Redeem now - You can play movies on your Xbox One by installing the Blu-ray Player app or any streaming app, or by renting or purchasing movies directly from the Microsoft Store.
- Once you install the Blu-ray app, inserted Blu-ray discs or DVDs will start playing automatically.
- You can access your streaming apps — such as Netflix and Disney Plus — at any time from the homescreen, where you can also find the Microsoft Store to rent or purchase movies.
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In addition to its main purpose as a gaming console, the Xbox One is great for downloading and watching movies — from viewing Blu-ray discs to streaming movies from Netflix.
To watch DVDs on your Xbox One, you will first have to install the Blu-ray Player app from the Microsoft Store. The app is free, and once it's downloaded inserting any Blu-ray disc into your Xbox One will automatically start the movie.
Additionally, you can watch movies by downloading any streaming app available in the Microsoft Store. Search for services such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, or HBO NOW. Once you log in with your account information, you can access movies at any time. Finally, if you don't have accounts with any of these services, you always have the option to purchase or rent movies directly from the Microsoft Store.
In addition to these simple steps, as long as your console has the latest update installed, you can press the "Y" button on your controller to activate the search command at any point to search your apps and the Microsoft Store. This can help you skip some of the steps below, though they are all fairly straightforward.
Here's how to play movies on your Xbox One.
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Xbox One X (From $499.99 at Best Buy)
How to play movies on an Xbox One by installing the Blu-ray Player app
First, to play any Blu-ray DVD on your gaming console, you will have to download the Blu-ray Player app.
1. From your Xbox One home screen, use the right back trigger on your controller to scroll over to "Store."
- You can also launch the Store by pressing the Home button on your controller. Select "Store" from this pop-up menu, which will appear as the Microsoft logo in a shopping bag.
2. Scroll down until you find the "Search" tab. Select it by pressing the "A" button on your controller.
3. Begin typing "Blu-ray." The search feature should automatically generate results.
4. Scroll down and select the Blu-ray app using the "A" button on your controller.
5. This will open the app's details page. If the app is already installed on your console, the page will give you the option to launch the Blu-ray Player app. Otherwise, scroll and select the green "Get" button to install the app. Since it's free, you should not be prompted for any payment information.
Once this app is installed, any Blu-ray disc or DVD inserted into your Xbox One should begin playing automatically.
How to play movies on an Xbox One by installing streaming apps
You can also install streaming apps using the same method. You can search for popular apps such as Netflix or Hulu by launching the Microsoft Store.
1. From your Xbox One home screen, use the right back trigger on your controller to scroll over to "Store."
- You can also launch the Store by pressing the Home button on your controller. Select "Store" from this pop-up menu, which will appear as the Microsoft logo in a shopping bag.
2. Scroll down until you find the "Search" tab. Select it by pressing the "A" button on your controller.
3. Begin typing the name of your preferred streaming service. The search feature should automatically generate results.
4. Scroll down and select the app using the "A" button on your controller.
5. This will open the app's details page. If the app is already installed on your console, the page will give you the option to launch the Blu-ray Player app. Otherwise, scroll and select the green "Get" button to install the app. Since it's free, you should not be prompted for any payment information.
6. Once the streaming app is installed, you can access it from the "My games & apps" tab on the home screen or by pressing the Home button on your controller. After selecting "My games & apps" followed by "See all," you can view a complete list of your apps, including your streaming platforms. Select the app and log in with your account information to begin watching movies.
How to play movies on your Xbox One from the Microsoft Store
Finally, you can always purchase or rent movies directly from the Microsoft Store if you don't plan on using Blu-ray discs, DVDs, or streaming services. Launch the store and scroll down to "Movies & TV" instead of searching for an app. You can also search directly in this section by using the "Y" button on your controller.
1. From your Xbox One home screen, use the right back trigger on your controller to scroll over to "Store."
- You can also launch the Store by pressing the Home button on your controller. Select "Store" from this pop-up menu, which will appear as the Microsoft logo in a shopping bag.
2. Scroll down until you find the "Movies & TV" tab. Select it by pressing the "A" button on your controller.
3. Here you'll find top-selling movies, new movies, and a variety of other categories. Browse through these sections as you please or search for a specific movie by selecting the magnifying glass in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- You can also search in the "Movies & TV" section by using the "Y" button on your controller at any time. Then, toggle to the left and choose a specific section, instead of "Search All." You'll see "Movies & TV" as the last option in the dropdown menu. Once you select this category, any title you enter in the search bar will generate only movies and TV shows available for rent or purchase.
4. Begin typing the name of your desired movie. Select the movie title as you would any app, and select from the options to purchase or rent the movie for different prices. Depending on your settings, you'll have to approve the purchase or enter payment information if necessary.
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Disclosure: Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Business Insider's parent company, Axel Springer, is a Netflix board member.
Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links.
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