You have actually always been able to download series and films on Netflix so that you can watch them offline at any time. But now Netflix is canceling this function.
Netflix is taking a drastic step and removing one of the streaming app’s most popular features. (Source: Pixinooo/depositphotos.com; Image montage: Netzwelt)
- Streaming provider Netflix is removing the download function from the Netflix app for Windows devices.
- An update for this is currently being rolled out and affects, among other things, Windows 10, Windows 11 and mobile Windows devices
- However, offline streaming should still be possible, but only in certain cases.
Netflix’s download function is a blessing for train travelers and cell phone owners without a lot of data volume. You can use it to download series and films from the streaming provider and then watch them offline at any time. However, the provider is now rolling out an update that removes this practical function from the Netflix app.
Netflix announced the move in a post on the official support website. The good news first: the download function will not be removed for all users. It will simply be removed from the Netflix app for Windows with an update. This app is designed, among other things, for Windows 10, Windows 11 and various mobile devices with the Windows operating system.
Does this mean that as a Windows user you can no longer stream series and films offline? Not quite, because you should still be able to view downloaded content at least on “supported mobile devices”. This includes Android smartphones and tablets and – according to current information from Netflix – also computers with Windows 10 or Windows 11. For the latter two devices, offline streaming is only available with an ad-free subscription.
A new Netflix app for Windows is coming soon with support for live events, improved streaming quality, compatibility with ad-supported subscriptions, and more. Although downloads are no longer supported, you can still watch shows and movies offline on a supported mobile device.
Netflix
What does that mean exactly? With the update, you can no longer download Netflix content via the Windows app, but you can download it via Netflix in the browser and other versions of the Netflix app (for example for iOS and Android). You can then only stream the downloads offline on the supported mobile devices mentioned by Netflix or on Windows with the ad-free subscription.
You can try to work around the change by turning off automatic downloads in the Microsoft Store and simply not installing the update. However, it remains doubtful that Netflix will continue to support the old version of the Windows app for a long time. And there are definitely arguments for installing the update anyway.
Because it not only removes the download function, it also adds support for live events, improves streaming quality and complements the ad-free subscription. In short: Lots of comfort improvements, which are of little use if you get stuck in a dead zone on the train again.
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