How to Fix Spotify “Error Code: Auth 74” in Windows

So you can login again without any issues

Do you keep running into “Error code: auth:74” while attempting to sign into the Spotify app on Windows? As the rest of the error message suggests, this happens when a firewall or incorrect proxy setup is blocking you from signing in.

However, Spotify’s auth:74 error can also pop up for several other reasons, such as a corrupt application cache or broken network settings.

This guide will provide multiple solutions to help you eliminate the auth:74 error so you can log back into Spotify on your Windows PC without issues.

Force-Quit and Restart Spotify

It’s a good idea to kick things off by force-quitting the Spotify app on your Windows computer. Usually, that helps clear temporary issues impacting the login process. Just:

After you do that, relaunch Spotify, attempt to sign back in, and check if the error recurs. If it does, continue with the rest of the instructions.

Restart Your Computer

Rebooting your computer can resolve broader system-related issues preventing Spotify from signing you in. Just open theStart menuand selectPower>Restart.

Run Spotify as Administrator

Running Spotify as an administrator gives the program more control over your computer, allowing it to bypass restrictions causing the auth:74 error. To do that:

Check Your Firewall Settings

If restarting Spotify or launching it as an administrator failed to make the auth:74 error disappear, it’s time to shift your focus to your computer’s firewall settings. If youuse third-party anti-malware software, check its firewall for a way to allow the Spotify app to communicate with the internet.

However, if you rely on thebuilt-in Windows Firewallfor network security, here’s what you must do to check if Spotify has unrestricted access to the internet:

Check Your Proxy Settings

If you’re on anetwork using a proxy server, the Spotify app should automatically detect your proxy settings by default. However, if the error persists, you should manually set up the application with the relevant proxy information.

Alternatively, if you’re on a trusted network without a proxy, it’s a good idea to configure Spotify to stop looking for proxy settings.

To manage your proxy settings in Spotify:

Disable Virtual Private Network

VPNs (or virtual private networks)can cause regional mismatches when Spotify attempts to communicate with its servers during login. If you use a VPN, try deactivating it. Here’s how:

Check the Hosts File

The auth:74 error code could also result from your system’s Hosts file blocking Spotify’s connection to its servers. This is usually the case if you’vealtered the Hosts file in Windowsto prevent Spotify ads.

To inspect and remove any Spotify-related entries from the Hosts file:

Local Disk C>Windows>System32>drivers>etc

Clear the Spotify Cache

The Spotify cache stores temporary data to help the Spotify app run faster. However, over time, it can fill up with redundant data, leading to various errors. You can’t clear the Spotify cache via the application interface because you can’t log in, so you must rely on File Explorer instead.

If you use the standard version of Spotify from the Spotify website:

If you use the Microsoft Store version of Spotify:

Reset Network Settings

Resetting the network settings in Windowscan resolve network-related issues from causing login errors in Spotify. The process erases saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, including VPN configurations, so you must set them from scratch afterward.

To restore the network settings in Windows to factory defaults, you must:

Remove and Reinstall Spotify

Reinstalling Spotify clears persistent errors by ensuring you have a fresh copy of the application on your system but at the cost of your music downloads.

To delete your current Spotify installation:

After uninstallation,reinstall Spotify via the Spotify websiteor theMicrosoft Storeand check if the error recurs.

Switch Spotify Versions

Switching between Spotify versions—from the Microsoft Store app to the standard desktop application or vice versa—is another fix that might resolve the auth:74 error. There are no feature differences between the versions, so try that out and check if you can sign in without trouble.

Log In and Start Chilling

Spotify’s “Error Code: Auth 74” on Windows is not unfixable. Through various methods like restarting your system, checking the firewall settings, or even reinstalling the application, you can tackle this issue head-on and log in to the app again.Reach out to Spotify Supportif none of the fixes above work.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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How to Fix Spotify “Error Code: Auth 74” in Windows#

Force-Quit and Restart Spotify#

Restart Your Computer#

Run Spotify as Administrator#

Check Your Firewall Settings#

Check Your Proxy Settings#

Disable Virtual Private Network#

Check the Hosts File#

Clear the Spotify Cache#

Reset Network Settings#

Remove and Reinstall Spotify#

Switch Spotify Versions#

Log In and Start Chilling#