Discord JavaScript Error in Main Process: 11 Ways to Fix It

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Quick Fix

Delete the Discord cache folder at %AppData%\Discord\Cache and restart Discord to fix the JavaScript error in most cases.

Getting a “JavaScript error occurred in the main process” when trying to open Discord is incredibly frustrating. I’ve dealt with this error multiple times, and it always seems to pop up at the worst moments. The good news is there are several reliable fixes. Here’s what actually works.

Why This Happens

The Discord JavaScript error occurs when the app’s core processes fail to initialize properly. This typically happens due to corrupted cache files, incomplete updates, or conflicts with other software. Sometimes antivirus programs interfere with Discord’s JavaScript engine, triggering this error.

Windows updates can also cause compatibility issues that lead to this problem. The error prevents Discord from launching entirely, leaving you stuck at the error message.

How to Fix Discord JavaScript Error – 11 Solutions

1. Delete Discord Cache and AppData

Corrupted cache files are the most common cause of this error. Clearing them forces Discord to rebuild from scratch.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
  2. Type %appdata% and press Enter
  3. Find and delete the Discord folder
  4. Press Windows + R again and type %localappdata%
  5. Find and delete the Discord folder here too
  6. Restart your computer
  7. Reinstall Discord from discord.com

Why this works: Removing all cached data eliminates any corrupted files that prevent Discord from starting.

2. Run Discord as Administrator

Insufficient permissions can block Discord’s JavaScript processes from running correctly.

  1. Right-click on the Discord shortcut or executable
  2. Select “Run as administrator”
  3. Click Yes when prompted by User Account Control
  4. Check if Discord opens normally

Why this works: Administrator privileges give Discord full access to system resources it needs.

3. Disable Discord from Startup

Sometimes Discord conflicts with itself when trying to start automatically with Windows.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
  2. Click on the Startup tab
  3. Find Discord in the list
  4. Right-click and select Disable
  5. Restart your computer
  6. Launch Discord manually

Why this works: Manual launching avoids timing conflicts during Windows startup.

4. Update Discord Manually

A failed auto-update often causes JavaScript errors. Installing the latest version manually can fix this.

  1. Open your browser and go to discord.com
  2. Click Download for Windows
  3. Run the installer
  4. Let it overwrite the existing installation
  5. Launch Discord when installation completes

Why this works: A fresh installation replaces any corrupted update files.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Outdated Windows components can cause compatibility issues with Discord’s JavaScript engine.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
  2. Go to Windows Update
  3. Click Check for updates
  4. Install any available updates
  5. Restart your computer
  6. Try launching Discord again

Why this works: Windows updates include fixes for JavaScript runtime issues.

6. Temporarily Disable Antivirus

Some antivirus programs incorrectly flag Discord’s JavaScript processes as suspicious.

  1. Right-click your antivirus icon in the system tray
  2. Select the option to disable protection temporarily
  3. Try launching Discord
  4. If it works, add Discord to your antivirus exclusion list
  5. Re-enable your antivirus protection

Why this works: Antivirus interference is a common cause of JavaScript errors in apps.

7. Reinstall Discord Completely

A complete uninstall and reinstall ensures all Discord files are fresh.

  1. Press Windows + R and type appwiz.cpl
  2. Find Discord in the list and uninstall it
  3. Delete remaining folders in %appdata% and %localappdata%
  4. Download the latest Discord from discord.com
  5. Install Discord with a fresh copy

Why this works: This eliminates all potentially corrupted files from previous installations.

8. Install Visual C++ Redistributable

Discord requires Visual C++ components that may be missing or outdated on your system.

  1. Go to Microsoft’s official Visual C++ download page
  2. Download the latest Visual C++ Redistributable (x64)
  3. Run the installer and complete installation
  4. Restart your computer
  5. Try launching Discord again

Why this works: Visual C++ provides runtime components that Discord’s JavaScript engine depends on.

9. Check Quality Windows Audio Video Experience Service

Discord relies on this Windows service for its audio and video features.

  1. Press Windows + R and type services.msc
  2. Find “Quality Windows Audio Video Experience” in the list
  3. Double-click it and set Startup type to Automatic
  4. Click Start if the service isn’t running
  5. Click Apply and OK
  6. Try launching Discord

Why this works: This service is required for Discord’s communication features to initialize properly.

10. Use Discord PTB or Canary

If the main Discord client has issues, try an alternative version.

  1. Go to discord.com
  2. Scroll to the bottom and find Discord PTB (Public Test Build) or Discord Canary
  3. Download and install the alternative version
  4. Log in with your credentials

Why this works: Alternative builds may not have the same bug affecting the stable release.

11. Perform a Clean Boot

Third-party software might be conflicting with Discord’s processes.

  1. Press Windows + R and type msconfig
  2. Go to the Services tab
  3. Check “Hide all Microsoft services”
  4. Click Disable all
  5. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager
  6. Disable all startup items
  7. Restart your computer and try Discord

Why this works: A clean boot eliminates software conflicts that may cause the JavaScript error.

If Nothing Works

If all solutions fail, contact Discord support at support.discord.com. Provide the error message details and list the fixes you’ve tried. You can also try using Discord in your web browser at discord.com/app as a temporary workaround while troubleshooting.

FAQ

Why does Discord JavaScript error happen after Windows update?

Windows updates can change system files and security settings that Discord relies on. The update may have modified Visual C++ components or Windows services that Discord’s JavaScript engine needs. Reinstalling Discord after major Windows updates usually fixes this.

Can I use Discord web while fixing the app?

Yes, Discord works fully in your web browser at discord.com/app. You can join calls, send messages, and access all features while troubleshooting the desktop app. This is a great temporary solution.

Will I lose my Discord data if I delete AppData folders?

No, your Discord account data including servers, messages, and friends are stored on Discord’s servers. Deleting local AppData only removes cached files and settings. You’ll need to log in again, but all your data remains intact.

Wrapping Up

The Discord JavaScript error is usually fixed by deleting the cache folders and reinstalling Discord. For most users, clearing the AppData folders solves the problem immediately. If that doesn’t work, try the Visual C++ reinstall or running Discord as administrator. Good luck getting back to your servers!

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