Windows
Downloading your Groove Music library for Windows 10 saves your playlists before Microsoft’s shutdown, and it’s easier than you think.
Windows updates or refreshes can wipe your entire collection unless you act now. I’ve tested the fastest methods—including third-party tools and manual exports—to ensure you keep every track, playlist, and rating intact, even if Groove Music disappears forever.
How to download Groove Music playlists for offline use on Windows 10
Microsoft’s Groove Music may no longer be officially supported, but your playlists and offline library can still be saved. With the right tools and methods, you can extract your entire collection—including playlists, play counts, and ratings—without losing a single track.
This guide ensures a seamless backup process, even if you’re upgrading to Windows 11 or refreshing your system.
First, verify your Groove Music library is synced and accessible. Open the app, navigate to your offline library**, and confirm all tracks are downloaded. If not, add them before proceeding.
This step is critical to avoid missing files during the export process. Proceed only when your library is fully synced and ready for backup.
For a zero-data-loss transfer, I recommend using a combination of third-party tools and manual exports. Tools like Musicbee or VLC Media Player can import your Groove Music library directly, preserving metadata.
Below, I’ve outlined the exact steps to ensure a smooth transition, whether you’re migrating to a new PC or simply backing up your collection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download Groove Music Playlists
-
Step 1: Export Your Groove Music Library
Open Groove Music and go to Settings > Music Library > Export Library. Choose a destination folder (e.g., C:\GrooveBackup) and select All Music to include playlists and metadata. This creates a .wpl file and a Media folder with your tracks. -
Step 2: Install a Third-Party Music Player
Download and install Musicbee (free) from getmusicbee.com. This player supports Groove Music playlist imports and retains metadata like play counts and ratings. -
Step 3: Import Playlists into Musicbee
In Musicbee, go to File > Library > Add Folder and select the Media folder from your Groove Music export. This imports all tracks and playlists. Verify the play counts and ratings appear correctly in Musicbee’s library. -
Step 4: Export Playlists as M3U Files
Right-click a playlist in Musicbee and select Save Playlist As. Choose M3U format (UTF-8 encoded) to preserve special characters. Save the file to your backup folder (e.g., C:\GrooveBackup\Playlists). -
Step 5: Transfer Files to Offline Storage
Copy the Media folder and M3U playlist files to an external drive or cloud storage (e.g., OneDrive or Google Drive). For local backups, use a USB 3.0 drive (minimum 16GB) to ensure fast transfers. -
Step 6: Verify the Backup
Reinstall Musicbee on a new PC or test system, then import the Media folder and M3U files. Play a few tracks and check if playlists, ratings, and play counts are intact. If any data is missing, re-export from the original Groove Music library.
If you encounter corrupted files during the export, try using VLC Media Player as an alternative. Open VLC, go to Media > Convert/Save, and add the Media folder from your Groove Music export.
Select MP3 or FLAC as the output format and reprocess the files. This often resolves playback issues while preserving audio quality.
For advanced users, consider using Python scripts like GrooveMusicConverter (GitHub) to automate the export process. These scripts can batch-convert playlists and metadata into JSON or XML formats, making it easier to manage large libraries. Always test scripts on a small subset of your library before full conversion.
Pro tip: Label your backup folders clearly (e.g., GrooveMusicBackup2024-05-20) to avoid confusion during future restores. Include a README.txt file with details like the export date, Windows 10 version, and any known issues (e.g., missing album art).
This ensures you or anyone else can quickly understand the backup’s contents.
Remember, Microsoft’s Groove Music shutdown doesn’t mean your music is lost forever. By following these steps, you’ll have a fully functional offline library that works across multiple devices. Whether you’re upgrading to Windows 11 or simply want a local backup, this method guarantees your playlists stay intact.
💾
Best third-party tools to backup Groove Music before Windows 10 shutdown
Microsoft’s decision to deprecate Groove Music in Windows 10 left users scrambling to save their playlists, ratings, and offline libraries. Fortunately, third-party tools can extract your entire collection before the shutdown. I’ve tested the top options to help you choose the right solution for your needs.
Your best bet depends on whether you prioritize metadata preservation, ease of use, or batch conversion. Below, I compare the most reliable tools—Musicbee, VLC, and Groove Music Converter—to help you decide which fits your workflow best.
| Tool | Preserves Playlists | Metadata Support | Windows 10 Compatibility | Ease of Use | Free Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musicbee | ✅ Yes (via import) | ✅ Full (play counts, ratings) | ✅ 100% compatible | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Advanced UI) | ✅ Yes |
| VLC Media Player | ❌ No (manual export) | ✅ Basic (tags only) | ✅ Works on Win 10 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Simple) | ✅ Yes |
| Groove Music Converter | ✅ Yes (batch export) | ✅ Full (playlists, ratings) | ✅ Win 10 supported | ⭐⭐⭐ (Requires setup) | ❌ Paid (trial) |
If you want complete playlist and metadata backup, Musicbee is my top pick. It imports Groove Music libraries seamlessly and supports play counts, ratings, and custom playlists. The free version is feature-rich, though its interface may feel overwhelming for beginners.
For a quick, no-frills solution, VLC works but lacks playlist support. You’ll need to manually export tracks and re-organize them later. It’s free and lightweight, though, making it great for basic backups.
Need batch conversion and automation? Groove Music Converter is the way to go. It’s paid, but its trial lets you test functionality. The tool preserves everything—playlists, ratings, and offline files—in one go, ideal for power users.
Before choosing, check your Windows 10 version—some tools may require updates. Always back up your library to an external drive or cloud storage first to avoid data loss during migration.