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Spotify Rolls Out Exclusive Mode on Windows for Bit‑Perfect Playback

Premium subscribers can enable the desktop setting to bypass the system mixer for unaltered audio output.

Overview

  • Exclusive Mode is live for Spotify Premium on Windows, with macOS support promised in a future release.
  • Turning it on gives Spotify sole control of the chosen audio device, silencing other apps and preventing OS resampling or volume changes.
  • Enable it via Settings > Playback > Output by selecting a specific device (not system default) and toggling Exclusive Mode on; recent app versions such as 1.2.84 support the feature.
  • Spotify advises disabling Crossfade, Automix, Normalize Volume and the Equalizer, and notes that music videos, podcasts and previews are not supported while the mode is active.
  • Best results are reported with wired headphones, an external DAC and Spotify’s lossless option, though outlets caution most listeners may notice limited improvements.