How ​​to Fix Spotify Error Code 18: Unable to Install [Solved]

Error Code 18 has become a common problem for Spotify users, especially when they try to install it on a Windows computer. This error message appears when the system reports that Spotify is already running or that required files are in use by another process. In this article, we will explain how to fix this error permanently.

What is Error Code 18, and why does it occur?

Spotify Error Code 18 means that the installer cannot write files that are in use by another application. This usually happens when:

A background process of Spotify is still running

Spotify-related files are locked in the system

Other software like Discord, iTunes, or Steam is accessing Spotify files

Effective Ways to Fix Spotify Error Code 18

The methods mentioned below are considered 100% effective. Please follow each step carefully.

1. Stop the Spotify process running in the background

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Go to the Processstab

Find all Spotify.exe or Spotify-related entries

Select each one and click End Task

Now, try installing Spotify again

2. Delete Spotify’s residual folder

Even after uninstalling Spotify, many times its files remain in the system, which causes Error Code 18:

Press Win + R and type:

`C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\Spotify`

(Here replace `<YourUsername>` with your Windows username)

If the folder exists, then delete it

Again go to `C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Spotify` and delete it as well

3. Reboot the computer in Safe Mode and perform the installation

Safe Mode does not run non-essential background applications:

Go to the Start Menu > press Shift and click Restart

Go to Advanced Options > Startup Settings > select Safe Mode with Networking

Try reinstalling Spotify in Safe Mode

4. Temporarily close Discord, iTunes, and Steam

These applications may use Spotify-related DLLs or other files:

Close these applications in Task Manager

Disable start-up applications as well:

Win + R > type: `msconfig`

Startuptab > Open Task Manager

Disable Discord, Steam, etc.

Restart the computer and install

5. Remove Spotify Entries from Windows Registry (Carefully)

> Note: This step is for experienced users. Any mistake can damage the system.

Press Win + R and type: `regedit`

Go to the below path:

`HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Spotify`

and

`HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Spotify`

Delete any such entries if they exist

6. Use a third-party uninstaller tool (like Revo Uninstaller)

Use tools like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller to completely remove Spotify:

Uninstall Spotify with these tools

It also removes cache, registry entries, and hidden files

Reinstall

7. Perform the installation using Clean Boot

Clean Boot starts the system with only the essential services:

Win + R > type `msconfig`

Go to the Services tab> tick Hide all Microsoft Services

Disable all other services

Go to the Startup tab and disable all startup programs

Restart the system and install Spotify

8. Update Windows Update and Drivers

Sometimes older Windows versions or outdated drivers also cause problems in software installation:

Start Menu > Settings > Windows Update

Install all pending updates

Update Display, Audio, and Network Drivers as well

Other important things related to Spotify installation

Temporarily disable Antivirus before installation

Run the installer file as Administrator(Right-click > Run)

Make sure your system has at least 500MB of free space

What to do if the problem persists

If the problem persists after all the methods mentioned above, you can try the following solutions:

Install the Microsoft Store version of Spotify

Contact Spotify Support and share your Error Log. Create a new Windows user account and try installing it

Conclusion

Facing the Spotify Error Code 18 can be frustrating, but you can easily fix it by following the above guide. We ensure that by following these steps carefully, you will be able to install Spotify on your system without any error.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Spotify Error Code 18

Q1: ​​What is Spotify Error Code 18?

Answer: It is an installation error that occurs when Spotify’s essential files are already in use by another process or application, which prevents the installation from completing.

Q2: What is the fastest way to fix Error Code 18?

Answer: Go to Task Manager and close all Spotify-related processes, and then install Spotify. This is the fastest and most common solution.

Q3: Can Spotify be installed in Safe Mode?

Answer: Yes, in Safe Mode, unnecessary programs are closed, which makes the installation easier and does not cause Error Code 18.

Question 4: Is it safe to use tools like Revo Uninstaller?

Answer: Yes, these third-party tools completely remove Spotify’s residual files, registry entries, and cache. But only download them from a trusted source.

Question 5: Is it necessary to remove Spotify files from the Windows Registry?

Answer: If a simple uninstall doesn’t solve the problem, removing Spotify entries from the Registry may help. Do this step carefully.

Question 6: Will installing Spotify from the Microsoft Store not give this error?

Answer: Often, installing from the Microsoft Store does not cause this problem because the installer handles files differently.

Question 7: Can an antivirus be the cause of this problem?

Answer: Yes, sometimes antivirus blocks Spotify files. Turn it off temporarily while installing.

Question 8: Does Error Code 18 occur only on Windows?

Answer: Yes, this error is mostly seen on Windows OS. This problem is not common on Mac or Android.