Without prior notice, Microsoft has today discontinued the ability to purchase movies and TV shows on Xbox consoles and Windows devices. The change was confirmed through a newly published Q&A, released as the updates were already taking effect.
Users can still access and watch previously purchased films and TV content, and existing media playback functionality—such as playing DVDs and Blu-rays via Xbox—remains unaffected. However, customers can no longer expand their digital libraries, transfer purchased content to other platforms, or receive refunds if they wish to migrate their collections elsewhere.
The abrupt closure is evident on the console itself: the Xbox Store still displays dedicated sections for movies and TV, but these areas are now empty. These sections are expected to be fully removed in a future system update.
Microsoft has not provided a specific reason for ending the sale of digital video content. However, the shift aligns with broader industry trends, as subscription-based streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ continue to dominate home entertainment. For consumers who prefer full ownership of media, physical formats such as DVDs and Blu-rays remain a viable, albeit less convenient, alternative—free from dependency on online services or connectivity.
Attempting to access the Movies & TV section on Xbox now results in an error, highlighting the sudden nature of the shutdown.
In its official Q&A, Microsoft directs users to third-party transactional services still offering digital purchases. "The Xbox and Microsoft Store on Windows have other entertainment services that offer the latest home entertainment releases," the company states. "The following transactional services are available today: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, among others."
While digital media ownership has seen declining adoption, the unexpected termination of the service has sparked criticism. This move follows closely after Microsoft’s recent round of layoffs, which impacted approximately 4% of its workforce—over 9,000 employees—adding to ongoing concerns about the company’s strategic direction in consumer entertainment.
