Spotify is one of the best platforms for streaming music on a computer. Unfortunately, some Windows users are having trouble with Spotify Error Code 18 while trying to install this app. When this error occurs, a message appears saying “the installer cannot install Spotify”.
Here are some ways to resolve Spotify Error Code 18 during installation on Windows 10. Spotify is now available for Windows 10 as a desktop app and as a UWP app on the Microsoft Store. The UWP version of the app works as well as the desktop version but many users still like the desktop version.
The desktop version of Spotify is still actively maintained so there’s little reason for anyone to switch to the UWP app. That said, when Spotify is having issues, reinstalling is often the best solution. Reinstalling Spotify is easy, but you may encounter Error Code 18 on Spotify during installation.
Spotify Error Code 18 appears when you try to install Spotify. This might happen after uninstalling the app or when you install it for the first time. This usually happens when the application is unable to write to a file because it is in use. Here are some ways to fix Spotify Error Code 18 during installation on Windows 10.
How to Solve Spotify Error Code 18 During Installation on Windows 10
- Restart Your Windows 10 PC
- Delete Spotify directory
- Exit Spotify related apps
- Install in Safe Mode (network enabled)
- Use the Microsoft Store version
1. Restart your Windows 10 PC
If you recently uninstalled Spotify, or you have installed/removed other apps, restart your PC. Windows 10 usually doesn’t need to restart after installing or deleting apps but there are always exceptions. Restart the PC, then try to install Spotify.
2. Delete Spotify directory
If you reinstall Spotify, delete all its directories manually first.
- open File Explorer.
- Copy and paste this: %AppData% in the location bar.
- Look for a folder named Spotify and delete.
- Go to This PC.
- In the search bar, type Spotify and tap Enter.
- wipe all results i.e. all files and folders.
- Restart your PC, then install Spotify.
3. Exit Spotify related apps
There are several unofficial Spotify helper clients and apps that users run on their systems. This app allows users to control Spotify in a way that is not supported by the original app. If you have installed such an application; Quit all Spotify related apps
-
Restart PC bro and make sure none of these apps are running on startup.
- Install Spotify.
PS: Some users can install Spotify after uninstalling the iTunes app. Also make sure Steam is not running when you try to install Spotify.
4. Install in Safe Mode (network enabled)
If you still can’t install Spotify, try installing it in Safe Mode.
- open Start Menu.
- Click Power button.
- Hold down the button shift and click Restart.
- You will boot into the Troubleshoot menu.
- Open Options Advanced Options>Startup Settings>Restart.
- From the list of options, select Safe Mode with networking.
- Install Spotify.
5. Use the Microsoft Store version
If all else fails, you can install Spotify from Microsoft Store. This version doesn’t show Spotify error code 18 because it doesn’t create a directory in the AppData folder. This is a UWP app and it works differently.
- Visit this link in your browser.
- Click Get.
- Open the Microsoft Store app when prompted.
- Click Get then Install.
- Spotify will be installed on your PC.
Spotify Error 18 is a common error for users using the desktop app. If all else fails, the UWP app is always a safe alternative. If you are determined to use desktop applications, and the above steps did not help, check other applications installed on your system, especially media applications or games.
These media apps or games are known to be annoying at the time of Spotify installation but no complete list of them is available.
That’s the guide on how to solve Spotify Error Code 18 on Windows 10. Hopefully this tutorial is useful for those of you who need it. Thank you for visiting and don’t forget to share it with your friends too.
