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Microsoft stops selling digital copies of TV shows, movies

Customers can access previously-purchased content, but won't be able to buy new shows or movies and aren't entitled to refunds.

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A building used by software giant Microsoft. (Public domain image)

Microsoft is officially winding down its long-running foray into the movie and television distribution business, ending nearly two decades of digital video sales through its storefronts.

The tech giant confirmed it will no longer offer new films or TV shows for purchase via Microsoft.com, the Microsoft Store on Windows, or the Microsoft Store on Xbox. While customers will still be able to access previously purchased content, no refunds will be issued—a policy consistent with the Microsoft Store’s Terms of Sale.

“You can continue to access content you’ve previously purchased in the Movies & TV app on your Xbox or Windows devices,” the company said. “Microsoft will also continue providing tech support for any film and TV content you’ve already purchased through its official stores.”

Microsoft told its U.S.-based customers that their previously purchased films and TV shows will still be available through the digital rights locker Movies Anywhere, which is owned by Disney. The platform allows customers to purchase content from a participating vendor like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home, Apple’s iTunes and Vudu, and then stream titles on each of the named platforms. Not all titles are available through Movies Anywhere.

Microsoft did not explain why it was ending the sale of TV show and film digital downloads. The decision comes at a time when digital download sales have fallen behind subscription-based streaming products, which offer access to hundreds or thousands of movies and TV shows for a flat monthly or annual fee.

Over the past few years, Microsoft has shifted its sales strategy to account for the subscription marketplace, including Microsoft Office. In 2017, the company shut down Microsoft Groove, the online music portal previously known as Zune Music after it failed to gain traction against the iTunes Music Store. Apple continues to sell music through iTunes, but concentrates more of its marketing on the subscription-based Apple Music app.

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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is the award-winning founder and editor of TheDesk.net, an authoritative voice on broadcast and streaming TV, media and tech. With over ten years of experience, he's a recognized expert in broadcast, streaming, and digital media, with work featured in publications such as StreamTV Insider and Digital Content Next, and past roles at Thomson Reuters and Disney-ABC Television Group.
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