diff --git a/youtube_dlc/__init__.py b/youtube_dlc/__init__.py
index bde9b33d4..a14c8424e 100644
--- a/youtube_dlc/__init__.py
+++ b/youtube_dlc/__init__.py
@@ -560,7 +560,7 @@ def report_args_compat(arg, name):
             # If updater returns True, exit. Required for windows
             if update_self(ydl.to_screen, opts.verbose, ydl._opener):
                 if actual_use:
-                    parser.error('The program must exit for the update to complete')
+                    sys.exit('ERROR: The program must exit for the update to complete')
                 sys.exit()
 
         # Maybe do nothing