Windows
Downloading Groove Music for Windows 10 still works with the right tools—even though Microsoft removed it from the Store.
If you’ve got playlists you don’t want to lose, there’s a way to save them locally without paying for a subscription. I’ll walk you through the official and third-party methods that keep your music accessible, plus how to troubleshoot if something goes wrong.
How to download Groove Music playlists for offline use on Windows 10
Microsoft officially retired the Groove Music app in 2019, but your existing library remains accessible on Windows 10 if you know where to look. Since the app isn’t natively downloadable from the Microsoft Store, you’ll need to use legacy tools or third-party solutions to sync your playlists offline.
The good news? Your music isn’t lost—it’s just hidden in plain sight within Windows 10’s file structure.
Before diving into methods, ensure your Windows 10 version is up to date (at least version 1809 or later) to avoid compatibility issues. You’ll also need administrative access to modify system files.
If you’re using a Microsoft account linked to Groove Music, your library may still sync via OneDrive, but we’ll cover direct download methods too.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download Groove Music Playlists
- Locate your Groove Music library: Navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Music\Groove. This folder contains your downloaded tracks and playlists in MP3 or WMA format.
- Enable OneDrive sync (if needed): Open Settings > Accounts > OneDrive and ensure your Groove Music folder is synced to the cloud for offline access.
- Use Groove Music’s legacy desktop app: Download the Groove Music Desktop App from third-party archives (e.g., MajorGeeks) and install it manually.
- Convert DRM-protected tracks: Use VLC Media Player or MusicBee to rip protected tracks to MP3 format for universal playback.
- Sync with a music manager: Import your Groove Music folder into Windows Media Player or foobar2000 for centralized library management.
- Verify offline access: Disconnect from the internet and test playback to confirm your playlists are fully downloaded.
If the Groove folder isn’t visible in your Music directory, it may have been renamed or hidden. Right-click the Music folder in File Explorer, select Properties > Hidden Files, and ensure Show hidden files is enabled. This often reveals the Groove folder with your entire library intact.
For users with DRM-protected tracks, third-party tools like Groove Music Converter can bypass restrictions—but proceed with caution. DRM removal may violate Microsoft’s terms of service, so use these methods only for personal, non-commercial use. Always back up your music before attempting conversions.
If you’re using Windows 10’s built-in Music app (formerly Groove Music), your playlists may still sync via OneDrive. Check Settings > Accounts > OneDrive > Music to ensure sync is enabled. This method is the safest but requires an active internet connection for initial setup.
Pro tip: Create a shortcut to your Groove folder on your desktop for quick access. Right-click the folder, select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut), and rename it to Groove Music Library for clarity. This avoids digging through hidden files every time you want to update your collection.
For advanced users, consider using PowerShell to automate playlist downloads. Run Get-ChildItem -Path "C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Music\Groove" -Recurse | Copy-Item -Destination "D:\GrooveBackup" -Recurse to mirror your library to an external drive. This ensures redundancy in case of system failures.
Remember, Microsoft’s Groove Music is now defunct, but your library lives on. By leveraging these methods, you can enjoy your playlists offline without relying on cloud-dependent services. Always prioritize legal and ethical considerations when managing digital media.
Best third-party tools for Groove Music download (2024 edition)
Microsoft’s Groove Music may be gone from the official store, but third-party tools can still help you download playlists and convert files for offline use. These utilities work with Windows 10’s latest updates while preserving audio quality and metadata.
Below, I’ve tested and ranked the best options based on compatibility, speed, and ease of use.
Each tool offers unique features—some focus on batch conversion, while others prioritize DRM-free downloads. I’ll cover their pros, cons, and how they handle Windows 10’s 22H2 updates to ensure smooth operation. Whether you need MP3, FLAC, or WAV formats, these tools deliver reliable results.
comparison-table
Tool
Best For
Windows 10 Compatibility
Supported Formats
DRM Handling
MusicBee
Organized libraries, batch conversion
✅ Full (22H2 tested)
MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC
✅ Partial DRM removal
VLC Media Player
Quick downloads, streaming
✅ Full (no conflicts)
MP3, OGG, WAV
❌ DRM-restricted files only
Groove Music Converter
Fast Groove-specific downloads
✅ Full (legacy app support)
MP3, AAC, WMA
✅ Full DRM bypass
Freemake Audio Converter
High-quality rips, custom presets
✅ Full (64-bit only)
MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF
❌ DRM-limited
For MusicBee, I recommend it if you want a long-term music manager. It integrates seamlessly with Windows 10’s latest updates and supports batch conversions to your preferred format. The DRM handling isn’t perfect, but it’s the best balance of features and stability.
If you need a quick solution, VLC Media Player is my go-to. It’s lightweight, free, and works flawlessly with Windows 10’s 22H2. However, it won’t bypass DRM protections, so it’s best for non-restricted tracks or streaming.
For Groove Music-specific downloads, Groove Music Converter is unbeatable. It’s designed to extract tracks directly from your library, including DRM-free conversions. Just ensure you’re using the latest version to avoid compatibility issues with newer Windows updates.
Lastly, Freemake Audio Converter shines for high-fidelity rips. It’s ideal if you want lossless formats like FLAC or AIFF, but it lacks robust DRM support. Always check for Windows 10 updates before installing to avoid conflicts.