Microsoft's Movie & TV Store Shutdown: What Happens to Your Purchased Content?
Microsoft has decided to close its Movies & TV store on PCs and Xbox consoles. This change was announced on a support page on July 18. The store, which has been around since 2012, will no longer sell movies or TV shows.
Accessing the Store
If you try to access the store, you will see a message saying that Microsoft is no longer selling movies and TV shows. The button to buy content has been removed. However, any movies or TV shows you have already bought can still be watched through the Movies & TV app, which is still available for download.
Streaming Services
Microsoft suggests using streaming services like:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
for new content. This move is part of Microsoft's shift away from non-gaming entertainment services.
Movies Anywhere
For U.S. customers, there is a service called Movies Anywhere. This service lets you sync your purchased movies to other platforms that support Movies Anywhere. Many DVDs and Blu-rays come with a code for Movies Anywhere, which you can use to add films to your collection.
Alternative Solutions
If you are worried about Microsoft keeping the Movies & TV app running, you might consider:
- Building your own home media server
- Buying physical media
In some cases, this could even be cheaper than streaming.
Conclusion
This change marks the end of an era for Microsoft's entertainment services. It is a reminder that digital purchases can sometimes be less permanent than physical media.