Movies & TV

Your Windows Media Companion, Reimagined

Let's be honest: the Movies & TV app on Windows doesn't scream “must-have” the way Netflix or VLC does. But Microsoft has quietly turned this built-in player into a surprisingly capable hub for both local video files and rented/purchased content from the Microsoft Store. Think of it as the reliable friend who always has a clean HDMI cable—nothing flashy, but it gets the job done without fuss. After spending a week putting it through its paces, here's why it might deserve a spot on your taskbar.

A Player That Plays Nice

The core experience is straightforward: open a video file, press play, and watch. Movies & TV handles a wide range of formats (MP4, MKV, AVI, and more) without asking you to install a codec pack. The playback is buttery smooth on modern hardware—no stuttering, no weird color banding. Scrubbing through a long movie using the timeline thumbnails feels almost as satisfying as flipping through a physical DVD chapter menu. It also remembers where you stopped in each video, even across devices if you're signed into the same Microsoft account (a neat trick if you switch between a laptop and an Xbox).

The interface is minimal: a dark, clean window with transport controls that fade away when idle. The learning curve is zero—anyone who has ever pressed a play button can figure this out. My only minor complaint is that the volume slider could be a touch more responsive when using a mouse scroll wheel.

Discovering Gems (or Not) in the Store

This is where the app tries to be more than a player—it's also a storefront for buying or renting movies and TV shows. The content discovery algorithm feels less aggressive than, say, Amazon Prime Video's “recommended for you” barrage. Instead, it organises content by genre, popularity, and curated collections (e.g., “Award Winners” or “Comedy Hits”). The personalisation is decent: after I rented a few sci‑fi flicks, the home page started surfacing more Blade Runner‑ish titles. But it's not spooky‑accurate—my wife's account, which mostly watches romantic comedies, still sometimes gets hit with action trailers.

Compared to dedicated streaming services, the selection here leans toward mainstream studio titles rather than obscure indie darlings. If you're hunting for a specific blockbuster that's not on Netflix, this is a solid backup. The biggest advantage? No subscription—you pay per title, and rentals never expire after 30 days (you usually have 30 days to start watching, then 48 hours to finish). For casual viewers who hate monthly bills, that's a fair deal.

Two Secret Superpowers

The app's two most distinctive features are what make it worth highlighting. First, Play To lets you send a video from your PC to a compatible DLNA device (like an Xbox or a smart TV) without fumbling with cables. It's not as seamless as Apple AirPlay, but it works reliably in a home network. Second, subtitle support is surprisingly robust: you can load external .srt files by simply dragging them onto the video window. No extra tools, no formatting drama. That alone puts it ahead of the baked‑in players in many Windows‑default apps.

Another hidden perk is the ability to purchase movies once and watch them on any Windows device, Xbox, or even Windows Phone (if you still have one). The cross‑device progress sync is flawless—I started Dune on my desktop, paused it, and resumed exactly where I left off on a Surface tablet in the kitchen. It's a small convenience that feels like magic when it works.

Who Should Give It a Spin?

If you're a power user who lives in VLC with custom codec packs and remote controls, Movies & TV will feel basic. But for the average Windows user—someone who occasionally downloads a movie, rents the occasional new release, or wants a clutter‑free way to play home videos—this app is a quiet champion. It's especially handy if you already buy movies from the Microsoft Store (e.g., through Xbox Deals) and want a single player across devices.

Recommendation: 4 out of 5 stars. Deduct one for the store's limited catalog compared to big streaming services, and for the occasional sluggishness when loading large local libraries (over 500 files). But for a free app that comes with your OS, it punches well above its weight. Give it a try for a week—you might find yourself ditching the third‑party bloat.

FAQ

How do I start watching movies or TV shows I purchased on Movies & TV?

Open the Movies & TV app on your Xbox or Windows device. Sign in with the Microsoft account you used to make the purchase. Your purchased content will appear in 'My Library'. Select a title and press play.

Can I download purchased movies and TV shows for offline viewing?

Yes, on Windows devices, select a title in your library and click the download icon. Downloads are not available on Xbox consoles. Go to Settings > Downloads to manage storage.

How do I rent or buy a movie or TV show inside the app?

Navigate to the Store tab in the app. Browse or search for a title, then choose 'Buy' or 'Rent'. Follow the on-screen payment steps. Rented content expires after 14 days or 48 hours after starting playback.

Will my purchases sync across Xbox and Windows devices?

Yes, all purchases are tied to your Microsoft account. Once you sign in on any enabled device, your library automatically syncs. No additional steps needed—just ensure you use the same account.

Why can't I find certain movies or shows in the library?

Content availability varies by region due to licensing. If a title is missing, it may not be licensed in your market. Check the Store for new releases, or visit Microsoft's support page for regional info.

How do I create and manage a watchlist?

From the app's main screen, go to 'My Library' and select 'Watchlist'. To add a title, open its details page and click 'Add to Watchlist'. Remove items by clicking the checkmark icon or via Edit mode.