The short answer
- 1No reaction usually means a copy of Telegram is already running in the background.
- 2A window that closes at once points to the install, security software or graphics.
- 3Reinstalling keeps your chats; never send anyone your tdata folder.
In this article
Nothing happens, or it closes at once
Two different problems look alike. If clicking the icon does nothing, a copy of Telegram is usually already running in the background. If a window flashes and closes, the installation or something on the computer is getting in the way. Go through these in order:
- Look for a running copy. On Windows, check the hidden icons next to the clock (the ^ arrow) for the Telegram icon and click it. If no window appears, open Task Manager with Ctrl+Shift+Esc, select Telegram and choose End task, then start it again. On a Mac, use Force Quit from the Apple menu.
- Restart the computer. A pending system update can hold files Telegram needs.
- Reinstall the official version from desktop.telegram.org, over the top of the old one. If you have both the store version and the downloaded version installed, keep only one.
- Check your security software. Look for a notice that it quarantined or blocked Telegram. See antivirus blocking Telegram.
- Check the graphics. A window that opens white, black or garbled points to a graphics problem; see a blank or garbled window.
An installer that will not run
If the problem is the installer itself, Windows may report that the setup files are corrupted. That means the download was cut short. Delete the file and download it again from the official page.
- The setup files are corrupted - the download was cut short; delete it and download again
Reproduced with a copy of the official installer cut short on purpose. On a non-English Windows the box title and OK button appear in your system language.
If Telegram opens but says it cannot update, or the update check fails, it cannot reach Telegram's servers. That is a connection problem, not a broken install; see the app won't update.
- Update check failed :( - Telegram could not reach its update server
- Connection type - here it never connects
- Check for updates - try again once the connection is back
Reproduced by pointing the app at a proxy that does not exist; the same message appears when the internet or a firewall blocks Telegram.
Reinstalling does not lose your chats
Your chats are stored in Telegram's cloud. Removing and reinstalling Telegram Desktop only removes the copy on this computer; when you log in again, they come back. Secret chats are not affected because Telegram Desktop does not have them. Before reinstalling, make sure you can log in again: keep your phone nearby for the code or QR login, and know your Two-Step Verification password if you set one.
Next step: the mobile app won't update, or warns your version is too old.
FAQ
Why won't Telegram Desktop open?
Often a copy is already running in the background. End it in Task Manager and start Telegram again.
Will I lose my chats if I reinstall Telegram Desktop?
No. Chats are in the cloud and return when you log in again.
What does 'The setup files are corrupted' mean?
The installer download was cut short. Delete it and download it again.
Sources
At a glance
- 1Running copy
Tray icon, or end it in Task Manager.
- 2Reinstall
Official version from desktop.telegram.org; only one copy.
- 3Then
Antivirus quarantine, graphics settings.
Updated
