Microsoft officially shut down its Movies & TV store on July 18, 2025. The move affects both Windows PCs and Xbox consoles, making it impossible for users to purchase or rent new movies or TV shows through the Microsoft Store.
🧾 What It Means for Users
Although the store is closed, previously purchased content remains accessible. You can download and stream your existing library in HD resolution using the Movies & TV app on supported Windows or Xbox devices
Note: Microsoft is not offering refunds for any past purchases. U.S. users who linked content via Movies Anywhere may continue using third-party platforms like Apple TV, Amazon, or Vudu.
🏁 Evolution of Microsoft’s Video Service
Microsoft’s digital video journey spanned nearly two decades.
- 2006: Launched as Zune Marketplace
- 2012: Rebranded as Xbox Video
- 2015: Became Movies & TV app/store with Windows 10
Now, it’s officially sunsetting this legacy storefront.
🔧 Why Microsoft Made the Move
- Streaming dominates video consumption: Subscription platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video have eclipsed pay-per-title services.TechStory
- Cost rationalization: Follows Microsoft’s history of trimming lesser-used services like Groove Music (discontinued 2017)
- Focus shift: Microsoft now prioritizes AI, cloud, and gaming rather than content retail.
📉 Industry & User Impact
- Digital purchase culture weakens: This reinforces the shift towards renting and subscription over ownership.
- Platform lock-in risk: Content remains tied to Microsoft’s ecosystem unless synced via Movies Anywhere (U.S. only).
- Third-party transition: Users directed to streaming apps—Prime, Apple TV, Netflix—to access content moving forward
🛠️ What You Should Do Now
- Download your purchases to ensure offline access.
- Link to Movies Anywhere (if eligible) to sync titles across supported platforms.
- Prepare to transition to streaming services: Microsoft no longer sells or supports digital media storefronts beyond legacy playback.
✅ Final Take
Microsoft’s decision to shut down its Movies & TV store represents the final chapter of its nearly 20-year experiment in digital media retail. Current content remains accessible—but users now must rely on Microsoft’s Movies & TV app or shift to streaming services. The change is a clear sign of how digital ownership is yielding ground to subscription-based consumption models.
