Load up a couple of Prime Video movies on my Windows 11 laptop before a flight, then realize the Download button is greyed out and my storage is hanging by a thread. Great when it works, annoying when I land and the app wants to re-check the license with zero Wi-Fi in sight.
This guide is written to solve any existing or potential problems with downloading movies on Prime Video on laptop. It includes the detailed method, tips, and possibilities of "one file, any player, no app drama". Hope this can actually work when you're in deep trouble with Prime Video downloads on laptop.
- Overview: The Official app means offline viewing with DRM, and third-party downloaders mean flexibility but a higher cost
- Use an official app: Easy, safe, and quick. But the download limit on the expiration window, device, and format is unavoidable. (Jump to Section 1)
- Use a third-party tool: Get convenient MP4 video files. But you need to choose a reliable and safe tool, and be careful about the legal issues and rules. (Jump to Section 2)
Method 1: Use the Official Prime Video App for Windows 10/11 and Mac
Prime Video now already published the official app for Windows 10/11 PC and even MacBook. The compatibility is greater than Netflix, Hulu, and many other competitors. When using the download service built into the official app, you should also know some tips.
How to Download Amazon Prime Video on PC Officially?
As easy as you do on mobile devices. Just install, click, and save.
On a Windows 10/11 PC
Install the app from the Microsoft Store, sign in, open a title, and click Download:
- Open the Microsoft Store and install Prime Video for Windows.
- Sign in with your Amazon account.
- Open a movie/episode page and select Download. Pick your quality setting.
- Play downloads from My Stuff > Downloads. (Last checked: Sep 19, 2025).
You can even manage Prime Video storage from app settings on a Windows PC. But please use the service carefully. As a best practice, keep downloads on an internal drive. You can also use USB/external drives, but they are more error-prone with DRM verification and disconnections.
On a Mac
Get the app from the App Store, log in, and click Download:
- Open the Mac App Store and install Prime Video.
- Sign in, then choose a title and hit Download.
- Find downloads under My Stuff. (Last checked: Sep 19, 2025).
Downloading on a Mac is different from downloading on a Windows PC. All Prime Video titles are saved in the app's sandbox and can never be moved outside.
Limits You Should Never Forget
As long as you're using the Prime Video app, no matter whether you download Prime Video on a Windows PC or a Mac, you need to follow the official rules and can only play the downloaded videos under these limits:
1. Time Limits: Every Prime Video subscriber typically has 30 days to start watching the videos, and after pressing play, the clock is ticking on that "48 hours to finish" rule.
2. Device Limits: How many movies can you download on Amazon Prime? Forum guidance commonly cites that the same title can be played on no more than 2 devices at once, and a maximum of 25 titles can be downloaded under one account. Of course, the specifics can vary by title/region and may change.
3. Title Limits: Not all titles on Prime Video can be downloaded. Sometimes, you're only allowed to watch one title online within the app.
4. Quality Limits: Availability of HD/4K for downloads depends on the title, device, and rights. If you don’t see 4K, it’s usually a licensing or device capability limitation.
If you're curious about more details about Prime Video download limits, continue to read this article written by another author from our team.
[Tips] Troubleshooting Common Problems on the Official App
When I first used the Prime Video app to download videos, I ran into a lot of trouble. To help you avoid these download problems on the Prime Video app in the beginning, fix the common stuff fast by following these steps:
It means the title is not eligible for download in your region/account. The problem might also be raised by a temporary licensing window or device/auth limit reached. Fix in several steps:
- Switch to another network (corporate VPNs can block CDNs).
- Sign out/in of the app, and relaunch.
- Check if the title is rental or Prime-included. Rentals may have tighter windows.
- Try another title to confirm it’s not account-wide.
This problem happens when DRM revalidation failed (clock/region mismatch), the file was on a removable drive that disconnected, or the app needs a fresh license. To fix it:
- Keep downloads on internal storage and avoid USB/external drives.
