Netflix lets you download shows and movies directly to your laptop, but only through the Netflix app — not the web browser
You can watch Netflix offline on a Windows or Mac laptop by downloading episodes and films through the Netflix desktop app. The web version of Netflix does not have a download button. You need the standalone app, which is free to install, and a Netflix subscription that includes download rights (most plans do, but the cheapest ad-supported tier does not).
Downloaded content stays on your device for a set number of days — usually 30 days for most shows, though some titles have shorter windows. Netflix removes the files automatically when the rental period expires, so you cannot keep downloads permanently. The files are encrypted and locked to your Netflix account, meaning you cannot transfer them to another device or account.
Storage space matters. A single episode typically uses 300 MB to 1 GB depending on video quality, so a two-hour film can take 1 to 3 GB. Your laptop needs enough free space before you start downloading.
Key Takeaways
- Download Netflix content only through the Netflix app on Windows or Mac — the web browser has no download feature.
- Your Netflix plan must support downloads; the ad-supported tier does not allow offline viewing.
- Downloaded shows expire after 30 days (or less for some titles) and are automatically deleted by Netflix.
- Each episode or film takes 300 MB to 3 GB of storage depending on quality, so check your laptop's free space first.
- Downloaded files are tied to your Netflix account and cannot be moved to other devices or shared.
Install the Netflix app on Windows or Mac
Go to the Netflix website and sign in to your account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Account. Scroll down to the Downloads section and click the link to download the app for your operating system.
On Windows, you can also find the Netflix app in the Microsoft Store. Search for "Netflix," click the official Netflix app, and select Install. On Mac, you can download it from the Netflix website or the Mac App Store. Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Netflix credentials.
The app is the same one Netflix uses on tablets and phones, so the interface will look familiar if you have used Netflix on mobile devices. You do not need to pay anything extra — the app is included with your subscription.
Check your Netflix plan supports downloads
Not all Netflix plans allow downloads. The Basic with Ads plan does not support offline viewing. The Standard and Premium plans both allow downloads, as does the older Basic plan if you still have it.
To confirm your plan, open the Netflix app, click your profile icon, and select Account. Look at the Membership section to see which tier you are on. If you have the ads plan and want to download, you will need to change to a plan that supports it — Netflix will show you the cost difference.
Find and download a show or movie
Open the Netflix app and search for the title you want to download. Click on the show or movie to open its details page. Look for the download icon — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow inside a circle — and click it.
Netflix will ask you to choose a video quality: Standard (lower quality, smaller file size) or High (better quality, larger file size). Pick based on how much storage space you have. Standard quality is usually fine for watching on a laptop screen, while High quality is better if you plan to watch on a larger display.
The download starts immediately. You will see a progress bar showing how much has downloaded. Depending on your internet speed and file size, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. You can close the app or use Netflix for other things while the download runs in the background.
Find your downloaded shows in the app
Once a download finishes, click the Downloads tab at the bottom of the Netflix app. All your downloaded content appears here, organized by title. You can see how many days are left before each download expires — Netflix shows this as "Expires in X days."
To watch a downloaded show, click on it from the Downloads tab. The video plays directly from your laptop's storage, not from Netflix's servers, so you do not need an internet connection. You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward just like you would with a streamed video.
If you want to delete a download before it expires, click the three-dot menu next to the title and select Remove Download. This frees up storage space immediately.
Understand expiration and storage limits
Netflix sets an expiration date on every download. Most shows and movies expire after 30 days, but some titles have shorter windows — Netflix displays the exact date in the Downloads tab. When the expiration date arrives, Netflix automatically deletes the file from your laptop. You cannot extend the expiration or keep a download permanently.
If you want to watch something again after it expires, you can download it a second time. There is no limit to how many times you can download the same title, as long as your subscription remains active.
Downloaded files take up space on your laptop's hard drive or SSD. If your storage is running low, delete downloads you have already watched. You can always re-download them later. Netflix does not count downloaded content toward any data limit — the expiration is based on time, not usage.
Troubleshoot common download problems
If the download button does not appear, check that you are using the Netflix app, not the web browser. The web version of Netflix does not support downloads. Also verify that your plan supports downloads — the ads tier does not.
If a download keeps failing or gets stuck, try closing the Netflix app completely and opening it again. Make sure you have a stable internet connection — downloads can pause or fail on weak Wi-Fi. If the problem continues, sign out of the app, sign back in, and try downloading again.
If you see a message that a title is not available to download, that means Netflix has not made that particular show or movie available offline. This varies by title and region. You can still stream it online if your internet connection allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix shows on a Chromebook or Linux laptop?
No. The Netflix app is only available for Windows and Mac. Chromebooks and Linux machines do not have access to the Netflix app, so you cannot download on those devices. You can only stream Netflix through the web browser on those systems.
What happens to my downloads if I cancel my subscription?
Downloaded files are deleted when your subscription ends. Netflix removes access to all offline content as soon as your account becomes inactive. If you resubscribe later, you can download the same titles again, but the old files will not return.
Can I move downloaded Netflix files to an external hard drive or USB stick?
No. Netflix encrypts downloaded files so they can only play through the Netflix app on the device where you downloaded them. You cannot copy, move, or transfer the files to another location or device. If you want to watch on a different laptop, you must download the content again on that device.
How much internet speed do I need to download Netflix shows?
Netflix recommends at least 2.5 Mbps for standard downloads and 5.5 Mbps for high-quality downloads. Most home internet connections are faster than this, so downloads usually work without problems. If your connection is slower, downloads may take longer or fail partway through.
Can I download Netflix shows while using a VPN?
Netflix blocks downloads when a VPN is active. If you want to download, disconnect from your VPN first. You can use a VPN to stream Netflix in some cases, but the app will not let you save content offline while the VPN is running.