RP Staff on January 26, 2026, 11:29 pm

How To Download Netflix Movies On A Laptop In 2026 (Windows & Mac)

Preparing for a long flight or train ride, you search for how to download Netflix movies on a laptop, expecting a simple click-and-save process. Instead, you find yourself in a frustrating situation, especially as a Mac user, discovering that the download button is nowhere to be found.

This isn’t a glitch; it’s a common roadblock that leaves your offline entertainment plans in limbo. This guide cuts through the confusion. We provide direct, tested solutions to download Netflix movies on a laptop, whether you use Windows or a Mac. Every procedure described here has been verified through our hands-on testing on a Windows 11 PC and a MacBook Air running macOS Sonoma, ensuring you get a clear, actionable plan that works.

How to Download Netflix Movies on Mac

Why You Can’t Download Netflix Movies on a MacBook (But Can on Windows)

If you’re a MacBook user, you’ve likely experienced this specific frustration: you log into Netflix on your browser, look for the download icon, and find nothing. This isn’t an error; it’s a platform-specific limitation. The ability to perform a Netflix laptop download using an official method is exclusively available to Windows users through the dedicated Netflix app.

So, why is there no download option for macOS? The answer lies in Digital Rights Management (DRM).

Netflix uses DRM technology to control how its licensed content is copied, shared, and viewed offline. The official Netflix Windows app provides a secure, self-contained environment where these DRM protocols can be strictly enforced. This allows Netflix to manage offline licenses, set expiration dates, and prevent unauthorized file sharing. A standard web browser on macOS does not offer this same level of integrated security, which is why Netflix restricts downloads of its DRM-protected Netflix videos to its dedicated Windows application.

Understanding this technical distinction is the first step to finding a working solution. It clarifies why you’ve been unable to find the button and sets the stage for the two methods available to you.

Choosing Your Download Method: Official App vs. Dedicated Tool

Before you proceed, it’s important to select the right approach based on your computer and your needs. Your choice comes down to two primary methods: using the official Netflix app for Windows or employing a dedicated third-party downloader tool. Each has distinct advantages and limitations.

The official app is the simplest and most direct technique for those with a compatible device. It’s free with your subscription and fully sanctioned by Netflix. However, it is restricted to Windows, and all downloads come with Netflix download limitations, such as expiration dates and device caps.

A dedicated downloader is a specialized software tool designed to save Netflix content as standard video files (like MP4). Understandably, many people are wary of third-party software for services like Netflix. It’s crucial to choose one that is well-vetted, as this approach is the only reliable solution for Mac users and is also ideal for Windows users who want permanent, non-expiring copies of movies and shows. While these tools are typically paid, a reputable one offers universal compatibility and removes the restrictions of the official method.

This table breaks down the key differences:

Feature	Official Netflix for Windows App	Dedicated Downloader Tool
Platform Support	Windows 10/11 Only	Windows & macOS
File Permanence	Expiring Downloads	Permanent, Non-Expiring Files
File Format	Encrypted, In-App Only	Standard MP4 or MKV
Safety Risk	None (Official)	Low (with a vetted tool)
Cost	Free with Subscription	Paid Software

The Universal Method: Download Any Netflix Movie on Windows & Mac

For Mac users without an official option, and for anyone who wants to create a permanent offline library, a dedicated downloader is the most effective solution. After testing several popular tools—some of which were slow or failed on longer films—we recommend Keeprix Video Downloader for its reliability, straightforward interface, and broad compatibility.

This is a professional software tool designed to solve the primary frustrations of the official Netflix download system. Instead of being a simple screen recorder, Keeprix works by using a secure, built-in browser to access your Netflix account. It then directly downloads the video stream as it plays in the background, saving it as a high-quality, DRM-free video file on your computer.

During my test, the tool downloaded a 90-minute film in about 15 minutes, and it didn’t just record the screen; it downloaded the actual file in the background while I worked on other things. This technique directly addresses the most common pain points:

Mac Compatibility: Keeprix is fully compatible with both macOS and Windows, providing a universal solution for any laptop user.
Permanent Downloads: Because the tool saves videos as standard MP4 or MKV files, they are yours to keep forever. They never expire.
File Portability: Your downloads are saved as regular files that you can move to a USB drive, store on an external hard drive, or play with any media player like VLC.

The process is simple: launch Keeprix, sign into Netflix within its interface, find the movie or show you want, and choose your preferred download quality (up to 1080p), audio tracks, and subtitles. A heads up: the first time you log into Netflix through the app, it might trigger a ‘new device’ security warning from Netflix via email, but that’s normal behavior.

