Netflix recently announced that it would be releasing an update for its streaming app on Windows devices.
Typically, you would expect improvements or new functions to come in an update, but Netflix is taking the opposite approach and removing an important and popular feature for users.
Netflix is removing downloads on the Windows app
With the new update to the Netflix app for Windows, it will no longer be possible to download films 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 travelling without being constantly connected to the internet will be left out in the cold. Netflix explains this unpleasant change on its help page.
The streaming giant did not give a reason for the removal of the function, not even to the US media. As a result, nobody can explain the change. One assumption is that they want to harmonise the app with the website version of Netflix, where the feature is also not available.
If there are technical reasons for the removal of the download option, Netflix could simply state them. Instead, the company has left it open as to why this much-used function has suddenly been removed.
Can you avoid the Netflix update which removes Windows downloads?
In principle, it should be possible to simply skip the Netflix app update. To do this, you must switch off the option to allow automatic updates to be installed. You can make this change in the Microsoft Store for the relevant 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However, this is only a temporary solution, because at some point your version will be so outdated that you will no longer be able to use it.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 with Ads tier is coming to the Netflix Windows app
It’s not all doom and gloom – the Netflix app update will see improvements to the basic streaming quality. In addition, the latest subscription tier, Netflix Basic with Ads, will now be supported.
For many users, however, this will not be enough to compensate for the removal of the download function.
You can also read up on this current deal on a Plex Lifetime Pass.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and adapted from German.
Author: Laura Pippig, Staff Writer, PC-WELT
Laura is an enthusiastic gamer as well as a movie and TV fan. After studying communication science, she went straight into a job at PCMagazin and Connect Living. Since then, she has been writing about everything to do with PCs and technology topics, and has been a permanent editor at our German sister site PC-WELT since May 2024.