Corrupted Discord update or installer files
- Blocked access to Local AppData or Roaming AppData folders
- Antivirus or firewall stopping file creation
- Discord processes still running in the background
- Damaged user account permissions in Windows
- Leftover files from a previous Discord install
How to Fix Discord Error 50012?
In most cases, Discord error 50012 is fixable without advanced tools. However, the fix depends on whether the problem comes from permissions, background processes, or corrupted files. Start with the simpler solutions first, then move on if the error still appears.
Fix #1: Run the Discord Installer as Administrator
Discord often needs permission to write files inside system folders. Running the installer as administrator allows it to complete setup properly.
Follow these easy instructions to run it with admin rights.
- Close the Discord installer
- Right-click the Discord setup file
- Select Run as administrator
- Click Yes when prompted
- Wait for the installation to continue
Fix #2: End All Discord Processes
Sometimes Discord is still running in the background, even when it looks closed. These hidden processes can block updates and trigger error 50012, so stopping them helps clear the conflict.
Here are the following steps which help you close all Discord processes.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Look for Discord in the Processes list
- Select Discord and click End task
- Repeat for any other Discord entries
- Close Task Manager and retry the installer
Fix #3: Delete Discord AppData Folders
Corrupted files inside AppData often cause repeat installation failures. Removing these folders forces Discord to rebuild fresh files on the next install.
You can perform the following steps to delete Discord AppData safely.
- Press Windows + R and type %appdata%
- Delete the Discord folder
- Press Windows + R again and type %localappdata%
- Delete the Discord folder there
- Restart your PC
Fix #4: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily
Security software sometimes blocks Discord installers by mistake. This can stop files from being written and cause error 50012 during setup.
If you try this, turn off antivirus or firewall protection briefly, install Discord, then enable protection again right after the install finishes.
Fix #5: Reinstall Discord Cleanly
If nothing else works, a clean reinstall usually fixes error 50012. This removes broken files and resets the installation process.
Perform the following steps carefully to reinstall Discord.
- Uninstall Discord from Apps and Features
- Delete remaining Discord folders in AppData
- Restart your computer
- Download the latest installer from Discord’s official site
- Run the installer as administrator
Prevention Tips to Avoid Discord Error 50012 in the Future
Prevention saves time and avoids repeated install failures. A few small habits can keep Discord updates smooth.
- Always install or update Discord as administrator
- Close Discord fully before updating
- Avoid force-closing the installer
- Add Discord to antivirus exclusions
- Restart Windows before reinstalling
- Keep Windows updates installed
- Avoid running multiple installers at once
Conclusion
In summary, Discord error 50012 usually means the installer cannot access required folders or files on your system. Permission issues, blocked AppData folders, or leftover files are the most common reasons.
Try each fix step by step and apply the prevention tips to avoid future problems. If the error still appears after all fixes, contacting Discord support with installer logs is the best next step. If this guide helped you, feel free to share it or leave a comment about which fix worked for you.