Skip to main content
TechRadar TechRadar the technology experts
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
RSS
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Phones
    • Popular Phone Brands
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
    • Operating Systems
      • Android
      • iOS
    • More from Phones
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
    • PCs
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
    • Popular Computing Brands
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
    • More from Computing
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • TV Insights
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
    • More for your TV
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
    • Watch Brands
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
    • Wellbeing
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
    • More from Fitness
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
    • More from Audio
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • Camera Types
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
    • Camera Brands
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
    • More from Cameras
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
    • Home Brands
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
    • More from Home
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • By Type
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
    • Popular Brands
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
  • Phones
    • View Phones
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
      • Android
      • iOS
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • View Computing
    • Laptops
      • View Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • View Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • View Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • View Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • View Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • View Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • View AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • View TVs
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • View Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • View Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • View Audio
    • Headphones
      • View Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • View Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • View Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • View Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • View VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • View Cameras
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • View Home
    • Smart Home
      • View Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • View Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • View Browse
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
Trending
  • Best VPN
  • Back to school
  • Best laptop
  • ChatGPT
  • Nintendo Switch 2
  • NYT Wordle today
  • Best web hosting
Don't miss these
The Apple Music app icon against a red background on an iPhone.
Apple Music Apple Music is celebrating 10 years with a personalized ‘All Time’ Playlist, and there’s a way for Spotify listeners to get in on the action
Homescreen Heroes: BandLab
Phones This app lets you bring a music studio with you wherever you go – and I can't believe how well it works
An image of three iPhones with the Spotify logo, a playlist cover, and an artist page
Spotify I'm a Spotify power user – here are 5 lesser-known features I use every day
Image of the Spotify Home page next to a Fresh Finds playlist
Spotify I’ve taken my Spotify playlists to the next level with these 3 new tricks – here’s why you should too
A screenshot of the Spotify logo next to a list of playlist creation options
Spotify I used Spotify’s AI playlist feature for the first time in a year, and it's way better than I remember – but there's still room for improvement
The Spotify logo on an iPhone next to an image of a lady in sunlight, looking relaxed with her eyes closed
Audio Want to use Spotify to improve your wellbeing? These are 3 features I use to get me through the day
Spotify's new audio mixing feature in a personal playlist
Spotify Spotify’s new rival to Apple Music’s AutoMix is here to upgrade your playlists – and I think it’s the better DJ too
Spotify's new visual upgrade to it Discover Weekly playlist
Spotify I never use Spotify's Discover Weekly playlist, but its big new upgrades could change that
Spotify daylist
Spotify I’m a Spotify obsessive – these are my 5 favorite new features it’s launched in 2025 so far
A screen shot of the Spotify logo and the new Music Following filter in the homepage
Spotify Spotify's audiobooks add-on has finally rolled out in the US - here are 3 other new features you may have missed
Screen shots of Spotify's new playlist mixing feature enabled
Spotify I’ve been using Spotify’s new answer to Apple Music’s AutoMix – here are 5 of your biggest questions answered
The a list of audio apps on a Realme phone.
Android These are the best audio apps for Android (that aren't Spotify)
Screenshot of recommended playlist songs in Spotify
Spotify Spotify just got a big upgrade for offline playlists - and it's particularly good news for Android users
Screen shots of Spotify's AI DJ generating a new listening session
Spotify I dismissed Spotify’s AI DJ for years – here’s why I’m finally warming up to the streaming giant’s most divisive feature
1 Second Everyday: Video Diary
Websites & Apps I’m no movie director, but this app helped me create a movie of my life
  1. Computing
  2. Internet
  3. Websites & Apps

How to use Groove Music

How-to
By Tim Hardwick published 11 April 2016

Get your Groove on

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Create Groove Music playlists

Create Groove Music playlists

Groove Music is Microsoft's answer to iTunes and comes included with Windows 10. It offers a way for you to build and access your music collection, and, as with any good music player, it allows you to create playlists using your library of tracks.

Playlists are the digital equivalent of cassette 'mix tapes', and allow you to get creative with your music selection. And in this tutorial, we show you how easy it is to get to grips with them.

Even if you haven't used Groove Music before, its standard controls should be fairly familiar. When you click on a song to play it, you'll see its details appear along the bottom edge of the Groove window. The album cover art is displayed, along with song and artist info, a progress bar and standard playback controls.

For more cool things you can do with Windows 10, watch our video below that highlights 5 of the best features.

  • Check out our collection of guides on how to use Windows 10
Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
1. Start Groove

1. Start Groove

Open Groove Music, either by typing the name of the app in the Windows Search bar or selecting it from the Start menu.

With the Groove window open, you should see your music collection listed by album, artist or song. If you don't have a collection in Groove Music yet, you can import existing media, which we'll cover in Step 3, or purchase new music from the Windows Store.

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
2. Buy new music

2. Buy new music

Click the three lines in the app's top-left corner to access the sidebar. From here you can do a number of things, but for now click the option to 'Get music in Store'. You can search the Windows Store by artist or album name.

When you opt to buy, you'll be prompted to enter your Windows password. After confirmation, your music will be downloaded to your device.

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
3. Import existing music

3. Import existing music

Build up your Groove Music collection by setting up watch folders. To do this from the sidebar, click the 'Settings' cog. Look for the heading 'Music on this PC' and click 'Choose where we look for music'.

Click the plus button and navigate to the folder where you plan on transferring your existing music collection. Groove Music will import media you drop into it automatically.

