Microsoft Shuts Down Xbox & Windows Movies & TV Store
▼ Summary
– Microsoft has closed its movies and TV store on Xbox and Windows, preventing new purchases but allowing access to previously bought content.
– Previously purchased content can still be downloaded and played via the Movies & TV app on Windows or Xbox, with HD resolution supported.
– Movies Anywhere users in the US can still access their purchased movies through that service, but Microsoft is not offering refunds.
– The shutdown follows Microsoft’s 2017 closure of Groove Music and marks the end of a service that began with Zune Marketplace in 2006.
– The Movies & TV store evolved from Xbox Video in 2012 and was rebranded in 2015 before its recent discontinuation.
Microsoft has officially closed its Movies & TV store for Xbox and Windows users, marking the end of an era for digital media purchases through its platforms. While customers can no longer buy new films or shows, existing purchases will remain accessible via the dedicated Movies & TV app on supported devices. The company confirmed downloads will still function in HD quality, though playback is restricted to Microsoft’s ecosystem unless content is linked to Movies Anywhere in the U.S.
This move doesn’t come as a complete surprise. Industry watchers had speculated about the store’s future since Microsoft discontinued Groove Music in 2017, signaling a shift away from digital media retail. The service traces its roots back to the Zune Marketplace in 2006, which later evolved into Xbox Video before adopting its final branding in 2015. Over nearly two decades, the platform underwent multiple transformations, but changing consumer habits, particularly the dominance of streaming, likely influenced Microsoft’s decision to exit the market.
No refunds will be issued for past purchases, leaving some users frustrated. The closure highlights the precarious nature of digital ownership, where content availability hinges on corporate decisions. For now, Microsoft’s focus appears to be on gaming and productivity tools, leaving entertainment partnerships to third-party services like Netflix and Disney+. Customers with extensive libraries are advised to ensure their downloads remain intact as the transition unfolds.
(Source: The Verge)
