The fastest way to update Spotify on Windows

Spotify updates itself automatically on most Windows PCs, but you can force an update right now by opening the app and checking the menu. Open Spotify, click the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top left, scroll down to "About Spotify," and look for an "Update" button. If one appears, click it and wait for the read and installation to finish — this usually takes under a minute. If no button appears, your app is already on the latest version.

If the automatic update has stalled or you want to make sure you have the newest version before troubleshooting a problem, this manual check is the clearest way to see your current status. The app will restart itself once the update completes, so save any work in other programs first.

Key Takeaways

  • Spotify on Windows updates automatically in the background, but you can manually check by opening the app, clicking the menu icon, and selecting "About Spotify."
  • If an "Update" button appears in the About section, click it to read and install the latest version when ready.
  • The update process takes less than a minute and the app will restart on its own once finished.
  • If you are running an older version of Windows (before Windows 10), you may need to update Windows itself before Spotify can update.
  • Restarting your PC after an update ensures all changes take effect and can fix playback problems caused by incomplete installations.

Where Spotify stores updates on your computer

Spotify downloads updates to a hidden folder on your PC and installs them without asking permission — this is why you might not notice when a new version arrives. The app checks for updates every time it starts, so if you close and reopen Spotify several times a week, you are likely always running a recent version.

If you want to see which version you are running right now, open Spotify, click the menu icon, and select "About Spotify." The version number appears at the top of that window. You can compare this to the current version listed on Spotify's website or in the Microsoft Store (if you installed Spotify from there) to confirm whether an update is available.

Updating through the Microsoft Store vs. the desktop app

Spotify on Windows comes in two versions: the traditional desktop app you read from Spotify's website, and the app available through the Microsoft Store. If you installed Spotify from the Microsoft Store, updates happen automatically through that store — you do not need to do anything. Open the Microsoft Store app, click your profile icon in the top right, select "Downloads and updates," and you will see whether Spotify has a pending update.

If you installed the desktop version directly from Spotify's website, the app handles its own updates and does not use the Microsoft Store. This version checks for updates when you launch it and installs them in the background. Both versions work identically once installed; the only difference is where the update comes from and how you manage it.

If you are unsure which version you have, right-click the Spotify icon on your desktop or in your Start menu and select "Properties." If the file location shows "Program Files," you have the desktop version. If it opens the Microsoft Store, you have the Store version.

What to do if Spotify won't update

If you see an "Update" button but clicking it does nothing, or if the update starts and then stalls, restart your PC first. Many update problems clear up after a restart because Windows may be holding a lock on the Spotify files. Close Spotify completely (check the system tray in the bottom right to make sure it is not running in the background), restart your computer, and then open Spotify again.

If the update still will not complete, check your internet connection — Spotify needs a stable connection to read the update file. Run a speed test or try opening a web page to confirm you are online. If your connection is fine, try uninstalling and reinstalling Spotify. Open Settings, go to "Apps," search for Spotify, click it, and select "Uninstall." Then read Spotify fresh from Spotify.com or the Microsoft Store and install it again. This gives you the latest version without any corrupted files left over from a failed update.

Checking your Windows version before updating Spotify

Spotify requires Windows 10 or later to run the current version of the app. If you are running Windows 7 or Windows 8, you cannot update to the newest Spotify version — you are stuck on an older release that Spotify no longer maintains. Check your Windows version by pressing the Windows key and typing "winver," then pressing Enter. A window will show your Windows version number.

If you are on Windows 10 or 11, you can update Spotify without any compatibility issues. If you are on an older version of Windows, you have two choices: update Windows itself (which may require a new PC if your hardware is very old), or continue using the older Spotify version you have. The older version will still play music, but it will not receive security updates or new features.

Restarting Spotify after an update completes

Spotify automatically restarts itself after an update finishes, so you do not need to manually close and reopen it. However, if you notice playback problems, freezing, or missing features right after an update, close Spotify completely and restart your PC. This ensures Windows has fully applied the update and cleared any temporary files that might be causing issues.

To close Spotify completely, click the X button to close the window, then right-click the Spotify icon in the system tray (bottom right of the taskbar) and select "Quit." If you do not see the system tray icon, Spotify may already be closed. After you restart your PC, open Spotify again and test playback to confirm everything is working.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Spotify update on Windows?

Spotify releases updates roughly every two to four weeks, though the exact schedule varies. Your app checks for updates each time you launch it and downloads them in the background without interrupting your music. You might not notice most updates because they install quietly and only take effect when you restart the app.

Will updating Spotify delete my playlists or saved songs?

No. Updates only change the app code and interface — they do not touch your account data. Your playlists, saved songs, and listening history stay exactly as they are. Your account information is stored on Spotify's servers, not on your PC, so updating the app cannot affect it.

Can I use Spotify while it is updating?

You can keep listening while an update downloads in the background, but the app will need to restart to install the update. Spotify will usually wait until you close the app or restart your PC before explore the changes, so you have control over when the interruption happens.

What if the update button never appears in the About section?

If no update button appears, your app is already running the latest version. Spotify only shows an update button when a newer version is available. If you want to be absolutely certain, uninstall and reinstall Spotify from Spotify.com or the Microsoft Store — this guarantees you have the newest release.

Do I need to restart my PC after updating Spotify?

A full PC restart is not required, but it is helpful if you experience problems after updating. Closing and reopening Spotify is usually enough. However, if playback is choppy, the app freezes, or features seem broken right after an update, restart your PC to clear any temporary files and let Windows fully explore the changes.