Spotify can't play this right now. If you have the file on your computer you can import it

[lukaswil]

Plan

Premium

Country

UK

Device

Desktop

Operating System

Windows 10

My Question or Issue

When I try to play a song I get the following error message "Spotify can't play this right now. If you have the file on your computer you can import it"

I have tried all the fixes I have seen:

Reinstalling app.

Using version from Microsoft store.

Disabled hardware acceleration.

Disabled crossfading.

Changed speaker options.

Deleted local files.

I've had this issue before and it was fixed by using the version from the Microsoft store but this isn't working now.

Spotify works on my phone and my laptop, web player also works only the desktop app doesn't work.

[Mortalheart]

Hi,

Unfortunately that error message is finnish language but i hope you understand now.

And that error is happening to my account pc 1, 2 and anroid phone oneplus 6

so basically can't listen at all.

[OscarDC]

Hey @Mortalheart,

Thank you for keeping us in the loop and for the info shared.

As this is happening on different devices, it could be related to the internet connection or network permissions. To check if this could be the case, would you mind trying with a different WiFi network?

In case you don’t have another network to try it, you can use a mobile data hotspot while testing it to see if it makes any difference. 

Lastly, if the issue persists; include in your next response the OS version of your devices, along with the Spotify version you’re currently running. 

We’ll be on the lookout. 

[Mortalheart]

Hi,

Today the issue only shows on my pc 1 which screenshot is added under, PC 2 and Anroid phone did work normally.

I used my mobile phones shared internet via USB hotspot and did not helped at all.

[Dian]

Hey @Mortalheart,

Thanks for the reply.

What kind of a sound output device are you using? Is is connected to the PC via USB or via an AUX cable?

Do you have an extra sound card or you're using the one integrated in the motherboard? Try switching between the two, if you're using an external one. Also try reinstalling the sound drivers and changing the default output device in the sound output settings.

Have you tried if Spotify works in the Safe Mode of Windows?

Keep us posted,

Cheers!

[Mortalheart]

Hi,

I'm using GoXlr mini on this computers out going mixer/amplifyer.

[OscarDC]

Hey @Mortalheart,

Thank you for keeping us in the loop.

Just to make sure, did the issue start happening recently, but it was working fine before using the same output device?

Also, could you check if unplugging that device and selecting the default audio output makes any difference?

Lastly, would you mind confirming if the issue persists when using a different internet connection as suggested previously?

We'll be on the lookout.

[Mortalheart]

Hi,

The issue just started after latest windows 10 update patch. 

I have unplugged and replugged all audio and usb devices. Uninstalled spotify and reinstalled but nothing seems to help.

Rerolled windows patch back to latest working one and did not help at all.

Really run in to wall with this case.

[Xquisy]

I just found another solution and it involves changing the file storage location in settings, that is what fixed my Spotify from streaming on my PC.

[Elena]

Thanks for jumping in and sharing your solution @Xquisy!

@Mortalheart do you mind testing if this does the trick for you as well? If you’re still having issues with the desktop app, we’d recommend trying our web player to see if that makes a difference.

You also mentioned this is happening to your account on multiple devices - what happens if you log in to a different account, do you get the same result?

Could you also clarify, whether this happens for the entire Spotify catalogue or only specific playlists/songs?

[Xquisy]

That’s exactly what I did to resolve my issue, it’s most likely when the storage fills up and you have downloaded songs it must interfere with streaming also.

[klintirktba]

Both these things did not work for me. However, I did come up with a solution for me.

1. Click the 3 dots in the top left corner of the app.

2. Hover your mouse over the "view" tab.

3. Turn "Hardware Acceleration" off and then on again.

4. Enjoy having your Spotify back lol

[Mortalheart]

Hi,

I have tried it and i have 2 tb drives so and 60% free space of all 4 four of them

Shoundn't be the issue

[Mortalheart]

Hi,

Didn't work... 

[AlejaR]

Hey @Mortalheart,

Thanks for your reply in this thread and for the info you kindly sent us 🙂

As mentioned before and Just to confirm, is this happening in both the web player and the desktop app? If not sure, try it and let us know how it goes.

On another note, if you log in with another account on the computer you notice this inconvenience, did you experience the same? It'd be awesome if you could check. You can create a free test account to check if the inconvenience persists there.

We'd like you to know we're investigating further the root cause of this. We'll need this info, so we can check if perhaps it's something account-related.

Keep us in the loop and don't hesitate to get back to us if you have any other questions.

[batmanhk]

It works for me so far, thanks.

[Mortalheart]

Hi,

This happends only in desktop app. I can still use web player.

[Eni]

Hey @Mortalheart, 

Thanks for the confirmation. 

Would you mind asking a friend or a relative to log in to their account on your desktop app to check if the same happens with a different account?

We'll be on the lookout.

[Mortalheart]

Hi,

Suddendly today without anything to do with it it just keep working normally 😄

So problem solved, but thank you alot for help

[Eni]

Hey @Mortalheart, 

Fantastic news! Give us a shout if it starts misbehaving again; we're always here to help.

Have a good one 🙂

[22f7rnlk6v4agm5xs7az]

Hi Folks, i have this problem my windows, but the soluction above not resolution for me, please help me.

The message  is "Spotify can´t play this right now. If you have the file on your computer you can import it
"