Microsoft Shuts Down Movies & TV App, Ending Digital Purchases on Xbox and Windows
Microsoft has quietly discontinued its Movies & TV app, which allowed users to buy or rent movies and TV shows directly through the Microsoft Store on Xbox and Windows PCs. The company confirmed the shutdown in an updated support page, stating that it will no longer sell new entertainment content.
The support page clarifies that while new purchases are no longer available, users can still access previously bought movies and shows through the app. Downloaded content will remain playable at the highest supported resolution, but Microsoft warns that there is no way to transfer purchases to another platform.
For users in the U.S., Microsoft suggests linking their account to Movies Anywhere, a service that syncs digital purchases across multiple storefronts. This allows customers to retain access to their library even if they switch platforms. However, Microsoft will not issue refunds for past purchases.
Third-party streaming apps like Prime Video and Apple TV remain unaffected and are still available for download on Xbox and Windows. The closure does not impact these services.
The Movies & TV app traces its origins back to Xbox Video in 2012, which replaced Microsoft’s earlier Zune Video Marketplace. At the time, it was positioned as a competitor to Apple’s iTunes and Amazon’s digital storefronts. The Xbox One, launched in 2013, was heavily marketed as an all-in-one entertainment hub, but Microsoft has since shifted focus away from this strategy.
The shutdown marks the end of an era for Microsoft’s digital video marketplace, reflecting broader changes in the company’s priorities. While users can still watch their existing purchases, the move signals Microsoft’s exit from the digital movie and TV sales business.