- Toggle Airplane mode off/on once to refresh entitlements, then try again.
- Update the app from the Microsoft Store / Mac App Store.
If this happens, the problem might lie in the Microsoft Store cache or app install issues. Try to troubleshoot it via these steps:
- In Settings > Apps > Advanced options, Repair/Reset Prime Video.
- Use wsreset.exe to clear the Store cache. And reboot it.
- Confirm Windows Update is current, and reinstall the app.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party Downloader for Windows and Mac
What most audiences want here is permanent MP4 files, custom subtitles, or cross-device playback without the Amazon app. However, bypassing DRM may violate laws like DMCA §1201 (U.S.) and Amazon’s terms.
It's important to choose a reliable downloader that won't put your account in a highly risky situation. More importantly, a good tool should not carry any malware or computer viruses.
How to Download Amazon Prime Video on PC in MP4 Files?
I used 2 third-party tools that claim no DRM-removal process and are 100% legal to be used for personal purposes: KeepStreams for Prime Video and MovPilot Amazon Prime Video Downloader.
| Official App | KeepStreams | MovPilot | |
| Pricing | App is free with Prime |
|
|
| Video Quality | 1080p, 2K, 4K | 1080p | 1080p |
| Output Format | Encrypted | MP4/MKV | MP4/MKV |
| Playback Limit |
|
*100 downloads per day | No Limit |
| Auto-Download | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Batch Download | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Ad-Removal | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Customizable Language | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Safety | High | Medium | Low |
| Supported OS | Win/Mac | Win/Mac | Win/Mac |
*To protect users' accounts from being banned by Prime Video, KeepStreams sets a daily download limit.
Compared with the official app, both KeepStreams and MovPilot can help you have a more flexible download and offline viewing experience. Based on the comments on Prime Video, KeepStreams gets a higher rating of positive comments. (Last checked: Sep 19, 2025)
Although most video downloaders for Prime Video share the main features and operating steps, you still need to collect information from various sources to determine which one is the best for you. Take KeepStreams as an example, follow these steps:
[Important] Is It Legal to Use a Third-Party Tool?
Laws exist in most countries to protect DRM. If you go outside official apps, remember to use the tools that require your Prime Video account information. Normally, they don't work by removing DRM.
DMCA §1201 (U.S.) prohibits circumventing access controls (DRM), with specific, narrow exemptions. Using "Prime Video downloader" utilities that depend on DRM bypass can be illegal in the U.S. and can violate Amazon’s terms.
But as an active subscriber to Prime Video, you do have the right to enjoy your downloads based on your will. Therefore, it's acceptable to use tools (downloaders, recorders, DVR, etc) to download movies from Amazon Prime. But they should only be used for personal entertainment.
FAQs
Q1. Can I download Amazon Prime movies to Windows 11?
A1. Yes. Install Prime Video for Windows from the Microsoft Store and download from the title page. Be careful about the download limits when using the official app to download videos.
Q2. How long do Prime Video downloads last?
A2. When using the official app, the offline viewing cap is typically 30 days to start and 48 hours to finish after you hit play. Some titles differ. When using a third-party tool that is able to download Prime Video shows into MP4/MKV format, the downloads can be saved forever.
Q3. Where are downloads saved on Windows? Can I change the folder?
A3. To learn about the download location, read Where are Prime Video Downloads Stored. And yes—use app settings to pick storage. It's highly recommended to keep downloads on the same internal drive as the Amazon Prime app, in order to avoid DRM verification issues.
Conclusion
On my Windows 11 laptop, the official app has been the least-friction way to stock up on shows before a flight. Also, MP4 “forever files” are a good way to enjoy flexible downloads without the limits on device, expiration date, simultaneous viewing, and more.
Each method can help you download Prime Video on laptop, and each of them has pros and cons. But always remember, never share the downloads and only use them for personal entertainment.