How-To

How to Fix Spotify Could Not Be Started (Error Code 17)

By Brian Burgess

Updated December 15, 2023

Are you seeing Spotify error code 17 appear when you try to install the app or launch it? Troubleshoot the problem using this guide.

Spotify is the popular music streaming service that millions of people use to enjoy their favorite tunes. However, you might encounter a problem when you’re launching the Spotify app on your PC or Mac that reads, “Spotify could not be started (Error code: 17).”

Spotify error code 17 errors when installing or launching the desktop app on your Windows PC. Luckily, there are fixes for the error, such as checking services, app repair, and Windows firewall management.

Here are the steps you can take to fix the error so you can start enjoying your favorite music on Spotify again.

Restart the Windows Installer Service

You’ll want to start or restart the Windows Installer service if the error occurs while installing the desktop app.

To restart the Windows Installer service:

1. Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and click OK or press Enter.
3. Right-click the Windows Installer service and click the Start button if it’s not running. Click Restart if it’s already running.

Once the service is running, try installing the Spotify desktop app, which should install error-free.

Repair or Reset the Spotify App

If the app is already installed and the error occurs while launching the app, you can reset or repair Spotify to resolve the problem.

To repair or reset Spotify:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Select Apps > Installed apps.
3. Type Spotify in the search field at the top, click the three-dot button next to the app, and select Advanced options.
4. Scroll to the Reset section on the right and click the Repair button.
5. Once the repair process is complete, try to launch the Spotify app. If it still pops up the error, click the Reset button and see if it works after that.

Reinstall the Spotify Desktop App

If the error persists and resetting the app doesn’t work, you can always reinstall the app, which can fix a corrupt app installation.

There are different ways you can uninstall apps on Windows 11. Use the option that works best for you. Once the app is removed from your system, download a fresh copy of the Spotify desktop app from the company’s website and reinstall it.

Allow Spotify Through Windows Firewall

If the Windows Firewall blocks the Spotify app, it can prevent it from working and generate the error.

To allow the Spotify app through Windows Firewall:

1. Open the Windows Security app.
2. Select Firewall & network protection option from the Security at a glance screen.
3. Click the Allow an app through firewall link in the lower left corner.
4. Click the Change settings button.
5. Select the Spotify Music option, tick both Private and Public options, and click OK.

Launch Spotify in Compatibility Mode

While rare, the Spotify app could be having compatibility issues and unable to launch correctly, so you can use compatibility mode to launch it.

To launch Spotify in compatibility mode on Windows 11:

1. Press the Windows key and search for the Spotify app.
2. Right-click and select Open file location from the context menu.
3. Right-click the app and select Properties from the menu.
4. Click the Compatibility tab at the top.
5. Check the box in the Compatibility mode section, choose a previous version of Windows from the dropdown, and click Apply and OK.

Once you complete the compatibility steps, see if you can launch the app without the Spotify could not be started error.

Check Your VPN Settings

If you’re using a VPN, like Private Internet Access (PIA), it could cause an issue with your region and make Spotify generate the error code 17.

Make sure your VPN is working as expected and allowing traffic through—if it isn’t, disconnect or switch servers until the problem is fixed. You may need to stop using your VPN entirely to carry on listening to music if you can’t resolve the issue.

Fixing Problems with Spotify

If you see a “Spotify could not be started (Error code: 17)” message when you’re installing or launching the desktop app on Windows, one of the methods above should help you to fix the problem.

You may run into other problems when using Spotify on the desktop or your phone, with several additional error codes that you’ll need to watch out for. For example, you might need to resolve other errors like a Spotify login error code 409 or fix Spotify error code 30.

Even without an error code, you might need to fix problems with features like Spotify Blend not updating or fix Spotify Shuffle not working. And if the service stops working for no apparent reason, check out how to fix it when Spotify keeps stopping.