Netflix continues to be the most used streaming platform in the world, despite the fact that Amazon Prime Video is more successful in Spain, according to data from Geca. However, the company does not pay much attention to its desktop app on Windows. Finally, it seems that it will apply changes to this version, renewing it for another. But this will mean that users can no longer download content to view offline.
The options to watch Netflix are many. This service can be consumed from any web browser, from the iOS and Android mobile applications, from the Smart TV or from the desktop app on the computer. However, the last mentioned version is completely outdated, since the company has not renewed it for quite some time. So much so that they have not even changed the platform’s logo, which can be seen in its version for smartphones and tablets.
Luckily, Netflix is ​​replacing the outdated Windows desktop app with a new one. This is good news, since it will improve the user experience. But it will put an end to one of the most interesting functions of this option: the possibility of downloading chapters or movies to watch without an Internet connection.
The aforementioned function, which is enabled on smartphones and, for now, also on PCs with the platform installed, will disappear in Windows. Therefore, those who want to watch content on the street from their computers should make sure they have an Internet connection or connect the access point on their mobile phones. It is worth mentioning that this option will continue to exist on smartphones.
Netflix will not update the app on Windows, it will replace it
The streaming service will not be satisfied with adding an update to its version for Windows. There are so many problems on this platform that they are warning that they will create a completely new replacement application. At the moment, the message has not reached Spain, but the Windows Latest media outlet has explained that some users see a pop-up window to notify them.
In the announcement, Netflix openly informs that it will not support offline downloads. Although this is bad news for those who take advantage of this advantage on their Windows computers, many improvements are expected to come to this replacement app, so the migration should be worth it.
Everything Netflix needs to fix on Windows
Those Netflix subscribers who use the Windows desktop streaming platform have complained on many occasions about various problems. Although it is the best option, if we want to watch series and movies offline, due to the size of the screen, it has flaws that make the user experience very bad.
Loading content takes a long time from the desktop app. Furthermore, even if we have contracted a rate that supports 4K videos, this quality is not always reflected in the content. Sometimes Netflix on Windows offers a lower resolution than the default.
On the other hand, the ad-supported plan does not work on the desktop version. Netflix never implemented advertising in this option, so anyone who chooses to sign up with the cheapest rate can use the app on Windows.
Likewise, it does not allow you to view content with Dolby Atmos audio. In fact, if you watch Netflix on your computer, the only way to enjoy this sound quality is to watch the episodes, shows or feature films from Microsoft Edge.
Alternatives to download content on Netflix and watch it offline
As we have already mentioned above, the Windows app is not the only one that allows you to download chapters or movies to watch them offline. There are other options that, for the moment, will maintain this interesting feature. The function is especially useful when traveling, where we are not always connected to the network, or on the street. Imagine you want to have a picnic with friends and watch a movie. Now, you won’t be able to do it from your computer.
The alternatives that exist to the Netflix Windows application are the following:
- An Android or iOS tablet
- An Android or iOS smartphone
In both cases, you will have to download the Netflix streaming platform from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS, iPadOS) app store.
