Solving the Groove Audio Crash Issue

Raza Ali Kazmi Windows

Windows 10 brought about by itself many kinds of changes that combine to signal a renewed approach in making computing more convenient and safe for us.

One such major change can be termed as the replacement of Windows Media Player by Groove Music as Windows’ flagship audio/ video app.

Groove Music helps better organize the music files in a very simple way. However, it’s biggest plus point has to be the handy feature allows importing music from iTunes with a single click!

Users sometimes run into this problem where they complain about Groove’s audio service simply crashing for no good reason as everything seems to be working perfectly fine in the background. Let’s take a look at the possible solutions.

Before the manual tips, here is an automated fix. Performing regular system optimization results in your computer being able to perform at its best, and that directly impacts all software programs you use.

Perform Deep System Cleanup

ST Cleaner is a digitally signed, verified software

 

Sweep Clean the Temp Folder

Groove saves up all the temporary files in a designated folder and retrieves them on an “as per requirement” basis. As more and more data is added to this folder, the chances of the older data going corrupt increase manifold. It is always useful to delete the older data to prevent any corruption.

  1. Exit any programs that are open, press Windows Key + R.
  2. Type Temp and then click OK.
  3. Select all the contents of the folder by pressing Ctrl + A and then permanently delete them by pressing Shift + Delete.
  4. Give your consent to the warning message.

 

Restart the Windows Audio Service

Another reason that could have contributed to the audio crash in Groove issue is Windows Audio Service developing a fault. Restarting it should help in most cases.

  1. In the Search Box on the Taskbar, type Services and press Enter.
  2. Select View local services in the Search Results.
  3. Locate Windows Audio, right-click it and select Properties.
  4. Click Stop | OK in the subsequent dialog box.
  5. Exit Local Services and restart your computer.
  6. Repeat steps # 1-3.
  7. Click Start and set the Startup Type as Automatic.
  8. Click OK.

 

Check for Folder Security Permissions

Another reason behind the mess could be that Groove won’t be having the requisite security permissions required to access the specific folder(s). Here is how to fix it:

  1. Open the File Explorer and click the View tab.
  2. Select Hidden items.
  3. Navigate to the following directory:
    C:\Program Files\
  4. Right-click the Windows Apps sub-folder and select Properties.
  5. Open the Security tab.
  6. Select the Full Access checkbox, click OK.

 

Go for SFC Analysis

System File Checker (SFC) helps to undo any damage that may have affected any system files by scanning for any affected file(s) and then replacing all problematic ones with original ones from the Windows installation media.

  1. Open Command Prompt (with Administrative privileges).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter to execute it:
    sfc /scannow

 

Redownload the Groove Music App

If everything seems to be ok and you’re still getting the problem, you should go for a fresh download of Groove Music as a method of last resort. Downloading Groove from the Windows Store and installing it is fairly easy. Here is how you do it:

  1. Type PowerShell in the Search Box on the Taskbar.
  2. Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
  3. Execute this command to initiate the uninstallation of Groove:
    Get-AppxPackage *zunemusic* | Remove-AppxPackage
  4. Restart your computer once the uninstallation is over.
  5. To download Groove Music, you will have to go to the following URL:
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/store/p/groove-music/9wzdncrfj3pt
  6. Click the Get the app button.
  7. Sign-in to your Windows Live/ Outlook account once prompted to do so and the download will begin right after the sign-in is authorized.