The Netflix app on Windows changed significantly in mid-2024. The current version is no longer a native application — it is an Edge-based web wrapper distributed through the Microsoft Store, and it does not support offline downloads. If the download button has disappeared from your Netflix app, that is why. This guide covers two things: how to fix Microsoft Store errors that prevent Netflix from installing or updating, and how to restore the download feature using an older version of the app that still supports offline viewing.
What Actually Changed with Netflix on Windows
Netflix retired its original Windows app in July 2024 and replaced it with a web-wrapper built on Microsoft Edge. The new app added support for live events and ad-supported plan streaming on desktop, but removed offline downloads entirely. As of that update, Windows 10 and Windows 11 are no longer listed on Netflix’s official supported download devices page — offline downloads are now limited to Android, iPhone, iPad, and Amazon Fire tablets.
The older native Netflix app — specifically version 6.99.5 — still functions and still includes the Downloads section. Installing it manually and preventing automatic updates keeps it working. Netflix has not officially blocked the older version, though they may do so eventually. For Microsoft Store errors unrelated to downloads — installation failures, update loops, error codes — the fixes below apply to the current app and resolve the majority of issues.
Fix 1 — Reset Microsoft Store with WSReset
WSReset is a built-in Windows utility that clears the Microsoft Store cache without deleting apps, account data, or personal files. It is the first fix to run for any Store-related error including Netflix failing to install, update, or launch. Press the Windows key, type wsreset.exe, right-click the result, and select Run as administrator. A blank Command Prompt window opens and closes automatically — this takes about 30 seconds. The Microsoft Store launches on its own when the reset finishes. Wait one to two minutes, then open Netflix and test. In most cases this alone resolves the issue.
Fix 2 — Reset Microsoft Store Through Settings
If WSReset does not resolve the problem, the Settings reset performs a deeper refresh of Store components. Go to Settings → Apps → Apps and features, scroll down to Microsoft Store, click it, and select Advanced options. Click Repair first — this attempts to fix issues without clearing saved data. If Repair does not help, click Reset and confirm. Restart your computer after the reset completes, then open the Store, sign in if prompted, and test Netflix again.
The difference between the two methods: WSReset clears only the cache. The Settings reset clears cache plus local app data including stored credentials and licensing tokens. Use WSReset first, Settings reset second if needed.
Fix 3 — Reinstall Netflix
If both resets fail, reinstalling Netflix from scratch resolves persistent error codes, crashes, and failed launches. Click Start, search for Netflix, right-click it, and select Uninstall. After uninstalling, run WSReset to clear the Store cache, then open the Store, search for Netflix, and click Get to reinstall. Sign in after installation. Your Netflix account, watchlist, profiles, and viewing history are stored on Netflix’s servers and reappear when you sign in — reinstalling the app does not affect any of that. If you are having trouble finding or removing programs, the same process applies to removing program listings in Windows 10 and 11 for any other app.
Fix 4 — Additional Troubleshooting Steps
If the above three methods have not resolved the issue, work through these in order:
- Update Windows. Outdated Windows builds cause compatibility issues with Store apps. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and install everything available.
- Check date, time, and region. Incorrect system time or region settings break Store authentication and app licensing. Go to Settings → Time and Language and verify both are correct.
- Sign out and back into Microsoft Store. Click your profile icon in the Store, sign out, restart your PC, then sign back in. This refreshes account authentication.
- Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Store Apps → Run. This automatically detects and repairs common Store service failures.
- Check available storage. Low disk space silently blocks app installation and updates. Free up space on your system drive if it is near capacity.
- Disable VPN during installation. VPN software interferes with Store region detection and licensing. Disable it temporarily when installing or updating Netflix.
Network issues on Windows 10 can also affect Store connectivity. If the Store fails to connect at all, troubleshooting an unidentified network on Windows 10 first may resolve the underlying connection problem before retrying the Store fix.
How to Restore Netflix Downloads on Windows — Older App Method
This method installs Netflix version 6.99.5, the last native app version that includes the Downloads section. You need to disable automatic updates first, then install the older package manually using Windows Terminal. The specific version number and Terminal command below are confirmed working as of early 2026.
Step 1 — Disable automatic app updates in Microsoft Store
Open Microsoft Store, click your profile icon in the top right, select App settings, and toggle App updates to Off. Do this before uninstalling — if you forget, the Store may reinstall the current version automatically.
