Spotify Won't Open on PC? Fixes for Windows (2026)

You click the Spotify icon, nothing happens, and your working playlist stays silent. Whether you edit videos, run a shop or write in the background of a loud house, a desktop app that won't launch is a real nuisance. Let's go through what Spotify's own help recommends.

A quick honest note first: Spotify's help centre doesn't have a page titled 'Spotify won't open'. It does have guidance on playback problems, firewalls, memory, updating and reinstalling on Windows, and I've put those together. Where help is silent, I won't guess.

First checks when Spotify won't open on a Windows PC

Spotify lists three quick fixes for technical issues with the app:

• Restart the Spotify app, which on a PC can mean making sure it's fully closed before you try again.
• Update the app.
• Reinstall the app.

If Spotify won't even launch, you may not be able to reach the update button inside the app. In that case the reinstall route, below, is the way to get the newest version, because Spotify says reinstalling also gets you the latest version.

Freeing up your PC before you try Spotify again

Spotify's playback help also suggests a few general steps that take a couple of minutes. They sound basic, but a PC that's short of memory or running too many programs is a common reason an app stalls on launch.

• Close any other apps you aren't using, especially heavy ones such as video editors or lots of browser tabs.
• Update your device's operating system, so Windows is on its latest available version.
• Make sure your internet connection is stable, because the app may need it to start and sign in.
• Restart the PC, which is not in Spotify's list but is a normal way to clear a stuck program, then try Spotify once before changing anything else.

Do one change at a time and test Spotify after each. If you change five things at once and it starts working, you won't know which one fixed it, and you'll be guessing again next time.

Checking your PC meets Spotify's requirements

Spotify's list of supported devices names Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11 or above for the desktop app. If your device doesn't meet the minimum system requirements, Spotify says you need to upgrade it to install the app.

Spotify also says you can only play on one device at a time per account, which matters if you're signed in elsewhere. And its playback page asks for your device to have at least 250MB of available memory, so check there's some spare.

Making sure a firewall isn't blocking Spotify on your PC

For desktop only, Spotify lists a firewall blocking the app as a cause of problems. If you use a firewall, check it has Spotify set as an exception. The company that makes your firewall can tell you how, because the steps differ from one product to the next.

Clearing the Spotify cache on your PC

If the app opens briefly and then stalls, a full cache might be involved. Spotify says clearing the cache is one of its fixes for common issues.

1. Open Spotify, if you can reach it.
2. Click your profile picture and select Settings.
3. Scroll down to Storage.
4. Click Clear cache.

Spotify recommends at least 1GB of free memory on your device. My guide to clearing the Spotify cache on phone and computer has more on this.

Reinstalling Spotify on Windows step by step

When restarting doesn't work, reinstalling is the fix Spotify gives for Windows. Remember that you'll need to re-download any downloaded music and podcasts afterwards.

1. Close Spotify.
2. Open the Start menu and click Settings.
3. In the side column, click Apps.
4. Click Apps & Features.
5. Select Spotify from the list.
6. Click Uninstall.
7. Follow the instructions on the screen.
8. Download and install Spotify again, either through the Microsoft Store or directly from Spotify.

Spotify gives these steps for Windows 10 and newer. Windows menus vary slightly between versions, so follow the nearest match if your screen looks different.

Using the Spotify web player if the PC app still won't open

You don't have to lose your music while you troubleshoot. Spotify's web player runs in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera or Safari, and Spotify says to try the desktop app if the web version fails and vice versa.

• Update your browser from its Help section.
• Try a private or incognito window.
• If you see a 'Playback of protected content is not enabled' message, enable the Widevine plugin as Spotify's web player page describes.
• On N editions of Windows 10, Spotify says a Media Feature Pack is needed for the web player.

For a small business playing background music in a shop or studio, a browser tab can keep things going while you reinstall.

Checking whether Spotify is down when it won't open

Occasionally the cause is on Spotify's side. Spotify suggests checking its status account and the Ongoing Issues board in its Community. If your problem is marked as under investigation, you can add your vote.

If your account is signed in on too many devices or you want a fresh start after reinstalling, my guide to logging out of Spotify on all devices walks through it.

When Spotify still won't open on your PC

If you've tried everything, Spotify says you may need to troubleshoot further with the device's manufacturer. That's because a Windows setting, a driver or security software may be involved. You can also contact Spotify support through its help centre, and tell them which of these steps you've already tried.

Frequently asked questions

Why won't Spotify open on my PC?

Spotify's help doesn't name one cause. It points to an out-of-date app, a firewall blocking Spotify, too little free memory or a device that doesn't meet the minimum system requirements.

How do I reinstall Spotify on Windows?

Close Spotify, open Start, then Settings, Apps and Apps & Features. Select Spotify, click Uninstall, then download and install it again from the Microsoft Store or from Spotify.

Will I lose my downloads if I reinstall?

Spotify says you need to re-download any downloaded music and podcasts after reinstalling.

Can I use Spotify in a browser instead?

Yes. Spotify's web player supports Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera and Safari.

Which Windows versions does Spotify support?

Spotify's supported devices page lists Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11 or above.

Can a firewall stop Spotify opening?

Spotify lists a firewall blocking the app as a possible cause on desktop and says to set Spotify as an exception.