Microsoft stops Groove Music Pass and sends users to Spotify

Microsoft has announced that it will stop streaming via its Groove music service at the end of this year. The app will still exist. The company gives users the option to transfer their music to Spotify and will show a pop-up with instructions.

Microsoft writes that it has “listened to its customers” and that the desire for a good streaming service with a large catalog emerged. That is why it has entered into a partnership with Spotify, allowing current Groove users to transfer their music collection to the new service from next week. For Insiders, that option is already available this week.

When logging into Groove, users are presented with a pop-up that provides instructions on the process. By logging in to Spotify or creating an account, the collection and created playlists are automatically transferred. In an accompanying faq, Microsoft recommends that you download purchased music so that you can still play it if the service stops.

The company says the Groove Music app will still work to play downloaded music, including songs in OneDrive. After December 31, however, it will no longer be possible to stream music purchased via Music Pass, purchase new songs or download files.