Microsoft is giving up on Groove Music, and it’s officially shutting down the music streaming service. However, the company is also partnering with Spotify to migrate existing customers to the competition.
The Groove Music app is set to receive an update on Windows 10 to allow customers to quickly move their playlists to Spotify. The update will be available for users enrolled in the Windows Insider Program first, and in the coming weeks, the update will roll out to everyone.
Once the update is available, you’ll have the option to move to Spotify until the end of January 2018.
Groove Music will stop streaming on December 31
If you’re a subscriber, or you’re planning to use the service, it’s important to note that Microsoft will soon stop selling Groove Music subscriptions, and anyone who is already a subscriber will receive a refund after the Groove Music Pass is discontinued on December 31, 2017.
In the case, you have an unused pre-paid subscription, Microsoft notes that will give you 120 percent refund that you can then use in the Windows Store.
After the service is no longer available, the Groove Music app will stop streaming music, nor you’ll be able to purchase songs. After December 31, you’ll still be able to listen to your purchased music, but only if it has been downloaded — so you better make sure to download your songs before you lose them forever.
Groove Music app on Windows 10 will live on
However, at least on Windows 10, the app isn’t going away fully. Although, the streaming element will be stripped out, Microsoft ensures that will continue to work on the Groove Music app to make sure that users can play their songs locally stored on their devices and those uploaded to OneDrive.
If you’re using the Groove Music app on iOS and Android, the music streaming functionality through OneDrive will work until December 31, 2017.
In addition, the company seems to be planning to stop selling music through the Windows Store as well, but you’ll continue to be able to purchase TV shows, movies, and books.
Originally known as Zune Music, then rebranded to Xbox Music, and two years later rebranded again to Groove Music, it seems that after all the efforts to make the service more relevant, Microsoft is cutting its losses and pulling the plug on its music streaming service.
If you want to start early with Spotify, you can download the app from the Windows Store on your device, Xbox One, and on iOS and Android through iTunes and Google Play Store.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].