Free Xbox Music streaming service is closing

The free ad-supported version of Xbox Music will close later this year.

As of December 1st Microsoft is pulling the service, although the 8.99 monthly subscription version will remain active.

Xbox Music launched alongside Windows 8 in late 2012 as part of the operating system in subscription and ad-supported form. It also allows users to purchase songs individually.

Xbox Music was more recently made available through Xbox One and Windows Phone.

We are focusing Xbox Music to deliver the ultimate music purchase and subscription service experience for our customers,” the company said. All of the music you have purchased through Xbox Music will still be available on your Windows PC, tablet, and phone.

You may continue to view any playlists or collections you created using the free streaming feature, but you can’t listen to the music in those playlists or collections unless you purchase the music or an Xbox Music Pass. If you have an Xbox Music Pass, you will still have access to all the music in your playlists, radio stations, collections, and catalogue.”