How to Fix Spotify Error Code 18 Issue with 6 Methods

Spotify is an excellent music streaming service for us when we are jogging, working, or studying. It is also a good choice when we want to DJ at our party with Spotify. However, sometimes we will get a Spotify error code 18 when installing or running the program on our computer. Your PC behaves weirdly and your Spotify crashes. You might get a "The installer is unable to install Spotify error code 18" or "The installer is unable to install Spotify because the files to be written".

If you have met this before with your hands tied or you are now encountering this, this ultimate guide will eliminate your confusion and help you fix Spotify error code 18 on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, etc.

Part 1. What is Spotify Error Code 18

Spotify error code 18 is commonly occur when there are any problem happen during the software installation on your computer. Microsoft Windows computer comes with a pre-loaded tool named "Device Manager" so the error like this can be found very quick. If there are some other software fails when installing, you might also get the same notice.

Part 2. Why Spotify Error Code 18 Occurs and Its Symptoms

1. What Causes Spotify Error Codes 18

There are different possibilities that will lead to Error Code 18:

• Installation failed or installation file corrupted;
• Malware/virus stops Spotify from running normally;
• Windows registry corrupted when installing or uninstalling Spotify;
• Some files related to Spotify deleted.

2. Symptoms when Spotify Error 18 Occurs

• A pop-up message with "Spotify Error Code 18" displayed;
• Computer crashes during the installation or while running Spotify;
• Your Windows OS hanged and can not response to the operation;
• Keyboard input become very slow.

Part 3. Check 6 Solutions to Fix Spotify Error Code 18

After having some basic knowledge about Spotify Error Code 18, let's check the solution to fix Spotify Error Code 18 problems!

Solution #1. Scan Malware/Virus with Antivirus

Using some third-party antivirus can help you find whether Spotify Error Code 18 occurs because of Malware or malicious codes. Take McAfee Antivirus Plus for example, launch the antivirus app after the installation and hit on either "Quick scan" or "Full scan". And the program will automatically scan for virus for you.

Solution #2. Use MSConfig To Solve Spotify Error Code 18

Type in the shortcut key "Win+ R" and type in "msconfig" in "Open" section. Then, hit on "OK".

Then, you will see the system configuration menu. Choose the "Services" section and hit on "Disable all" > "OK".

Restart your computer and then repeat the steps above. Hit on "Enable all" this time and restart your computer again. Now, you will find the Error code 18 issue solved.

Solution #3. Fix Spotify Error 18 Using Registry Editor

First of all, type in "Command" in Windows Search window, and you will get this "Comman Prompt" interface. Then, type in "regedit" as highlighted and hit on "Enter". A window will pop up asking "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?". Click "Yes" and move on.

Now, you will get a "Registry Editor" interface. Find "File" > "Export" in the top-left corner of the interface. You are enabled to choose a folder to export your Spotify key into. Select the folder as you wish and hit on "Save" at the bottom to create a backup file as Registration Files (*.reg).

Solution #4. Re-install The Network Adapter

Hit on "Win+R" and type in "hdwwiz.cpl" > "OK".

In the "Device Manager" interface, locate "Network adapters" option and right-click on the adapters to hit on "Uninstall device". Reboot your computer and reconnect network to see whether it works.

Solution #5. Assign DNS Manually To Fix Error 18 Spotify

1. Go to "Control Panel" > "Newwork and Internet" > "Network and Sharing Center".

2. Locate the connection and click "properties".

3. Choose "Internet protocol version 4(TCP/IPv4)"

4. Tick "Use the following DNS server addresses"

5. Change the Preferred & Alternative DNS Server like this:

Preferred DNS Server - 8.8.8.8

Alternative DNS Server -8.8.4.4

6. Tick "Validate settings upon exit" and click "OK"

Solution #6. Spotify Error 18 2017 Fix via System File Checker

1. Click "Start" and put in "Command" in the search box.

2. Hold Ctrl+Shift and, at the same time, hit "Enter".

3. Click "Yes" on the pop-up permission dialog box.

4. Type "sfc /scannow" in the CMD window. Hit "Enter".

Part 4. Back Up to Minimize Damage Caused by Error Code 18

I believe that you have solved your Spotify Error Code 18 now. However, it might occur not only when installing, but it might also occur while running the Spotify app, which may lead to data loss, especially when you have downloaded songs within. To minimize the impact that Spotify Error Code 18 causes, you'd better back up our Spotify music from time to time with TuneFab Spotify Music Converter.

Running on both Windows laptops or MacBook/iMac, this program is embedded with the Spotify web player to provide even better and stabler features than Spotify itself. It allows you to easily convert music from Spotify to MP3 or other DRM-free formats to save locally. The downloads will be kept with the original music quality (up to 320kbps) and full ID3 tags for easier management. You can save them anywhere to avoid data loss.

The steps are typically simple, you just need to download the program on your computer and follow the instructions below.

Step 1. Launch the Program After the Installation

Download and install TuneFab Spotify Music Converter to your Mac/PC. Launch it and you will see the interface. Use your Spotify Premium/Free account to log in.

Step 2. Add Spotify Songs to the Converter

After you enter the built-in Spotify web player on TuneFab, you can directly search for the songs you want to convert, drag and drop them to the "Add" button, and add them to the converting list.

Step 3. Convert Spotify to MP3 Format

On this page, you can easily tweak the output format in the top right corner. Then, hit "Convert All", wait a few seconds, and your Spotify music will be backed up to your computer. To find them, click on "Options" > "General" and your output folder is shown, or browse to change the output folder.

Conclusion

In summary, this article has provided you with 6 solutions to fix Spotify Error Code 18. To effectively avoid the inconvenience and trouble it may cause, it is recommended to use TuneFab Spotify Music Converter to download Spotify songs as local files for backup on any device, which will effectively minimize the impact that Spotify Error Code 18 causes.