How to Use Spotify Overlay With a Game in Windows

Having a curated playlist on Spotify is a great way to relax with your favorite tunes. In addition, some gamers prefer not to listen to the game audio and let their favorite Spotify playlist run in the background. However, instead of switching from window to window to access the game and the Spotify app, there’s another way.

The Windows Game Bar has integrated Spotify functionality, which lets users bring up the overlay in moments. You can find out all about using this overlay below.

Prerequisite Actions

Before you can activate the Spotify overlay, there are three requirements to complete. These are:

• Create a Spotify account.
• Download and install the Windows 10 Spotify app.
• Enable the Windows Game Bar.

While the Game Bar is enabled by default, some users have disabled it due to performance issues. In another section, we’ll cover how you can turn it back on.

Assuming you already have a Spotify account, you should download the desktop app. You can get it here.

1. Download the desktop Spotify app.
   
2. Enter your account details or log in with one of the several other methods.
   
3. The app is now ready to integrate with the Game Bar.

Enable the Game Bar

Users who disable the Windows Game Bar must reactivate it to use the Spotify widget. Here are the steps.

1. Right-click the Start Menu.
   
2. Select “Settings.”
   
3. Go to the “Gaming” category.
   
4. Toggle the “Xbox Game Bar” on.
   
5. Press Windows Key + G to test it.
   

If the default shortcut brings up the Game Bar, you’ve completed all the requisite steps. However, the sequence can also be swapped to a different shortcut. The Settings menu will display the current shortcut below the toggle switch.

Bringing Up the Spotify Overlay

Pressing Windows Key + G or a custom shortcut will bring up the Game Bar. Practically any PC game will allow you to run background apps without interference, especially since computers today are powerful enough to hold gigabytes of RAM. Below are the instructions for using the Spotify overlay for the first time.

1. Press Windows Key + G when playing any game.
   
2. Click on the “Widgets” menu on the left.
   
3. Look for the “Spotify” option.
   
4. Enter your credentials and log in.
   
5. To create a shortcut, click on the star next to the widget’s name.
   
6. Test to see if works by quitting out of the Game Bar menu and bringing it up again.

You can return to gaming by clicking on empty space or pressing the Escape key. To bring up the Spotify overlay, all you need to do is press Windows Key + G and click on the Spotify icon to control the player. You won’t need to log in whenever you want to listen to your favorite tunes.

Accessing the Spotify Overlay on Windows 11

The Windows Game Bar is a feature also available on Windows 11. Bringing up the Spotify overlay works the same way as with Windows 10. The only differences are where some buttons and icons are located.

We’ll first guide you through activating the Game Bar if it’s disabled.

1. Right-click the Start Menu.
   
2. Select “Settings.”
   
3. Go to “Gaming.”
   
4. Click on “Xbox Game Bar.”
   
5. Toggle the switch on.
   
6. Test and see if pressing Windows Key + G brings the bar up.
   

With this out of the way, you can continue setting up the Game Bar. Doing so is crucial if you want to connect your Spotify account. This only needs to happen once unless you want to log into another account.

1. Press Windows Key + G to bring up the Game Bar.
   
2. Click on the “Widgets” List on the left.
   
3. Select “Spotify” from the drop-down menu.
   
4. Link your account and log in and agree to let the Game Bar access your Spotify account.
   
5. Click on the star next to the Spotify widget’s name.
   

Performing all these steps will let you control the Spotify overlay even in the middle of an intense shootout during Overwatch or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The Game Bar is always available if you have a keyboard.

Don’t Stop the Music

It’s not complicated to switch between windows just to operate your Spotify account. In fact, you might even lose games if you want to change the music but can’t pause the game. Fortunately, the Game Bar and its Spotify widget are lifesavers in this regard. You can keep an eye on the action while looking for the perfect soundtrack.

How large is your Spotify playlist? What are your suggested improvements for the Spotify widget? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.