Microsoft Shuts Down Xbox, Windows Movie Store

Microsoft has unexpectedly disabled the ability to purchase movies and TV shows from the Microsoft Store on Xbox consoles and Windows devices, starting today.

The change, which went live without prior public announcement, was first noticed by users in a newly published company Q&A document.

Customers can still access and play content they bought previously, and physical media like DVDs and Blu-rays remain playable on Xbox consoles. However, users can no longer buy new film or TV content to build their digital libraries, transfer existing purchases to other platforms, or receive refunds to repurchase content elsewhere.

The abruptness of the shutdown is clear on Xbox consoles, where the dedicated Movies & TV sections in the marketplace remain visible but are now completely empty. These sections are likely to be removed entirely in a future system update.

Microsoft has not provided a specific reason for ending video sales. The decision coincides with the dominance of streaming subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, which have significantly decreased consumer demand for owning digital media.

For those who prefer to own their entertainment, physical media remains a reliable, if less convenient, option—offering permanent access without dependence on an internet connection or the continued support of a digital storefront.

if you try and access the Movies & TV store on Xbox it just errors out after Microsoft's sudden closure today https://t.co/RpCRmx7W9F pic.twitter.com/SbHMSeuOSH

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) July 18, 2025

In its Q&A, Microsoft echoed this reasoning and directed users to alternative services for video purchases.

"The Xbox and Microsoft Store on Windows feature other entertainment services offering the latest releases," the company stated. "Available transactional services today include Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, among others."

While perhaps not a primary method for acquiring digital content, the service's sudden termination has surprised many. This move follows closely after Microsoft's recent layoffs, which affected approximately 9,000 employees, or about 4% of its workforce.