Step 2 — Uninstall the current Netflix app
Click Start, search for Netflix, right-click the app, and select Uninstall. Confirm when prompted and wait for it to complete.
Step 3 — Download Netflix version 6.99.5
Go to store.rg-adguard.net in your browser. Paste the Netflix Store URL into the search bar:
https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9wzdncrfj3tj
Click the checkmark. In the results, find and download the file named:
4DF9E0F8.Netflix_6.99.5.0_neutral_~_mcm4njqhnhss8.AppxBundle
Save it to your Downloads folder.
Step 4 — Install using Windows Terminal
Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin). Enter the following command and press Enter:
Add-AppxPackage .\Downloads\4DF9E0F8.Netflix_6.99.5.0_neutral_~_mcm4njqhnhss8.AppxBundle
This assumes the file is saved in your Downloads folder. If you saved it elsewhere, adjust the path accordingly. Wait for the installation to complete — no confirmation message appears, but the command will finish without error if successful.
Step 5 — Verify downloads are restored
Open Netflix and sign in. Navigate to any TV show or movie — the download icon should now appear on eligible titles. The Downloads section also reappears in the left sidebar. Keep automatic Store updates turned off for Netflix to prevent the older version from being overwritten.
One important note: Netflix may eventually block authentication for older app versions, as they have warned users previously. This workaround currently functions but is not guaranteed long-term. If the app stops working, Android or iOS remain the only official platforms with full download support.
Why Netflix Removed Downloads from Windows
Netflix replaced its native Windows app with an Edge-based web wrapper primarily to reduce development and maintenance overhead. A native app requires separate engineering work to handle the wide variety of Windows hardware configurations, storage types, and DRM environments. A web wrapper lets Netflix ship one consistent product across platforms with minimal platform-specific work.
The download feature depended on the native app architecture — specifically its ability to store encrypted license tokens and manage DRM-protected local files through the Windows operating system. A web wrapper does not have the same level of access to local storage and cannot replicate this functionality without significant additional engineering. On Android and iOS, Netflix controls the environment more tightly and can enforce storage encryption and DRM requirements reliably, which is why downloads remain available on those platforms. If you encounter browser-related issues when using Netflix’s web version as an alternative, fixing webpage not available errors in your browser is worth checking before assuming the issue is Netflix-side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I download Netflix from Microsoft Store?
The most common causes are Store cache corruption, outdated Windows, insufficient storage space, or account sync errors. Run WSReset first using Windows key → wsreset.exe → Run as administrator. If that does not work, go to Settings → Apps → Microsoft Store → Advanced options → Reset.
How do I fix Microsoft Store not downloading apps on Windows 10?
Run WSReset to clear the cache, check that Windows is fully updated, verify your system date and time are correct, and ensure you have enough free disk space. If the Store still does not download apps, use the Settings reset (Apps → Microsoft Store → Advanced options → Reset) and restart your computer.
How do I reinstall Netflix on Windows 10?
Search for Netflix in Start, right-click and select Uninstall, run WSReset, then open the Microsoft Store, search for Netflix, and click Get. Sign in after installation. Your account data is stored on Netflix’s servers and reappears automatically.
How do I reset Netflix download devices?
On Netflix’s website, go to Account → Settings → Download Devices. You can remove specific devices from the list here. Note that Windows is no longer a supported download device in the current Netflix app — to use downloads on Windows you need the older version 6.99.5 as described above.
How do I recover Netflix downloads on Windows?
If your downloads disappeared after a Store reset or app update, they cannot be recovered — they are deleted when the app is reset or updated. To restore download functionality, install Netflix version 6.99.5 using the method above and re-download your content.
Is WSReset safe?
Yes. WSReset is an official Microsoft utility included in all Windows 10 and Windows 11 builds. It clears only the Store cache and does not delete apps, personal files, or account data.
Does this fix work on Windows 11?
Yes. WSReset and the Settings reset both work on Windows 11. Menu locations differ slightly — in Windows 11 go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps to find Microsoft Store reset options. The older Netflix app install method also works on Windows 11.
Will the older Netflix app keep working?
It currently works as of early 2026, but Netflix has warned that older app versions may be discontinued. There is no guaranteed timeline. If Netflix blocks authentication for version 6.99.5, the workaround will stop functioning. Using Netflix on Android or iOS is the only long-term guaranteed path for offline downloads. To keep your Windows 10 setup running optimally while using the older app, enabling the ultimate performance power plan in Windows 10 helps reduce any background resource contention.
