Spotify is undoubtedly the leading music streaming service at the moment. As opposed to every other music streaming service, Spotify has a vast music collection. Not just the collection, but the sound quality is also great on Spotify.

Millions of people use the music streaming service, which also has a desktop app. Users can stream music more easily with the desktop app. In addition to all other music streaming apps on the desktop, Spotify also has some issues.

Users have reported getting Spotify error code 18 when trying to install the Spotify app on their desktop. This error note reads – “The installer is inadequate to install Spotify because the data to be written are already being used by a different process.” Make sure Spotify is not running before retrying.

When The Spotify Error Code 18 Occurs? 

In the case of error code 18, files that should be copied over to your computer and written during the installation of Spotify are already there and are being used by another program or process at the same time as the Spotify installer tries to do its work. In a conclusion, most users concerned by this problem see error code 18 when trying to reinstall Spotify after previously uninstalling it.

When you uninstall an application from your computer, some files, settings, or registry elements related to that application are left behind. The reinstallation of the uninstalled application might fail if these remnants are later used by another process or application.

Installing corrupted files 

The Spotify Error Code 18 may more likely appear when installing the main file that is corrupt. The corrupted file may not contain all the information required to run the program correctly. Sometimes the installation can fail as well, which is also the main cause of the problem.

Malware attacks

Software is prone to different kinds of viruses and malware. These infections corrupt the files of this application and as a result, they are not able to run. It is possible that the Spotify application which you are installing is injected by malware.

It can happen both on your computer and on the platform where you have downloaded the software. It is extremely recommended to use the most authentic source to download data. Otherwise, you will more probable run into issues.

Windows Registry Corrupted during installation

Windows 10 and 8 can sometimes experience this issue. When you try to install or uninstall an application, the Windows registry can become corrupted. It is more likely that your registry has been corrupted during the installation of Spotify. This is why you are experiencing Spotify error code 18.

How to fix Spotify Error code 18

The following methods will help you fix Spotify’s error code 18. We recommend trying each method on the list first – if nothing seems to work, contact Spotify’s customer support. How to add a groovy bot for the discord?

Terminate Spotify processes in the background

1. Open the Task Manager using one of the following ways: – Right-click anywhere on your taskbar that is vacant. The context menu will open up. To open the Task Manager, click here. Alternatively, you can press the Ctrl, Alt, and Esc keys simultaneously on your keyboard.
2. If the Task The manager started in compact view, click More details in the lower-left corner. The window will expand and you will see the necessary taps to access startup applications.
3. Keep the default Processes tab open. Locate any instances of the Spotify application and right-click them to end them.
4. Try installing Spotify again after you exit each instance. Continue using the methods below if the same error code appears.

Delete the Spotify folder in AppData

1. On your keyboard, press Windows + R. This will pop up the Run utility.
2. Click on the OK button after typing “%appdata%”. You will immediately be redirected to the AppData folder in File Explorer.
3. Locate the Spotify folder, then right-click on it and select Delete.
4. Try restarting your computer to see if Spotify can be installed.
5. In case the method didn’t work, repeat the process and delete the Spotify folder in LocalAppData by typing %localappdata% instead of %appdata%.

Exit Steam and install Spotify

The Steam application can occasionally cause error code 18 when Spotify tries to install on your device. This problem can be fixed by exiting out of Steam while the installation is ongoing.

1. Launch the Steam application. You may not see the icon in your system tray if the application is running in the background.
2. In the top-left corner of the application window, click Steam.
3. To exit completely, select Exit from Wait for Steam. In the Task Manager, you can double-check if Steam is still running in the background.
4. If you are having trouble installing Spotify, try it again.

Boot your system in and out of Safe Mode

Safe mode allows your computer to boot only with the essential components of Windows 10. If you do this, you may be able to identify that the Spotify error was caused by a third-party app.

1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to launch Run. Click the OK button after typing “msconfig”.
2. Navigate to the Boot tab from the top menu.
3. To enable safe booting, check the box under Boot options. Be sure to put it on the default Minimal setting, then press OK.
4. Restart your computer and allow it to fully boot up in Safe mode. All third-party applications will be stopped.
5. Make sure Spotify can be installed. If yes, continue with the installation and switch back to normal booting after the program has been successfully installed.
6. Steps 1 and 2 need to be repeated, but this time you need to uncheck Safe boot. When done, you can now enjoy Spotify after restarting your computer.

Install Spotify from the Windows Apps store

Can’t you install Spotify via the online installer? You don’t need to worry. Windows 10 users have another option – the Windows Apps store.

1. Go to the Start menu.
2. Scroll down and select Microsoft Store from the application list.
3. Search for “Spotify” in the search bar. If the application is available in your region, you should see it appear in the search results.
4. Install the application on your device by clicking the Get button, followed by the Install button.