Netflix Windows App’s Latest Update: A Binge-Watcher’s Nightmare

Netflix recently rolled out its updated app for Windows on the Microsoft Store, but the reception has been less than stellar. Announced in May and briefly tested in July, the new version is a far cry from its predecessor, leading to widespread disappointment among users. The most glaring change is that the Windows app is no longer a standalone application. Instead, it has morphed into a basic Microsoft Edge-based web app that simply runs netflix.com.

Understandably, this shift has left many users scratching their heads. What used to be a full-fledged app with dedicated features is now just a glorified web browser shortcut. The most significant casualty of this update is the download feature, which allowed users to save content for offline viewing. This function was a lifesaver for those who often found themselves traveling or in areas with poor internet connectivity. The new version’s incapacity to support downloads has rendered it practically useless for offline entertainment.

Windows Latest didn’t mince words in describing the new app as awful and pointless. After all, why would anyone need a special app when they can fire up any web browser and get the same experience? To add salt to the wound, Netflix support has stated that the new app will now include access to live events and be compatible with ad-supported plans. However, these minor additions hardly compensate for the loss of such a crucial feature like downloads.

Netflix’s justification for these changes has been, at best, underwhelming. The company claims that the browser-based streaming experience will offer the same functionalities, minus the download option. For those of us who rely on downloading shows and movies to watch offline, switching to a mobile device is now the suggested alternative. It’s a rather unconvincing compromise, especially when you consider the convenience of using a laptop for such activities.

It’s worth noting that this article originally appeared on our sister publication PC för Alla and was translated and localized from Swedish. The general sentiment remains consistent across borders: this update is seen as a step backward. The Netflix app for Windows has gone from being a versatile tool for streaming and downloading content to a barebones web app with limited functionalities.

As users grapple with this “update,” it’s clear that the changes have sparked more ire than excitement. The loss of the download feature stands out as a particularly sore point. While the added access to live events and ad-supported plans might appeal to some, the overall downgrade in functionality leaves much to be desired. One can only hope that Netflix reconsiders these changes or offers a more robust solution for offline viewing in the future.