After 19 years in the digital video business, Microsoft has officially shut down its ‘Movies & TV’ store. Users can no longer buy or rent new films or shows via the platform on Windows PCs or Xbox consoles. However, previously purchased content will still be accessible for streaming or downloading through the existing Movies & TV app, as long as the app and its backend systems remain supported. All current content will continue to stream in HD quality.
That said, no new purchases or additions to user libraries are allowed anymore, and Microsoft has confirmed it won’t be issuing any refunds for past purchases. Those looking to consume new entertainment will now need to turn to services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, or other OTT platforms.
Originally launched in 2006 as the Zune Marketplace, this platform was Microsoft’s first step into digital video. It was later rebranded to Xbox Video in 2012 and eventually to ‘Movies & TV’ in 2015.
In a recent support page update, Microsoft clarified that purchased content can’t be migrated to other services. However, U.S. users can connect select titles to other platforms via Movies Anywhere, a service that links digital purchases across multiple retailers.
The decision marks a broader shift for Microsoft away from digital content sales. The company has steadily exited this space, as seen previously with the closure of Groove Music in 2017, when users were guided to Spotify. Now, the tech giant seems to be focusing more on its core strengths: software, gaming, cloud computing, and AI innovation.
This move also comes amid widespread layoffs at the company. In May 2025, Microsoft cut around 6,000 roles — approximately 3% of its global workforce — primarily in engineering and management. Another round of job cuts reportedly followed in June, hitting the sales division.
The decision arrives at a time when Microsoft is navigating multiple challenges, including backlash over a major cybersecurity breach that exposed sensitive government data, and ongoing tensions with OpenAI, in which Microsoft has invested nearly $13 billion. Disputes reportedly involve revenue sharing and OpenAI’s
