Microsoft shuts down movies and TV store on Xbox and Windows

In a surprising move, Microsoft has officially shut down its movies and TV store across Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, ending users’ ability to buy new films or television shows through the Microsoft Store.

The change, which took effect immediately, means no new purchases can be made. However, users will still be able to watch and download content they previously bought.

According to Microsoft, existing downloads will remain accessible on Windows devices, but playback will be limited to HD resolution.

Microsoft users can continue using the Movies & TV app on Xbox or Windows to watch their owned titles, though content cannot be transferred or accessed via third-party services, except in cases where the titles are included in the Movies Anywhere programme, available in the US.

Notably, the company is not issuing refunds for existing purchases, a decision that has left some longtime users frustrated.

Microsoft has noted that it will maintain support for playback issues, and there’s an expectation that Microsoft’s servers will continue hosting previously purchased content for the foreseeable future.

The closure follows years of decline for Microsoft’s digital media services.

It originally launched its video storefront through the Zune Marketplace in 2006, which evolved into Xbox Video in 2012 and was later renamed the Movies & TV app in 2015.

Now, nearly a decade later, that service has been discontinued.