TikTok experience is best suited to mobile devices. However, that didn’t stop the social media giant from releasing a Windows app for desktop users. TikTok’s desktop app is basic at best, and many have complained about glitches with it. If you frequently face the same, check the best ways to fix TikTok not working on a Windows PC.
Table of Contents
1. Check Network Connection
Before we explore advanced tricks, make sure to check the network connection on your Windows PC. If your desktop has Wi-Fi problems, you can’t load TikTok videos.
You need to connect to a high-speed Wi-Fi network and try again. You can also head to fast.com to check current Wi-Fi or Ethernet speeds on your home or office network. Once you have a robust internet connection, force restart TikTok and try browsing the home feed.
2. Disable Other Services in the Background
Do you have other streaming services running in the background? You may have limited bandwidth to play TikTok videos flawlessly. You need to stop background streaming and try again.
You should also pause large files or game downloads in Chrome or Xbox.
3. Run Windows Store Troubleshooter
TikTok is now available on Windows via the Microsoft Store. Microsoft offers a handy troubleshooter tool to fix glitches with the installed apps. Here’s how you can run it and fix TikTok crashing on Windows.
1. Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
2. Go to System and open the Troubleshoot menu.
3. Select Other troubleshooters and run Windows store troubleshooter from the following menu.
4. Sign Out and Sign In Again
Did you recently change your TikTok account password? TikTok app may not work as expected due to an account authentication error. You need to sign out from your TikTok account and sign in again with the latest account details.
1. Launch TikTok and go to your account. Log out from your current account.
2. Select Login in the top-right corner and enter your TikTok account details.
5. Use VPN
TikTok doesn’t have a good relationship with many governments and authorities worldwide. If the app is banned or restricted in your region, you can’t use TikTok on Windows. There is a workaround, though.
You can use a VPN network and connect to a server where TikTok is still accessible. If you still face issues, connect to another server and try again.
6. Disable Metered Connection
Did you enable a metered connection on your Wi-Fi network? It may interfere with the TikTok app on Windows. You need to disable the option from Wi-Fi Settings on Windows. Here’s how.
1. Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
2. Select Connections and open Wi-Fi.
3. Expand Wi-Fi properties.
4. Disable the toggle beside set as metered connection.
7. Update TikTok
TikTok regularly releases updates to add new features and fix bugs. TikTok not working on Windows can be due to an outdated app built on your phone. You should head to the Microsoft Store, install the latest TikTok update on your PC, and try again.
8. Your TikTok Account Is Shadowbanned
Similar to other social media platforms, TikTok comes with strict rules to follow. If you have violated TikTok rules, the company may shadowban your account temporarily.
When you like too many videos, share dozens of comments in a short time, use too many irrelevant hashtags, or send too many messages, the company may raise a red flag and limit your account activity. You need to wait for TikTok to lift your account limitation and try again after some time.
The company may take a couple of weeks to lift the ban from your account.
9. Check TikTok Servers
When the TikTok servers are down, you may face issues with loading the TikTok home feed on Windows. You need to visit Downdetector and search for TikTok. You may notice high outage graphs and user comments complaining about TikTok issues.
Once TikTok resolves server-side problems, try accessing the app on Windows.
10. Use TikTok Web
Aside from a native Windows app, TikTok also offers a web version. You can visit TikTok on the web, sign in with your account details, and check your home feed in no time.
Check Trendy Videos on TikTok
While TikTok’s desktop app isn’t feature-rich, it gets the job done without looking up at your phone. Instead of swiping up endlessly on your phone, use TikTok’s Windows app to quickly browse some videos on the desktop. You can also start or continue your TikTok conversations on your computer.
