Groove Music is a popular media player on Windows 10, but sometimes it can crash unexpectedly. This can be frustrating, especially when you want to enjoy your music without interruptions. Fortunately, there are several straightforward ways to fix this issue.
This guide will walk you through simple and effective solutions to stop Groove Music from crashing. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along easily.
By following these instructions, you can quickly get Groove Music working smoothly again. Let’s start with some quick checks before diving into the solutions.
These steps will help you avoid common pitfalls and save time troubleshooting.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
- Make sure Windows 10 is up to date. Updates often fix bugs that cause apps to crash.
- Check your internet connection. Groove Music sometimes needs to connect online, so a stable connection helps.
- Restart your computer. This simple action clears temporary glitches that can cause crashes.
- Close other running apps. Sometimes, other programs interfere with Groove Music.
Step 1: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter designed to identify and fix problems with apps like Groove Music. Running this tool is a quick first step.
- Click the Start button and select Settings (the gear icon).
- Go to Update & Security, then click Troubleshoot from the left menu.
- Scroll down and select Windows Store Apps, then click Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will detect and attempt to fix any issues.
- Once finished, restart your PC and check if Groove Music still crashes.
This step is important because it automatically addresses common app problems without requiring manual fixes.
Step 2: Reset Groove Music App
If the troubleshooter doesn’t fix the problem, resetting Groove Music can help. Resetting clears the app’s data and settings, which might be corrupted.
- Open Settings again and go to Apps.
- Under Apps & Features, scroll down to find Groove Music.
- Click on it, then select Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click the Reset button.
- You will get a warning that the app’s data will be deleted. Confirm by clicking Reset.
- After the reset, open Groove Music and see if it works properly.
This method is useful because it restores the app to its original state without needing to reinstall it.
Step 3: Update Groove Music from Microsoft Store
An outdated app version can cause instability. Checking for updates ensures you have the latest fixes and improvements.
- Open the Microsoft Store app on your computer.
- Click on the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner and select Downloads and updates.
- Click Get updates to check for any available updates for Groove Music and other apps.
- If an update is available for Groove Music, install it.
- After updating, restart Groove Music to confirm if the crashing stops.
Keeping apps up to date is essential for stability and compatibility with Windows 10.
Step 4: Reinstall Groove Music
If resetting and updating don’t solve the problem, reinstalling Groove Music is the next step. This ensures a fresh installation without leftover corrupted files.
- Click the Start button and open Windows PowerShell as an administrator. To do this, type “PowerShell” in the search bar, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
- Type the following command to uninstall Groove Music and press Enter:
- Once uninstalled, open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for Groove Music and click Install.
- After installation, launch Groove Music to check if it runs without crashing.
Get-AppxPackage *ZuneMusic* | Remove-AppxPackage
Reinstalling ensures that any corrupted app files are completely removed and replaced.
Step 5: Check for System File Corruption
Sometimes, corrupted Windows system files can cause apps to crash. Running the System File Checker tool helps repair these files.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator: type “cmd” in the search bar, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
- The scan may take some time. It will automatically fix detected issues.
- Once complete, restart your computer and try Groove Music again.
sfc /scannow
This step is useful because system file problems can affect all kinds of apps, including Groove Music.
FAQs
Why does Groove Music keep crashing?
Common reasons include outdated app versions, corrupted app data, conflicts with other software, or system file corruption.
Will resetting Groove Music delete my music files?
No, resetting only clears the app’s settings and cache. Your music files saved elsewhere on your PC will remain untouched.
How often should I update Groove Music?
It’s best to keep the app updated regularly through Microsoft Store to ensure smooth performance and security.
Can I use a different music player instead?
Yes, Windows 10 supports many music apps like VLC or Spotify if Groove Music continues to have issues.
Is there a way to backup Groove Music settings?
Groove Music does not provide a direct backup option, but syncing with your Microsoft account can save playlists and preferences.
When Nothing Works
If you’ve tried all the above steps and Groove Music still crashes, consider these final options:
- Create a new Windows user profile: Sometimes, user profile corruption causes app issues.
- Perform a Windows Update: Ensure your operating system has the latest patches and fixes.
- Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support page for personalized help.
- Use alternative music apps: Temporary switch to other players until the issue is resolved.
Conclusion
Groove Music crashing on Windows 10 can be caused by several factors, but most are fixable with simple troubleshooting. Starting from running the built-in troubleshooter to reinstalling the app covers most common problems.
Always keep your system and apps updated, and don’t hesitate to reset or reinstall if needed. If all else fails, professional help is available through Microsoft.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to enjoy uninterrupted music with Groove Music again.