Microsoft quietly removes ability to purchase movies and TV shows on Xbox and the Microsoft Store

Microsoft is no longer selling or renting movies and TV shows.

The change came about abruptly earlier this week, with a FAQ update on both the Xbox and Windows pages confirming that as of 18th July, “Microsoft has stopped selling new movie and TV content”.

“Existing customers can continue to access their previously purchased content on Windows and Xbox devices,” the FAQ explains, “[and] players can continue to play personal videos on Xbox devices. Windows customers can continue to have access to playback and the download functionality.”

As PC Gamer points out, this isn’t unique to Microsoft – in fact, both Apple and Google have effectively done the same thing, only earlier – and it appears the megacorp is committed to permitting existing customers access their paid-for content (at least, for the time being).

As per Microsoft’s terms of sale, there’s no way to get a refund, nor can you switch your purchased content to another service. For anyone who used the service regularly, Microsoft suggests you use “other entertainment services that offer the latest home entertainment releases”, such as “Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, among others”.

Earlier this month, Microsoft laid off a reported 9,000 employees across the business, including significant cuts from its gaming division.