Microsoft has shut down its movie store, where users on Windows and Xbox have been able to buy and rent movies for years. The company says purchased movies will remain available – but for how long?
Sony shut down its movie store on PlayStation in mid-2021, and now Microsoft is following suit.
- "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," the company states on its support page.
Closed without warning
The closure of the movie store comes without warning in the middle of the summer vacation period. Users still have access to movies they have purchased, however.
- "You can continue to access your purchased content in the Movies & TV app on Xbox or Windows device," Microsoft writes.
The company added that movies can be downloaded in up to HD resolution on Windows. The company has sold movies in up to 4K resolution.
Microsoft has sold and rented movies on Windows and Xbox for years. Photo: Microsoft
For how long?
The bigger question is; how long will it remain possible to access your movies? Microsoft has not disclosed any long-term plan and provided very sparse information on the closure. The company has also not commented on the reason.
Purchased movies can only be accessed via the Movies & TV app on Windows and newer Xbox consoles. The app was removed from Xbox 360 consoles last year. The company does not offer refunds for purchases.
Microsoft launched its movie store in 2006 during the Zune era. It was renamed Xbox Video in 2012 and Movies & TV in 2015. Microsoft has competed in movie sales with companies like Apple, Amazon and Google where you can continue to rent or purchase movies digitally.