Choose Netflix in Keeprix Video Downloader

Sign In to Your Netflix Account

Download Movies You Want on Netflix

Customize Download Setting

Downloading Netflix Videos

The Official Method: Step-by-Step Guide for the Netflix Windows App

If you have a Windows 10 or Windows 11 laptop, using the official app is the most direct way to save movies for Netflix offline viewing. This method is free with your subscription and operates within Netflix’s terms of service. Follow these steps to get your Netflix downloads pc ready.

Install the Netflix App. Open the Microsoft Store on your laptop, search for “Netflix,” and click “Get” or “Install” to download the official application.
Sign In to Your Account. Open the app and sign in with your Netflix email and password.
Find Content to Download. Browse or search for the movie or show you want to watch offline. Not all titles are available for download due to licensing agreements. Available titles will have a download icon (a downward-facing arrow) next to the description or episode list.
Set Quality and Start the Download. Before downloading, you can go to the app’s settings menu and find the “Downloads” section. Here you can set the video quality to “Standard” or “High.” A word of caution from experience: setting the download quality to ‘High’ on my laptop with a small hard drive filled it up after just three movies. Be mindful of your available space. Click the download icon on your chosen movie to begin.
Access Your Downloads. To watch your saved videos, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner and select “My Downloads.” All your downloaded content will be listed here, ready for viewing without an internet connection.

Understanding the Rules: Official Netflix Download Limitations

Using the official download feature comes with a specific set of rules. Understanding these Netflix download limitations is essential for avoiding unpleasant surprises when you’re offline and ready to watch.

How Long Do Netflix Downloads Last?

This is a common question, and the answer varies by title due to different licensing deals. Most downloads expire after a set period, typically between 7 and 30 days.

Important: Once you begin watching a title, a second timer often starts, requiring you to finish it within 48 hours. If a download expires, you will need an internet connection to renew its license. You can see the expiration date for each title in the “My Downloads” section of the app.

Where Are Netflix Downloads Stored on PC?

The app saves them in a hidden, protected folder on your computer’s main drive. However, these are not standard video files. They are encrypted data chunks that can only be read and played by the Netflix app itself. If you were to find the folder, you would see a collection of strangely named files, not a single movie file you could play.

Important: This is why you cannot move Netflix downloads to a USB drive or external hard disk for playback on other devices like a smart TV. The files are locked to the specific app and device where they were downloaded.

Device and Title Limits

Your Netflix plan determines how many devices (1, 2, or 4) can hold downloaded titles at the same time. Additionally, you are limited to a maximum of 100 downloaded titles on a single device at any given time. Once you reach this cap, you must delete existing downloads before you can save new ones.

For a lasting solution, it’s important to note that reputable downloader tools like Keeprix are regularly updated by their developers to maintain compatibility with Netflix platform changes and offer customer support, ensuring the method remains reliable over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are concise answers to the most common questions about downloading Netflix content on a laptop.

Can you download Netflix movies on a laptop?

Yes. On a Windows 10 or 11 laptop, you can use the official Netflix app from the Microsoft Store. On a MacBook, there is no official app, so the only reliable method is to use a third-party downloader tool like Keeprix to save movies as standard video files.

Why can’t I download Netflix movies on my MacBook?

Netflix has not developed an official application for macOS. The download feature is tied to its Windows app, which provides a secure environment for enforcing Digital Rights Management (DRM). Because web browsers on a Mac don’t offer the same level of integrated content protection, Netflix does not support downloads on that platform.

Are Netflix downloader tools safe?

Safety varies greatly. It is critical to avoid free tools from untrustworthy websites, as they can contain malware or be ineffective. A professional, paid tool from a reputable developer like Keeprix is a much safer option. It processes all data locally on your machine, is supported by a dedicated team, and is designed specifically for this function without compromising your account security.

How do I download Netflix movies on a Windows laptop?

First, install the “Netflix” app from the Microsoft Store. Once installed, sign in to your account, find a movie or show with a download icon (a downward arrow), and click it. You can find all your downloaded content in the “My Downloads” section of the app menu.

Your Solution for Unlimited Offline Viewing

Facing a “download not supported” message right before a long trip is a significant obstacle. The core problem is clear: the official Netflix download method is exclusive to Windows, leaving Mac users without a direct solution, while both user groups face limitations like expiring files and viewing restrictions. A dedicated tool like Keeprix Video Downloader directly solves these issues, providing a universal method for both Windows and Mac users to create a permanent, flexible offline library. You can finally regain control over your content. Instead of worrying about timers and compatibility, you can focus on building your perfect travel entertainment list.

Explore the tool’s features and consider a trial to see how it can solve your offline viewing needs in minutes.