Microsoft has launched a new Movies Anywhere webpage which announces the company’s return to the service and explains how to use the feature in conjunction with Movies & TV. According to the webpage, any movie that is purchased from Movies & TV and has the Movies Anywhere logo on the storefront can be played on any other platform with either Movies & TV or Movies Anywhere. Conversely, if a movie was purchased from another store and is also available on both Movies Anywhere and Movies & TV, it can be played on all three platforms.
Rumors of Microsoft Movies & TV’s return to Movies Anywhere have been going around throughout the year. Thurrott.com first reported on it in March, Windows Central seemed to agree in July, and Microsoft leaker WalkingCat unearthed a video that includes Movies & TV as a Movies Anywhere partner a few days ago. .
To do this, users need to register and sign in to the Movies Anywhere service first and connect it with their Microsoft Account. This can be done both on the website and in the app. On the website, users can follow the instructions on the main webpage to sync their Microsoft Account. In the app, users can go to Settings and select “Manage Retailers” to do so.
The service is available on all current Microsoft platforms with the Movies & TV app and any platform that supports the Movies Anywhere app including iOS, Android, Amazon, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. Playback through the Movies Anywhere website is also available. Unfortunately, access to the service is limited on older Microsoft devices including the Xbox 360, Windows phones, and older versions of Windows; the service is currently available only in the United States.
Movies & TV’s return to Movies Anywhere brings more value to users invested in the platform and suggests that Microsoft is committed to carrying on with the service for now. Movies Anywhere currently services films from major studios including Disney, Sony, 20th Century Fox, Universal, and Warner Bros.
Update: Microsoft has removed the page announcing its return to Movies Anywhere.