Anki launcher hangs at "Checking for updates"

[pringprong]

I am trying to install the latest version of Anki but nothing is happening. I have uninstalled the old Anki. I deleted all of my local copy of my notes and media. I have installed and uninstalled the launcher itself multiple times. I restarted my computer. I tried it with and without the VPN connected. Nothing.

It hangs at “Checking for updates” and then gives me an error after about 5 minutes ending with “operation timed out”. See screenshot.

Ankiweb and Ankidroid are both working normally, it’s only the Windows version that doesn’t work. My internet works fine with and without the VPN connected, but I can’t see what it’s downloading and where it’s downloading it from. Is there a way to install Anki manually without the launcher?

Please help!

[abdo]

Does this link open normally in your browser?

https://github.com/astral-sh/python-build-standalone/releases/download/20250612/cpython-3.13.5+20250612-x86_64-pc-windows-msvc-install_only_stripped.tar.gz

[pringprong]

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, I was able to download your link.

Interestingly, the launcher was also working this morning. so my problem is already solved. And the solution was: try again at 6am when your internet download speeds are faster. It worked with the VPN connected.