Netflix recently announced the release of an update for its streaming app on Windows devices.
Typically, one would expect improvements or new features to come in an update, but Netflix is taking the opposite approach and removing an important and popular feature among users.
Netflix removes downloads on Windows app
With the new update of the Netflix app for Windows, it will no longer be possible to download movies and series and watch them offline later. This will only be possible on smartphones or tablets. So anyone who wants to watch on their laptop while traveling without being constantly connected to the internet will be left behind. Netflix explains this unpleasant change on its help page.
The streaming giant has not given a reason for removing the feature, not even to US media. As a result, no one can explain this change. One hypothesis is that they want to harmonize the app with the web version of Netflix, where the functionality is also not available.
If there are technical reasons for removing the download option, Netflix could simply state them. Instead, the company left open why this widely used feature was suddenly removed.
Can you avoid Netflix update that deletes Windows downloads?
In principle, it should be possible to simply skip updating the Netflix app. To do this, you must disable the option to install automatic updates. You can make this change in the Microsoft Store for the affected app.
However, this is only a temporary solution, because at some point your version will be so outdated that you will no longer be able to use it. The app will also prompt users to update every time they start it. Netflix is expected to release the new version in June 2024 so there’s not much time left.
Basic level with Ads comes to the Netflix Windows app
It’s not all doom and gloom: the Netflix app update will bring improvements to basic streaming quality. Additionally, the latest subscription tier, Netflix Basic with Ads, will now be supported.
But for many users, that won’t be enough to make up for the removal of the download feature.
You can also check out this current offer on a Plex Lifetime Pass.
This article was translated and localized from PC-Welt. You can read the original here.
This article was originally published on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and adapted from German.
