Fix 'Spotify Can't Play This Right Now' (Local Files & Cache)

Updated: 11/29/2025

You click a song, but instead of music, you get a blue banner saying 'Spotify can't play this right now. If you have the file on your computer you can import it.' The song title turns grey, and it skips to the next track. This is rarely a licensing issue (unless you are using a VPN). It is usually a hardware conflict between the Spotify Desktop App and your audio drivers.

Method 1: Disable Hardware Acceleration

Spotify uses your GPU to render its interface. On older PCs or systems with specific drivers, this feature causes the audio engine to desync.

Step 1: Open Settings

Click the three dots in the top-left corner: Edit > Preferences (or Settings).

Step 2: Advanced Settings

Scroll to the very bottom to 'Compatibility'. Toggle Enable Hardware Acceleration to OFF.

Step 3: Restart

Restart the app completely. This is the most effective fix for the grey-out glitch.

Method 2: Change Streaming Quality

If you are a free user but your settings are stuck on 'High' (Premium only), the player will fail to load the asset.

Go to Settings > Audio Quality. Change 'Streaming quality' from Automatic or High to Normal. If the song plays, you can try bumping it back up later.

Method 3: Delete Local Cache Files

Sometimes a corrupted cache file blocks the stream. You need to delete the physical file.

Step 1: Close Spotify

Ensure it is not running in the system tray.

Step 2: Navigate to Storage

Press Win + R and paste this:

Delete everything inside this folder. When you restart Spotify, you will have to log in again, but the 'stuck' songs will be gone.