Goodbye Microsoft Movies: Store Closure Redirects Users to Amazon and Google
After years of offering digital movie and TV show purchases, Microsoft has officially decided to shut down its Movies & TV store . According to a newly published support document, users can no longer buy new content through Microsoft.com, the Microsoft Store app on Windows, or the Microsoft Store on Xbox.
However, users who have already purchased movies or TV shows will still be able to access them via the Movies & TV app on Windows PCs and Xbox consoles.
Here’s the official message from Microsoft:
“Important: Microsoft no longer offers new entertainment content for purchase, including movies and TV shows, on Microsoft.com, Microsoft Store on Windows, and the Microsoft Store on Xbox. However, you can continue to access your purchased content in the Movies & TV app on Xbox or Windows device.”
📁 What Happens to Your Purchased Content?
Good news for users: if you’ve already bought movies or TV shows from Microsoft, your content isn’t going anywhere . You can still stream or download your library using the Movies & TV app .
Microsoft also clarified in its FAQ section that while you can’t transfer your library to other platforms, U.S. customers have the option to move select titles to Movies Anywhere , a service that allows you to consolidate digital movie purchases across different platforms.
💸 No Refunds for Previously Purchased Content
Despite the store closure, Microsoft is not offering refunds for previously purchased content. According to the company’s terms of sale, digital movies and TV shows are non-refundable — a policy that’s common across most digital storefronts.
Since users can still access their content, the likelihood of a major backlash seems low.
📺 Microsoft Exits the Streaming Industry for Good
With the closure of the Movies & TV store, Microsoft has officially exited the digital entertainment space . This isn’t the first time the company has stepped back from media services — back in 2017, Microsoft shut down Groove Music , which was previously known as Xbox Music .
Now, with the movie store gone, Microsoft is fully redirecting users to third-party platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, and others for their streaming needs.
📚 Want to Keep Watching? Try These Alternatives
If you’re used to watching content through Microsoft’s platform, you’ll need to switch to other apps. Microsoft recommends services like:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV+
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Hulu
- Google Play Movies
These services are all available on Windows PCs and Xbox consoles , so you won’t be left without options.
📝 Final Thoughts
While Microsoft’s Movies & TV store may not have been the most popular digital video platform, its closure still marks the end of an era for longtime users. The company’s gradual exit from the entertainment space shows a shift in focus — and perhaps a recognition that competing in the streaming world is better left to dedicated platforms.
Let us know in the comments: Did you use Microsoft’s movie store? Will you miss it — or were you already using other services?
