You can use Spotify on a smartphone and Smart TV, but some users opt for using Spotify on their desktops. However, if you’re trying to use Spotify on a Windows PC you may encounter some errors.
It may seem confusing when you’re trying to work out how to fix the error, especially if you’re new to Spotify. However, these issues can easily be fixed with our quick troubleshooting techniques.
Whether you require all of our tips or just a few, we hope this guide helps you to fix Spotify on your desktop quickly.
Spotify on Desktop Not Working
If you’re not a fan of headphones and prefer to use speakers or find it easier to access Spotify on a computer, it makes sense that you’d have the desktop version. Therefore, when this stops working it can be frustrating. However, we have rounded up some of the most common issues with Spotify on Desktop.
Common issues with Spotify not working on Desktop
- Your PC needs updating
- Spotify is down
- You’re entering your details incorrectly
- Spotify app is outdated
- Your system is unable to handle the desktop app
- Your internet connection keeps dropping out
If any of the issues apply to your Spotify error, then continue reading to find out how to fix your issue.
How to fix Spotify not working on Desktop
If you’re wondering how to get your Spotify to work on your desktop, we have 7 easy fixes to get your device working again.
However, if you are unsure as to whether the issue is with your device or whether it is an issue with Spotify. The Down Detector can provide useful information based on reports by users. This website shares user insights if Spotify is down, or having issues.
Fix 1. Check your internet connection
Although this may seem obvious, your internet connection is essential when listening to Spotify on a desktop. Due to your PC not having a backup wifi source, such as mobile data. If your internet drops out on your desktop, Spotify often won’t work again without being rebooted.
If you’re unsure whether your router is having issues, the best thing to do is perform a speed test on your device. After this, if your router is functioning as it should be. We’d then recommend rebooting your desktop PC.
However, if you’re having issues with your router, you can reboot this by turning your router off at the wall, leaving it for a few minutes then switching back on. Then allowing it 5 minutes to start up.
Fix 2. Relaunch Spotify
If the issues start when opening up Spotify, it’s worth trying to relaunch the program. Simply close Spotify via the ‘x’ in the top right corner, allow a few seconds for it to close, then relaunch Spotify. But if this doesn’t fix your Spotify error, then we have plenty more fixes up our sleeve.
Fix 3. Update your PC
Often when programs aren’t running correctly it’s due to the software being outdated. The same applies to a PC requiring an update. You can easily check this on your desktop by doing the following:
- Press the Windows key and I
- Following that press Update & Security
- At the top, it will advise whether there are updates needed
- If they are required, press update, and your PC will close down and update.
- This may take a little bit of time, so only do this if you have the time to do so.
- You can also implement optional updates, such as installing Windows 11.
Fix 4. Uninstall Spotify and then Reinstall
How to uninstall Spotify
If you’re still unable to use Spotify on your desktop, the next step is to uninstall the app completely. To start the process be sure to check whether the program is running in the background. If Spotify is running still, be sure to close this. Else, when you are uninstalling Spotify, it will hit an error. To uninstall Spotify from your PC, you need to do the following steps:
- Select the start key at the bottom left of your PC
- Then choose settings
- Next, choose Apps followed by ‘Apps & Features’
- Finally, search for the program you want to delete and choose to uninstall.
Other Spotify issues? Here’s how to fix Spotify Error Code 39 with ease.
To reinstall Spotify
If you’re looking to reinstall Spotify again, here’s how:
- Go to the start button
- Next, choose Microsoft Store
- Visit the ‘apps and games’ tab
- Then search for ‘Spotify’ and select ‘get’ and your download will begin.
Once you have reinstalled the app, you need to sign back into your Spotify account, hopefully, this will resolve your error. However, if it doesn’t we’d recommend trying one of our other troubleshooting ideas.
Fix 5. Hardware Acceleration
Messing with the Hardware Acceleration sounds scary, however, it’s a lot easier than you think. This is a setting within Spotify that uses your computer’s hardware rather than Spotify alone. This is used to optimize Spotify, however, can cause issues. Especially if your PC is older and unable to do the functions Spotify requires. The option will already be ticked within the system unless manually unticked.
Here’s how to remove this setting from your Desktop version of Spotify.
- Head to Spotify Desktop and wait for it to load
- Next, choose the ‘alt key’ on your keyboard
- Then select ‘file’ from the top menu and then choose ‘view’
- Finally, press ‘Hardware Acceleration when you press this it will untick
- Close down Spotify, allow some time for it to reset, and then reopen the app
Fix 6. Use Windows Task Manager
Users have advised that Spotify keeps running in the background even after the app is closed. This will cause your PC to close down and also create issues with Spotify. However, using Windows Task Manager will allow you to fully close down the app.
If you are unsure of how to do this process, all you need to do is:
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard.
- Allow a few seconds, then choose Task Manager.
- Next, find Spotify and then right-click and choose end task. If Spotify does not appear on this list it will already be closed completely.
Fix 7. Head to Spotify web version
If you have an older PC and are experiencing issues with Spotify, it’s worth looking for an alternative way to listen. The web browser version of the music app is a great way to listen to your music without the stress of downloading a program.
To get to the Spotify web version, head to the Spotify website, scroll to the bottom, and find the web player. Choose this and sign in. Once you have done this you should be able to access all of your playlists as you would on the mobile or desktop app.
Although this may not be ideal, it is a solution to be able to listen to music on your Desktop PC.
Conclusion
Spotify is a great way to listen to music, make playlists, and share favorites with your friends. However, when Spotify isn’t working on your desktop fixing this can be stressful.
Although using Spotify on a web browser may not be the perfect fix, it works as an alternative. But if you are looking to fix Spotify on a desktop, we hope you’ve been able to find a solution within our troubleshooting guide.
