Netflix updated its service in 2024 and removed the download service from its official app for Windows PC. Like Mac users, Windows users will no longer be able to download videos directly on laptops.
But it doesn't mean that it's impossible to download Netflix on a laptop anymore. I have listed everything you need to know about the Netflix download feature in Part 4 and the detailed steps to save Netflix shows on both a Windows laptop and a Mac in Part 2.
- The final season of Squid Game will be released on Netflix on June 27. Don't miss it!
- Love, Death + Robots Volume 4 is about to be released on Netflix on May 15. The new season is themed "mechanical madness" and includes 10 original shorts in total.
Why I Can't Download Movies from Netflix on Laptops?
As someone who has spent multiple years in journalism and digital media—and as a true film enthusiast—I’m often approached by readers frustrated that Netflix won’t let them download videos directly to their PC. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve fielded this question from friends or colleagues, I’d probably have my own Netflix original by now. There are actually some very practical reasons behind this policy, reasons I’ve discussed not just in editorial meetings but even with a few tech insiders over the years.
Firstly, copyright protection remains paramount. Content on Netflix, whether it’s the latest Oscar contender or an obscure indie gem, is almost always under strict licensing. Once, during a roundtable with a studio rep, I asked what their biggest concern was with streaming. The answer? “Losing control of our content once it leaves the platform.” That fear drives platforms like Netflix to restrict downloads on easily hackable targets—namely, computers.
Secondly, there’s the web of licensing agreements and peculiar regional rules. I still remember editing a piece a few years back detailing how some shows could appear in one country but not another—simply because of complicated rights negotiations behind the scenes. Allowing downloads on every device would make legal compliance nearly impossible.
Third—and here’s a technical bit for those interested—DRM (Digital Rights Management) on PCs can be surprisingly fragile. I’ve received messages from readers claiming they found “workarounds” on their laptops. The bottom line: No system is foolproof, but mobile devices offer stricter controls and fewer loopholes, so Netflix focuses its download feature there.
Finally, Netflix cares deeply about the user experience—and, to be frank, about keeping you engaged in its ecosystem. Recommendations, watchlists, even content expiry features work best when we’re interacting on their terms. Remember when you binged something and instantly saw five perfect recommendations? That’s by design.
Yet, I know it can feel restrictive. As a film lover, sometimes I wish I could queue up a Netflix title for that long train ride on my laptop. But the balance between convenience and content protection is delicate—and, for now, PCs are on the outside looking in.
If Third-party Tool is Safe to Use to get Netflix shows on Laptop?
I interviewed an industry lawyer last spring who flatly stated, when considering the use of third-party tools, it's crucial to be cautious and aware of research the tool extensively and the company or developers behind the tool. Check for consistent user feedback across various platforms will be useful and keep this in mind: only download software from trusted sources.
After my investigation and test, I found that there are many brands in the current streaming download tool market that are qualified in this regard. Take KeepStreams for Netflix as an example, it is designed for users to create a personal backup of content they have legally accessed.
Apart from the basic functions, KeepStreams also boasts some additional services to save the DRM-protected content from Netflix and upgrade the download experience. For more information on the functions:
Now KeepStreams provides a free trial that allows all new users to download 3 full Netflix movies with all advanced features supported. If you're interested, give it a try and save the Netflix videos forever now.
Steps to Download Netflix Video on Laptop
Here are simple steps to save Netflix shows on your laptop based on my experience:
When the download process is done, Netflix videos will be saved in the local folder of your computer. The stored Netflix videos on your laptop can be easily found through the Downloaded section > folder icon. You can also change the default Netflix download location to save more space on your device.
Legal Notice
However, it's crucial to note that if you attempt to use KeepStreams to download copyrighted content from a source where you don't have legal access rights, you could be in violation of the law. More informaion please review the Copyright Compliance.
Prepare to Download Netflix Movies
Based on the official policies, every audience has to subscribe to a supported plan and have a compatible device in order to use the Netflix download service.
Supported Subscription Plans
Netflix offers a range of plans to cater to your entertainment needs. Here are the different Netflix plans and their features. Please note that you can use the download service by subscribing to any one of the plans below:
| Standard with ads | Standard | Premium | |
| Monthly Price | $6.99 | $15.49 | $22.99 |
| Video Quality | Full HD | Full HD | 4K + HDR |
| Simultaneous Streams | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Simultaneous Downloads | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| Extra Members | / | 1 | 2 |
| Spatial Audio | No | No | Yes |
| Ad-Free | No | Yes | Yes |
Supported Devices
To download Netflix movies for offline viewing, it's not enough to subscribe to Netflix's plans alone. You have to make sure that you own one of the following compatible devices to use the official Netflix app to download videos:
- iPhone or iPad
- Android phone or tablet
- Amazon Fire tablet
- Google Chromebook (Requires Google Play Store installation)
Netflix Official Download Limits You Should Know
Discovering the official limits I got you covered in this section. If you're using the official app to download Netflix videos, you will encounter several download limits. Check them one by one:
This restriction applies differently based on your subscription plan. Ad-free plans allow up to 100 active downloads per device, while ad-supported plans are limited to 15 downloads per device per month.
Netflix downloads come with expiration dates, meaning they're not indefinitely available for offline viewing. The expiration period varies for different titles and is displayed on the Downloads page of the Netflix app, which is normally 48 hours after the show is played.
The number of devices that can simultaneously stream Netflix depends on your chosen subscription plan. Standard plans allow streaming on 2 screens simultaneously, while Premium plans extend this to 4 screens.
Similar to simultaneous streams, Netflix also places limits on the number of devices on which you can download videos simultaneously. Standard plans permit downloads on 2 devices, while Premium plans allow for downloads on up to 6 devices.
Note: Don't want to be trapped by these Netflix download limits? Use KeepStreams for Netflix to download Netflix shows in MP4/MKV format.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use KeepStreams to download videos on a Mac?
A1. Of course. KeepStreams for Netflix can be used on Mac and Windows PCs, as can the Netflix downloads. If, upon reading this, you find yourself interested in the functionality of KeepStreams, it is strongly recommended that you first use the free trial version to download a complete movie from Netflix. Only subscribe and buy if you think my guide is right and you're happy with KeepStreams.
Q2. Will using KeepStreams put my Netflix account at risk?
A2. This is a very reasonable concern. KeepStreams is designed to help users create personal backups of content they have legal access to. Its working principle is to simulate normal browser playback and data caching processes rather than cracking servers. As long as you strictly use the downloaded content for personal viewing and do not engage in commercial distribution or sharing with others, the risk to your account is extremely low.
So far, there have been no widespread reports of accounts being banned due to the personal use of such tools.
Q3. Can I save the downloaded Netflix videos forever on my PC?
A3. Yes, videos downloaded by KeepStreams are saved in MP4 or MKV format. This kind of universal video format is free of DRM. You can download your favorite TV shows and movies from Netflix, save them on your PC, and build your own entertainment library.
Q4. How does KeepStreams adapt to frequent updates from Netflix?
A4. The streaming landscape is constantly changing, requiring consistent software updates to ensure compatibility. The KeepStreams development team releases these updates regularly; the most recent version was made available on July 28, 2025. To ensure uninterrupted service, remember running the latest version of the application is always recommended.
Conclusion
Although Netflix removed Windows PC from its list of supported devices, audiences can still use KeepStreams for Netflix to download movies from Netflix on a laptop. This post offers explanations about how to download Netflix movies on a computer, supported plans, compatible devices, and methods for offline viewing forever.
Hope this article can help you, and enjoy a more flexible offline experience.