Add Bit-Perfect Playback (WASAPI Exclusive Mode) on Windows

[Alexandre_Bordat]

Now that Spotify Premium offers lossless streaming, it’s time to unlock its full potential for Windows users.

Currently, the Windows app routes audio through the system mixer, which can alter the signal (resampling, volume control, etc.). To deliver true bit-perfect lossless audio, we need a WASAPI exclusive mode option (similar to what Tidal, Qobuz, and others provide).

This feature would:

• Ensure the audio stream is delivered untouched to the DAC.
• Allow audiophiles and Hi-Fi users to enjoy Spotify at its highest fidelity.
• Make Spotify a true alternative to other lossless services for critical listening on Windows.

[psolarpunk]

Now that Spotify Premium offers lossless streaming, it would be great to unlock its full potential across all major platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Currently, Spotify audio is typically routed through the operating system’s shared audio path, which can alter the signal through resampling, volume scaling, or other processing. While the stream itself may be lossless, the playback chain often is not. An optional bit-perfect or exclusive playback mode with native sample-rate switching would address this.

What this feature could include:

Windows

• WASAPI Exclusive mode to bypass the system mixer

• Automatic output sample-rate switching to match the track

macOS

• Exclusive / hog-mode style output to bypass Core Audio mixing

• Automatic per-track sample-rate switching without manual Audio MIDI changes

iOS

• Bit-perfect playback mode for wired external USB DACs (where supported by iOS)

• No resampling or processing when DSP features (normalization, EQ, crossfade) are disabled

• Clear indication that Bluetooth playback cannot be bit-perfect, while wired DAC playback can be

Android

• Support for direct or exclusive audio paths where available (e.g., USB exclusive / low-latency paths)

• Bit-perfect playback for external USB DACs when system capabilities allow

• Acknowledgement that Bluetooth paths are inherently not bit-perfect

Why this matters:

• Allows Spotify’s lossless tier to deliver true transparency in practice, not just at the codec level

• Makes Spotify a serious alternative to other lossless services for critical listening

• Removes a major blocker for users who want Spotify to be their single, unified music library

[gallantus]

I prefer ASIO as well.

It took Spotify years and years to get lossless out, I hope it doesn't take them years and years to get WASAPI exclusive or ASIO out.

[Meow_Oops]

I see there is a Spotify client for Ubuntu as well. Does anyone know if exclusive mode is already working for ANSA? If not... @spotify... while you are at it 😉

Kind of relevant now a Windows 11 exodus is happening.

[Liups233]

Please add WASAPI exclusive output as an option🙏

[BjornRoth]

WASAPI exclusive mode is now rolled out to 100% of users eligible for lossless on Windows.

[iamthedog]

@BjornRoth Can you tell more about it? Where can i find it?

[Galaxgwidon]

BjornRoth ist not telling the truth, there is no option with latest Spotify Version on Windows.

[BjornRoth]

It is indeed rolled out, minimum version is 1.2.84.456. You have to have lossless rolled out for this option to be available (there's not much point to it otherwise), and lossless obviously requires premium.

[james_dmi]

@BjornRoth I have the latest version on windows and lossless enabled and I can't see any option for wasapi. I have installed Spotify via the Microsoft store and the version number is 1.2.84.476.ga1ff6607

[gallantus]

Check this link out: https://support.spotify.com/ba-bs/article/exclusive-mode/

Screenshot below:

I too don't see that option.  And yes, I am I pretty sure don't have any silly issues.

• My external DAC is on and the drivers are installed and updated.
• The DAC is the only audio device
• I have "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" enabled
• Spotify version is 1.284.476.0
• And yes, I have lossless and it's rolled out to me and enabled.