diff --git a/src/or/main.c b/src/or/main.c
index f5e24aeb39..729cc9aed0 100644
--- a/src/or/main.c
+++ b/src/or/main.c
@@ -568,6 +568,7 @@ directory_info_has_arrived(time_t now, int from_cache)
     log(LOG_NOTICE, LD_DIR,
         "I learned some more directory information, but not enough to "
         "build a circuit.");
+    update_router_descriptor_downloads(now);
     return;
   }