lipflip – After nearly 20 years, Microsoft is leaving the movie and TV distribution business. The company will no longer sell new movies or TV shows on Microsoft.com, the Microsoft Store on Windows, or the Xbox Store. This change marks the end of Microsoft’s role as a traditional digital media retailer.
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Users who have already bought movies or TV shows will not receive refunds. Microsoft refers to the Microsoft Store’s Terms of Sale to clarify this policy. Despite the shutdown, you can still access your purchased content. The Movies & TV app on Xbox and Windows devices will continue to support playback of your library. Microsoft has also committed to providing technical support for all previously purchased content through its official stores.
The decision to exit the media sales market is not entirely surprising. Microsoft has steadily moved away from traditional media services over recent years. For example, Microsoft Groove, originally launched as Zune Music, shut down in 2017 after struggling against Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms. This shift reflects Microsoft’s stronger focus on gaming and cloud services rather than media distribution. Microsoft has not publicly explained its reasons for ending movie and TV sales. Still, the move aligns with industry trends where standalone digital stores face increasing competition from large streaming services.
How to Save and Transfer Your Microsoft-Purchased Movies
If you live in the US, Microsoft offers a useful option to preserve your movie purchases. You can sign up for Movies Anywhere, a cloud-based service launched in 2014. Movies Anywhere acts as a digital locker, linking your purchased movies from multiple retailers, including Microsoft, iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, Fandango at Home, and Comcast’s Xfinity.
By connecting your Microsoft account to Movies Anywhere, you can access your purchased movies on other platforms supported by the service. This means you can stream, download, and store your films without relying solely on Microsoft’s apps.
To transfer your library, visit the Movies Anywhere website or use the mobile app available on iOS and Android. In the app, open your profile and access Settings. Select Manage Retailers, then connect your Microsoft account by following the prompts. On the website, click your profile name, select Settings, then Manage Retailers to link Microsoft. After completing the steps, verify the connection in Movies Anywhere.
It’s important to note that some popular streaming platforms, like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Paramount+, and Peacock, do not support Movies Anywhere. If you primarily use these services, you may not be able to move your Microsoft library there.
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Microsoft’s exit from the movie and TV sales business marks a turning point in digital media consumption. Users can preserve their content through Movies Anywhere, but the landscape continues to shift toward integrated streaming services. This move signals a growing focus on cloud and gaming platforms as Microsoft adapts to evolving market demands.