On Thursday, July 25, Netflix released its updated app for Windows on the Microsoft Store, but the reception has been far from positive. The new version has left many users disappointed.
Announced back in May, Netflix had informed users that the native app would be phased out by June. After a brief testing period in July, the update has gone live. The most notable change is that the Windows app is no longer a standalone application. Instead, it’s now a Microsoft Edge-based web app that simply runs netflix.com.
A significant downgrade is the removal of the download feature, which allowed users to save content locally for offline viewing. This feature was particularly useful for those traveling or without constant internet access. Its removal is a major step back for many users.
Windows Latest has criticized the new app, calling it awful and pointless since users can stream Netflix just as easily through any web browser. Netflix support has noted that the new version will include access to live events and compatibility with ad-supported plans, but the absence of download capabilities remains a critical issue.