Black screen on startup and automatic update issues.

[cslcslcsl]

Here's a complete solution in 4 steps:

1. Uninstall the currently installed Spotify.

2. Install an older version, such as 1.2.76.297, log in, and then close the app.

3. Disable automatic updates by executing the following commands in the CMD command line.
   If you get a "file not found" error, manually create the "Update" folder in the corresponding directory before executing the commands again.

rd /s "%localappdata%\Spotify\Update"
mkdir "%localappdata%\Spotify\Update"
icacls "%localappdata%\Spotify\Update" /deny "%username%":D
icacls "%localappdata%\Spotify\Update" /deny "%username%":R

4. Run BlockTheSpot.bat.

This is a summary; thanks to the author and those who provided solutions in the issues.

[TheArgentinian]

Just to check, the update still downloads (blue dot on your user icon) but it does not install when you close and open Spotify, is that right?
I can see "there's a new update" on About Spotify.

[1n3JgKl9pQ6cUMrW]

Simply open Windows Explorer, and navigate (copy/paste) to %localappdata%\Spotify\Update

This should trigger a warning that the folder is NOT ACCESSIBLE, WHICH IS GOOD!

Do NOT grant permission!

When that's the case, and you have version 1.2.79 the download will never finish. Even when Spotify says "there is an update" or when you click on "download update", it can't simply download it.

I have that version for weeks now, 24/7 running, no single update is forced.

[TheArgentinian]

Simply open Windows Explorer, and navigate (copy/paste) to %localappdata%\Spotify\Update

This should trigger a warning that the folder is NOT ACCESSIBLE, WHICH IS GOOD!

Do NOT grant permission!

When that's the case, and you have version 1.2.79 the download will never finish. Even when Spotify says "there is an update" or when you click on "download update", it can't simply download it.

I have that version for weeks now, 24/7 running, no single update is forced.

This message? It's in Spanish but you might get the idea

[1n3JgKl9pQ6cUMrW]

That's perfect and you should NOT press continuar

It means no one on your system has access to the update folder. Not you, not Spotify.

KEEP IT THAT WAY!

---

If you want to revert the process and "unlock" the folder, open the command prompt as ADMIN and type;

icacls %localappdata%\Spotify\Update /reset /T

Be sure to have version 1.2.79 since that's the last one that uses this update folder for it's update (Spotify is reading this thread as well).

[espdav]

can i install a newer version or this work only on 1.2.76.297?

[mrpond]

fixed for Spotify for Windows (64 bit) 1.2.81.264.gb4ad4efa
please read the readme for install instruction.