Say goodbye to the clunky Spotify desktop app for Windows 10

Spotify
Spotify (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Spotify has a new experience on the desktop and the web.
  • The update brings offline music support for the desktop version and a streamlined interface.
  • It's now easier to create playlists within Spotify as well.

Spotify has had a desktop app on Windows 10 for quite some time, but it isn't exactly modern. Its dated design and interface have been called clunky. While it's been functional for years, it's due for a refresh. Luckily for Spotify users on PCs, that refresh is finally here.

Spotify announced today that it's rolling out a redesigned experience for desktop and the web. The update brings a cleaner interface to the desktop and aligns the web and desktop experiences.

The company describes the move in a post:

With this redesign, we're combining the technical opportunity of a modern and scalable web player together with a cohesive Spotify design and the features that you've all come to expect across the desktop app. Ultimately, we're making this change because we believe in the future of both platforms, and we want to make sure it can continue to serve the needs of our users now and in the future.

The update isn't just about looks. The new desktop version of Spotify supports downloading music and other content for offline playback. The current desktop version only supports downloading playlists, not individual songs.

The new experience for desktop and the web is rolling out over the coming weeks. You'll be able to get the updated Spotify desktop app through the Microsoft Store or the Epic Game Store. The same experience will also arrive on macOS. You can also use the new experience at open.spotify.com.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.