Spotify is one of the most popular media players that offer music, podcast, and video streaming services. It is available on many operating systems, including Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
The application usually runs well on all operating systems. But sometimes you may encounter several errors when using it on Windows. A common error you will see often displays itself as “The Spotify application is not responding.”
When you encounter the Spotify application not responding error, you will be unable to use the service.
Why Spotify is not responding?
The Spotify application not responding error occurs because of several reasons. These include:
- The application has a new update
- Your antivirus programme does not recognize Spotify
- Your computer has a driver error
- Your Windows PC lacks the minimum system requirements to run Spotify
A bug, as well as software and hardware conflicts, can cause the error when trying to open the desktop app.
Read: 10 best visualizers for Spotify
How to fix Spotify application not working
If the app is not opening, there are several ways of fixing the problem on Windows.
#1. Restart your computer
Restarting your computer is a solution that may seem elementary. But it is the simplest solution of fixing the Spotify not working problem.
Also, it helps to flush out the random, temporary, and unimportant data that is bogging down the application. It will stop memory leaks and speed up your system’s performance.
#2. Check your antivirus programme and firewall
Antivirus software programmes are becoming too protective. They may fail to distinguish between safe and malicious programmes.
In this case, your antivirus software or firewall might be causing Spotify to be unresponsive. You can fix the problem by changing your antivirus or software settings.
The programmes give users an option of blocking or unblocking specific software. If the antivirus is blocking Spotify, unblock it or add it to the list of allowed applications.
#3. Stop application using Task Manager
When Spotify application is not responding, it might be running in the background.
That happens because the software is taking advantage of additional features like downloading data, updating live tiles, and showing notifications.
The solution:
- Press CTRL + ALT + DEL and select Task Manager. You can also press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to open Task Manager.
- Select Processes and scroll down to locate spotify.exe.
- Click on Spotify.exe and select End Process
The option will close the application. Open Spotify again and see what happens. If it is not playing songs, consider the step below.
Read: 10 best playlist downloaders for Spotify
#4. Reinstall Spotify
If the computer app is not working after completing the steps above, consider reinstalling it. Also, you will have to delete the folder under the path C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Spotify.
Alternatively:
- Uninstall the software using the control panel by visiting System > Apps
- Press Start – Run – type %appdata%
- Press Enter
- Delete all the Spotify folders you see
You should then restart your computer, download Spotify, and install it again.
#5. Fixing issues on iPhone or Android app
If the app is not responding on iPhone or Android, check whether there are available updates and update it.
You should also determine whether your devices are compatible with the application or meet the minimum system requirements.
Read: List of apps that allow listening to music without Wi-Fi
Wrapping up
The Spotify application not responding error is common on the Windows operating system. You can fix the problem by checking for updates, restarting your computer, or ending the application process from Task Manager.
If you have a problem with Spotify web player, contact the support team.