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How to Fix Groove Music App Crash on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

The Groove Music app is a popular choice for playing music on Windows 11. However, sometimes it may crash unexpectedly, disrupting your listening experience. If you’ve been facing issues with Groove Music crashing, don’t worry — this guide will help you fix the problem step-by-step.

We will cover simple troubleshooting methods first and gradually move to more advanced solutions. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can follow along.

By the end of this article, you should be able to enjoy your music without interruptions from app crashes. Let’s get started and bring Groove Music back to smooth operation.

Remember, patience is key when troubleshooting software issues. Follow each step carefully, and you’ll likely find the fix you need.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before diving into fixes, here are a few quick checks you should do to save time:

  • Make sure your Windows 11 system is up to date. Updates often contain important fixes.
  • Check your internet connection if you use Groove Music for streaming or downloading songs.
  • Restart your PC if you haven’t done so already — this simple step can resolve temporary glitches.
  • Confirm that Groove Music is the latest version from the Microsoft Store.

Step 1: Restart the Groove Music App

Sometimes, apps crash because they didn’t start correctly or have temporary errors. Closing and reopening the app can fix this quickly.

  1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
  2. Type Task Manager and open it.
  3. Look for Groove Music under the Processes tab.
  4. Select it and click End Task to fully close the app.
  5. Now, open Groove Music again from the Start menu.

This forces the app to restart fresh, which can clear minor errors causing crashes.

Step 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to automatically detect and fix problems with Microsoft Store apps like Groove Music.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Store Apps in the list.
  4. Click Run next to it.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

This tool checks for common issues like corrupted files or permission problems and attempts to fix them automatically.

Step 3: Reset the Groove Music App

If restarting and troubleshooting don’t help, resetting the app can restore it to a fresh default state without affecting your files.

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I).
  2. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
  3. Scroll down and find Groove Music.
  4. Click the three dots next to it and choose Advanced options.
  5. Scroll down and click Reset.
  6. Confirm the reset when prompted.

Resetting clears the app’s data and cache, which often fixes crashes caused by corrupted settings.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Groove Music

An outdated or corrupted app installation can cause crashes. Updating or reinstalling Groove Music ensures you have the latest version and a clean install.

To update:

  1. Open the Microsoft Store.
  2. Click the three-dot menu in the top right and select Downloads and updates.
  3. Click Get updates to update all apps including Groove Music.

To reinstall:

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Find Groove Music, click the three dots, and choose Uninstall.
  3. After uninstalling, open the Microsoft Store.
  4. Search for Groove Music, then click Install.

Reinstalling removes any corrupted files and installs a fresh copy, which often solves persistent crashes.

Step 5: Check for Windows Updates

Windows updates include important patches that fix bugs affecting apps like Groove Music. Keeping your system updated helps prevent crashes.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update on the left panel.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. If updates are available, download and install them.
  5. Restart your PC if prompted.

After updating, try running Groove Music again to see if the crash issue is resolved.

Alternative Method: Create a New User Account

Sometimes, app crashes occur due to user profile corruption. Creating a new user account can help determine if this is the cause.

  1. Open Settings and go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  2. Click Add account under Other users.
  3. Follow the prompts to create a new local user account.
  4. Sign out of your current account and sign in to the new user account.
  5. Try opening Groove Music to check if it crashes.

If the app works fine in the new account, your old user profile may have issues that need further investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Groove Music keep crashing on Windows 11?

Crashes can happen due to outdated app versions, corrupted app data, system bugs, or conflicts with other software.

Will resetting Groove Music delete my music files?

No, resetting only clears the app’s settings and cache. Your music files stored on your PC are safe.

How do I know if my Windows 11 needs an update?

You can check via Settings > Windows Update. If updates are available, the system will prompt you.

Can third-party antivirus software cause Groove Music to crash?

Yes, sometimes antivirus or firewall settings may interfere with app functioning. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they’re the cause.

Is reinstalling Groove Music safe?

Yes, reinstalling the app is safe and often recommended to fix persistent issues.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and Groove Music still crashes, consider the following:

  • Run the Microsoft App Troubleshooter for more advanced diagnostics.
  • Contact Microsoft Support for personalized help.
  • Consider using alternative music apps temporarily while the issue is resolved.
  • In rare cases, performing a system reset or clean installation of Windows 11 may be necessary, but this should be a last resort.

Conclusion

Groove Music crashing on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most issues can be fixed with simple steps like restarting the app, running built-in troubleshooters, or resetting the app. Keeping your system and apps updated also plays a key role in ensuring smooth performance.

Start with basic fixes and move to advanced methods only if needed. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek official support. With these solutions, you should be able to enjoy uninterrupted music on your Windows 11 PC.

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