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
4. Create a playlist

4. Create a playlist

Now you have music in the app, it's time to create a new playlist. Open the sidebar and hit 'New Playlist'. Give the playlist a name and save.

There are two ways to add songs to a playlist. The easiest way is to drag and drop from your collection onto the playlist name in the sidebar. To drag multiple songs, hold Shift or Ctrl, highlight the songs you want and drag in the same way.

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
5. Change song order

5. Change song order

Another way to add a song is by right-clicking it, selecting 'More > Add to' and then selecting the playlist from the menu. To change the song order, left-click to hold a song and drag it to the position you want.

You can also click a song and then click the 'Move up' or 'Move down' buttons at the bottom of the screen. To remove a song, right-click it and select 'Remove from playlist'.

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
6. Create a radio station

6. Create a radio station

If you have a Groove Music Pass (a 30-day free trial is available in the Store), you can start a radio station that has music similar to an artist, song, or album of your choosing.

In the sidebar, choose 'Start a Radio Station' and you'll see a search box, along with suggestions of popular artists. Type in your choice, click the search result and your station will be created.

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
7. Pin playlists

7. Pin playlists

You can pin your favourite Groove playlists to the Windows Start menu for easy access without having to bring up the application window. Open the playlist you want to pin and click the 'More actions' button.

Then click the 'Pin to start' option from the menu. You can also pin songs and albums to the Start menu: just right-click the song/album and choose 'More > Pin to Start'.

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
8. Share playlists

8. Share playlists

You can't export Groove Music playlists as files for manual sharing. But you can share your created playlists with other Groove members (formerly Xbox Live friends) over at the Groove website. Open a browser, log into Groove, find the chosen Playlist, click 'More options' and then 'Share'.

You'll then be given the option to share over email, Facebook or Twitter.

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
9. iTunes playlists

9. iTunes playlists

If you're coming from a Mac or previously used iTunes in Windows, you can import your iTunes playlists into Groove Music easily. Open the sidebar and click the gear icon to bring up the Settings.

To import existing playlists created using Apple's music app, click 'Import iTunes playlists' and click 'Import'. Groove Music will then search your PC and import any it finds.

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
10. Playlists on mobile

10. Playlists on mobile

If you store your music in OneDrive's Music folder, the contents will be available to you via a web browser and on any device that runs the Groove app. You can also create playlists from these devices: in the Android or iOS Groove app, tap 'Playlist' and then '+', enter a name for it and select 'Create'.

You can now select the songs from your OneDrive music collection.

  • Enjoyed this article? Discover how to get the most from your PC and new things to do in Windows Help & Advice. Take advantage of an exclusive offer in our sampler today.
Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
TOPICS
Microsoft Windows 10
Tim Hardwick
See more Computing How Tos
Read more
The Apple Music app icon against a red background on an iPhone.
Apple Music is celebrating 10 years with a personalized ‘All Time’ Playlist, and there’s a way for Spotify listeners to get in on the action
Homescreen Heroes: BandLab
This app lets you bring a music studio with you wherever you go – and I can't believe how well it works
An image of three iPhones with the Spotify logo, a playlist cover, and an artist page
I'm a Spotify power user – here are 5 lesser-known features I use every day
Image of the Spotify Home page next to a Fresh Finds playlist
I’ve taken my Spotify playlists to the next level with these 3 new tricks – here’s why you should too
A screenshot of the Spotify logo next to a list of playlist creation options
I used Spotify’s AI playlist feature for the first time in a year, and it's way better than I remember – but there's still room for improvement
The Spotify logo on an iPhone next to an image of a lady in sunlight, looking relaxed with her eyes closed
Want to use Spotify to improve your wellbeing? These are 3 features I use to get me through the day
Latest in Websites & Apps
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, September 2 (game #548)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, September 2 (game #1317)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, September 1 (game #1316)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, September 1 (game #547)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, August 31 (game #1315)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, August 31 (game #546)
Latest in How Tos
ChatGPT on mobile
I finally got ChatGPT to stop asking 'Want me to…' at the end of every response – here’s how to do it
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates with the winners trophy after defeating Jessica Pegula of the United States to win the Women's Singles Final on Day Thirteen of the 2024 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 07, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.
How to watch US Open 2025: live stream tennis online for FREE, order of play, what TV channel, Day 9
Anker power bank on aeroplane tray table with laptop and person reading a book
I’m a power bank nerd and here are the airline rules you need to know
Puzzle pieces representing memory.
ChatGPT’s best hidden feature is a true game changer – here’s how to turn it on
Spam Callers
How to block spam calls on iPhone
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich poses for a photo with the Meisterschale trophy and his medal after the teams 2-0 victory in the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Borussia Mönchengladbach at Allianz Arena on May 10, 2025 in Munich, Germany.
How to watch Bundesliga 2025/26: live stream guide, TV channels and free streams
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    I reviewed Nanoleaf's first rope light, and there are 4 good reasons to skip it – fortunately, I’ve got the perfect alternative
  2. 2
    This Eizo 4K creative monitor has something that no other rival offers - an unmatched 5-year limited warranty
  3. 3
    HBO Max isn’t worth subscribing to this September – here’s the streaming service I’d switch to instead
  4. 4
    Prime Video cancels beloved series with 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, but the crew is ‘optimistic we’ll find a home that believes in the show'
  5. 5
    Data center crackdown - Canadian province set to charge levy on new hardware, but will this just make providers move elsewhere?

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...