Microsoft has unexpectedly closed its Movies & TV store for Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, marking the end of an era for the tech giant’s digital video service. Effective immediately, users can no longer buy films or television shows via the Microsoft Store on either platform.
While new purchases have been discontinued, Microsoft has confirmed that customers will still be able to access previously purchased content. Playback will remain available exclusively through the Movies & TV app on Windows and Xbox, and Microsoft assured users that “downloads will continue to be available on Windows and in HD max resolution”.
The company is not offering refunds for prior purchases, which has drawn some frustration from long-time users. Viewing content outside the official Microsoft platform remains restricted unless the purchased titles are part of the Movies Anywhere programme in the United States, a third-party service that allows users to access content across different platforms.
A long-expected shutdown after years of decline
The decision to close the Movies & TV store follows years of gradual withdrawal by Microsoft from the digital media space. Since the termination of its Groove Music service in 2017, speculation has grown over the future of Microsoft’s video content offering.
The service began life in 2006 as part of the Zune Marketplace, Microsoft’s attempt to challenge iTunes. It evolved into Xbox Video in 2012, and three years later, in 2015, became known as the Movies & TV store and app. Over the last decade, the platform has become increasingly niche, as major players such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV have dominated the digital video market.
Now, with Microsoft stepping away from digital video sales, consumers on Xbox and Windows platforms are being directed toward those third-party streaming services for their entertainment needs.
Support continues for existing purchases
Although new sales have ceased, Microsoft has stated that support for already purchased content will continue for the foreseeable future. The company has not announced a timeline for the removal of support services or closure of backend servers, a key concern among customers who want long-term access to their digital libraries.
There is also no indication of integration with other services outside of the existing Movies Anywhere support in the US, which is limited and does not apply globally. As such, many users will be reliant on the continued availability of Microsoft’s own Movies & TV app to access their content.
The closure underscores Microsoft’s shift in focus away from entertainment media and towards cloud services, gaming, and productivity platforms. The company’s current entertainment strategy appears to rest more on partnerships than direct offerings, signalling a definitive end to its ambitions in the digital video sales space.
