How to Download Netflix Shows and Movies onto Windows PC or Surface Tablets

Netflix users have faced significant frustration regarding the ability to download shows and movies for offline viewing on Windows devices. As of August 2024, Netflix has officially removed the download feature for Windows laptops and tablets, including Surface Pro devices. This change has left many users feeling disappointed and confused, especially those who relied on this feature for travel and offline entertainment.

The Current Situation

Netflix’s decision to eliminate the download option on Windows devices has sparked a wave of discontent among its users. A recent user lamented, “I feel like I’m jumping through hoops to try and figure out how to download Netflix shows to my PC for my upcoming long flights. There is no useful information available”.

Another user expressed their frustration, stating, “This is extremely frustrating for me. I purchased a new lightweight laptop for my extended travel so I could have lots of downloads”.

These sentiments reflect a broader concern that Netflix is not meeting the needs of its Windows users.

Why the Change?

Netflix representatives have indicated that this change was made to “enhance the experience,” but many users are left questioning how removing a popular feature can be seen as beneficial.

One user pointed out, “How does that enhance the experience? Seems like I’m getting a lot less for the same price”.

The removal of this feature appears to be part of a trend where certain functionalities are available only on specific platforms, often leaving Windows users feeling neglected.

Alternatives for Downloading Netflix Content

While the direct download feature is no longer available on Windows devices, there are still ways to enjoy Netflix content offline using other devices. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to download Netflix shows and movies on supported devices:

Step 1: Choose a Supported Device

To download content from Netflix, you need one of the following devices:

• Android phone or tablet
• iPhone or iPad
• Amazon Fire tablet
• Google Chromebook

Step 2: Install the Netflix App

1. For Android/iOS: Download the Netflix app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. For Chromebook: Access the Google Play Store and install the Netflix app.

Step 3: Sign In to Your Account

Open the app and sign in with your existing Netflix account credentials.

Step 4: Find Downloadable Content

1. Navigate to the menu (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
2. Select Available for Download to see which titles are downloadable.

Step 5: Download Your Chosen Titles

• For movies: Click on the down-arrow icon next to the movie title.
• For TV shows: Click on the down-arrow icon next to each episode you wish to download.

Step 6: Access Your Downloads

To view your downloaded content:

1. Go back to the menu.
2. Select My Downloads to see all your downloaded titles.

Workaround Tips for Windows Users

Although direct downloads are not possible on Windows devices anymore, here are some workaround tips that may help:

• Use an Android Emulator: Consider using an Android emulator like BlueStacks to run the Netflix app on your Windows device. This method may allow you to access features unavailable in the native Windows app.
• Utilize Streaming Services with Download Options: If downloading is essential for your viewing habits, consider exploring other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video or Disney+, which still support downloads on various devices.
• Feedback to Netflix: Engage with Netflix’s customer support or social media channels to express your dissatisfaction with this change. User feedback can sometimes influence future decisions.

How to Revert to a Previous Version of the Netflix App on Your Surface Pro

With Netflix’s recent changes, many users have found themselves frustrated by the removal of offline downloads from the Windows app. If you’re looking to revert to a previous version of the Netflix app that supports offline downloads on your Surface Pro, follow this step-by-step guide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Revert to an Older Version of Netflix

Step 1: Uninstall the Current Netflix App

1. Go to the Start Menu and search for “Add or Remove Programs.”
2. Locate Netflix in the list of installed applications.
3. Click on it and select Uninstall.

Step 2: Disable Automatic Updates

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select Settings.
3. Toggle off App updates to prevent Netflix from updating automatically after you reinstall it.

Step 3: Download the Older Version of Netflix
You can obtain version 6.99.50, which still supports offline downloads, from various sources:

• Direct Download: Visit store.rg-adguard.net and paste the Netflix app URL (https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9wzdncrfj3tj?) into the search bar to find and download the appxbundle file.
• Cloud Storage Links: Alternatively, you may find mirrors on Dropbox or Google Drive that host this version.

Step 4: Install the Older Version

1. Open Windows Terminal (you can search for it in the Start Menu).
2. Navigate to your Downloads folder where you saved the appxbundle file.
3. Enter the following command, replacing the filename with the exact name of your downloaded file:

   Add-AppxPackage .\Downloads\4DF9E0F8.Netflix_6.99.5.0_neutral_~_mcm4njqhnhss8.AppxBundle

4. Hit Enter, and wait for the installation process to complete.

Step 5: Launch Netflix
After installation, open the Netflix app, sign in with your credentials, and check if you can now see options for downloading content for offline viewing.

Important Considerations

• Risks of Using Older Versions: While reverting to an older version might restore functionality, using outdated software can expose you to security vulnerabilities and bugs that have been fixed in newer versions.
• Potential for Automatic Updates: If you forget to disable automatic updates, Netflix may revert back to the latest version automatically, negating your changes.

How can I prevent the Netflix app from updating automatically on Windows

To prevent the Netflix app from updating automatically on your Windows device, you can follow these straightforward steps:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the Microsoft Store:

• Click on the Start Menu and type Microsoft Store to open the application.

1. Access Settings:

• In the Microsoft Store, click on your profile picture or the three-dot menu icon (usually located in the top-right corner).
• Select Settings from the dropdown menu.

1. Disable Automatic Updates:

• Under the Application updates section, find the option labeled Automatically update applications.
• Toggle this option to Off. This will stop all apps, including Netflix, from updating automatically in the background.

1. Manual Updates:

• If you want to update apps in the future, you can return to this setting and toggle it back to On or manually check for updates by going to Downloads and Updates in the Microsoft Store.

Important Considerations

• Potential Reversion: Some users have reported that even after disabling automatic updates, their settings revert back to enabled after a period. If this happens, you may need to repeat these steps.
• Metered Connection: Another effective method is to set your internet connection as a metered connection. This can prevent automatic downloads and updates from occurring:
• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
• Click on your network connection and toggle on Set as metered connection.

User Feedback

Many users have expressed their frustration with automatic updates. One noted, “I did this multiple times; however, the toggle button itself shifts to ‘ON’ after one week and the apps start updating automatically” . This highlights a common issue where settings may not be retained as expected.