Microsoft has quietly removed the ability to buy movies and TV shows via the Xbox console and Microsoft Store – though “any titles previously purchased will continue to be available in your personal library for playback”.
Microsoft has quietly discontinued the ability to buy movies and TV shows via the Xbox console and Microsoft Store.
The decision means users can no longer purchase new video content, though existing libraries remain accessible for streaming.
In a support update, Microsoft confirmed: “As of July 2025, customers can no longer purchase movies and TV content from the Microsoft Store on Xbox consoles or Windows devices.
“Any titles previously purchased will continue to be available in your personal library for playback.”
The move appears to reflect Microsoft’s shift away from digital video sales, focusing instead on gaming and subscription-based services such as Xbox Game Pass.
The company has not provided a detailed explanation for the change but indicated that customers could continue to access content they own via the Movies and TV app on supported platforms.
Microsoft’s video storefront has been in decline for years as competition from streaming giants like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video has reshaped the market.
With most users opting for subscription-based streaming rather than digital purchases, the Microsoft Store’s movie and TV section has struggled to gain traction.
Despite the removal of purchasing options, rentals are reportedly still available for the time being. However, industry analysts believe Microsoft may eventually exit the video-on-demand market entirely to prioritise its core gaming and productivity ecosystems.
For now, Xbox owners who wish to buy or rent new films will need to rely on third-party apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or YouTube – all of which remain available through the console’s app library.
The decision marks another step in Microsoft’s strategy to streamline its digital storefront, aligning it more closely with its gaming-first vision.
Microsoft axes movie and TV show purchases on Xbox and Microsoft Store
