Can you download Netflix shows and movies on a laptop?

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Netflix is one of the largest streaming services, with an insane amount of content to watch.

The whole “streaming” part meant you needed an internet connection, but Netflix added the ability to download stuff for offline viewing.

The thing is, Netflix originally only allowed downloads on mobile devices.

You might be thinking, “but I want to watch on my larger laptop screen, can I do that?”

We’ll answer that question and tell you what you need to know about the process.

Can you download Netflix content to watch later on your laptop?

Short answer: Yes, with one big catch

While you can watch Netflix on your laptop from any browser, there’s only one way to download content to watch later.

That’s the Netflix app, which you have to get from the Microsoft Store.

READ MORE: Can you still use a VPN with Netflix?

Once installed, sign in and search for what you want.

Netflix will happily fill up your laptop’s hard drive with all the shows and movies you want to watch offline.

One big catch to downloading Netflix shows to watch on your laptop.

MacBook users are sadly excluded. There’s no Netflix app for macOS, so you can’t download content for later viewing.

However, MovPilot Netflix Video Downloader enables you to download Netflix movies and TV shows to MP4 in HD 1080P on Mac/Windows.

These downloads will never expire, and you can offline stream them on as many devices as you want.

READ MORE: How to sign out of Netflix on any TV

Additionally, the Netflix iOS app lets you download content. You can download shows on your iPad or iPhone, then use AirPlay to stream those files to your MacBook.

M1-powered MacBook owners don’t need to do that, as they can install the iOS app on their devices.

There you have it, everything you need to know about downloading Netflixing shows and movies to your laptop or desktop computer.

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Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.