This post shows how you can fix error code 17 when installing or launching the Spotify app on Windows PC. The error code 17 on Spotify basically occurs in two scenarios. It can be triggered while installing the Spotify desktop app on Windows PC using its installer. The second instance when this error may occur is while running the Spotify app on a computer. When triggered, you will get the “Spotify could not be started” error message with the error code.
Spotify error code 17 is mainly caused when the Windows Installer service is not running on your computer. Another reason for the same is the fact that your firewall is blocking Spotify from running correctly. Other reasons may include location issues, malware or viruses, and compatibility issues.
Spotify could not be started, Error code: 17
You can fix error code 17 on Spotify by ensuring that the Windows Installer service is running on your computer. If that doesn’t help, try installing or running the Spotify app in compatibility mode. Apart from that, you can also allow Spotify through your firewall, use a VPN client, change your profile’s region in a web browser, or run and remove malware from your system to fix the error. We have discussed these solutions in detail below; so check out.
1] Make sure the Windows Installer service is running
The error “Spotify could not be started” with error code 17 while installing Spotify on Windows is likely to trigger when the Windows Installer service is disabled or is stuck in a limbo state. Hence, if the scenario is applicable, make sure the service is running on your computer.
Here’s how:
First, open the Run command box using Win+R and enter “services.msc” in the Open field to launch the Services app.
In the Services window, scroll down and locate the Windows Installer service. Check if this service is running or not. If not, click on the Start button to enable it. In case the service is already running, press the Restart button.
Once done, close the Services app and run the Spotify installer to check if the error code 17 is resolved. However, if the error continues, you can use the method to fix it.
Read: Spotify is slow on Windows PC.
2] Install or launch Spotify in compatibility mode
The error code might be triggered due to compatibility issues. Hence, if the scenario is applicable, you can install or run the Spotify app in compatibility mode. Let us check out how.
Here are the steps to install or open the Spotify app in compatibility mode:
Once you have downloaded the latest Spotify installer from its official website, right-click on the installer file. If you are facing this error when trying to launch Spotify, right-click on the desktop shortcut of the app. Or, move to the installation directory of Spotify and right-click on the Spotify executable file.
From the appeared context menu, click on the Properties option.
Next, go to the Compatibility tab and tick the Run this program in compatibility mode for: checkbox. After that, select an older version of Windows like Windows 8, and then press the Apply > OK button to save changes.
Finally, run the Spotify installer and check if the error code 17 is fixed.
See: Spotify keeps pausing Music or stopping on Windows PC.
3] Allow Spotify through your Firewall
Another reason why you might be unable to launch Spotify and experience error code 17 is because of firewall interference. Your overprotective firewall might be preventing Spotify from launching correctly. Hence, you can disable your firewall for some time and then see if you can launch the app. If the error is resolved, you can allow Spotify through your firewall. Here’s how:
- First, launch your Windows Security app using Windows Search and choose Firewall and Network Protection.
- Now, press the Allow an app through firewall option.
- In the newly appeared window, hit the Change Settings button and click on the Allow another app button.
- Next, tick the checkbox associated with the Spotify app.
- After that, checkmark the Public and Private network checkboxes and press the OK button to save changes.
- Finally, try opening Spotify and check if the error is resolved.
4] Try using a VPN
You can try using a VPN and then open the Spotify app to check if the error is resolved. Some region restrictions might be causing the issue. Using a VPN, you can change your location and might be able to run Spotify without error code 17.
5] Modify your profile’s region
The next thing you can do is change your profile’s region on Spotify and see if it works. Here are the steps you can do that:
First, open the Spotify website in your web browser and log in to your Spotify account.
Now, click on the profile icon present at the top-right corner of your Spotify page. Next, choose the Account option.
After that, under the Account section, click on the Edit profile option.
Next, change your Country or region accordingly and click on the Save profile button.
You can now try opening your Spotify desktop app and check if the error is resolved.
Read: The Spotify application is not responding on Windows.
6] Check for a malware infection on your computer
This error code can also be triggered due to a malware infection present on your system. Hence, if the scenario is applicable, you can fix the error by running a malware scan and removing any detected malicious file from your PC.
7] Change the installation location of Spotify
You can also try changing the installation location of Spotify to fix this error. Open the current installation directory of Spotify and copy all its files. Move these files to another location and then run the setup file to check if the error is fixed.
Hope this helps!
Now read: A firewall may be blocking Spotify, Error code 30.
