Top streaming platform that lets users watch TV shows and movies on their Windows computer
Top streaming platform that lets users watch TV shows and movies on their Windows computer
Vote (166 votes)
Program license Free
Developer Netflix
Version 3.7.0.23
Works under Windows
Vote
(166 votes)
Developer
Netflix
Works under
Windows
Program license
Free
Version
3.7.0.23
Pros
- Provides instant access to thousands of titles
- Allows you to browse and scan via touch
- Creates recommended titles based on your watching history
- Lets you search for titles or view by genre
- Maintains a list of your most recently added titles
Cons
- May buffer some videos or make the videos lag
- Loading speeds vary based on your internet provider
- Shows you only a limited selection of titles in your list
Netflix for Windows 8 is a popular version of the streaming site and app that lets you access your account and watch films and television shows on any device running this operating system. Though you will need to log into an existing Netflix account to use the app, you can create separate accounts inside the app for sharing with family and friends.
While Netflix started out as a DVD rental company, it later added streaming titles that let you watch movies and television shows online. Its streaming feature is now more popular than its rental option. The first time that you load the app, you will need to enter the email address and password associated with your account. If you do not have an account, you can use the app to sign up for one and enter your payment information.
The home page features listings like genre, new releases and top picks. Clicking on genres lets you see all the genres used by Netflix, including horror films, reality TV and comedies. You'll find some sub genres too like teen screams listed under horror films. The new releases button shows you all the latest releases added to the app. Once you being watching videos, the app will recommend titles for you based on your viewing habits.
You also have access to your instant queue or list through the app, which is a list of all the titles that you added. Netflix lets you add up to 500 titles to your list, but you can only see a limited number of those titles on the app. This makes it hard to find things you added weeks or months ago. You'll also find that the app makes it hard to see which titles will expire in the near future. This can result in you logging in to find that some of those videos disappeared.
The continue watching is another nice feature that you can use. When you back out of a video, the app will remember where you stopped and add that video to the home page. You can click on the video and begin watching right where you left off. The app lets you rate titles too. Though newer versions use a thumbs up and thumbs down rating system, this app lets you rate titles on a scale between one star and five stars. If you use Windows 8 and have a Netflix account, this app lets you access your list and all other features.
Pros
- Provides instant access to thousands of titles
- Allows you to browse and scan via touch
- Creates recommended titles based on your watching history
- Lets you search for titles or view by genre
- Maintains a list of your most recently added titles
Cons
- May buffer some videos or make the videos lag
- Loading speeds vary based on your internet provider
- Shows you only a limited selection of titles in your list
Pros
- Gives you full access to the Netflix library of content
- Lets you snap and adjust the screen size
- Allows for multitasking and using other apps/programs
- Clean and modern user interface
- Can create multiple profiles for other users
Cons
- Lag issues are common when loading new videos
- Lags may occur when changing profiles
- You must download a separate program to view Netflix content
- Running two or more other programs at the same time can slow down your computer
Netflix for Windows 8 lets you access the full library of television shows and films from Netflix on any computer or device that uses this operating system.
As long as you have a Netflix account, you can download and use this app in mere minutes. The first time you launch it, it will ask for the email address and password registered with your account. You can select an option that will keep you logged in and stop the app from asking you for those details again. Netflix now gives you the option of creating multiple profiles under your account too that your friends or family can use. There is also a separate section of shows and films suitable for kids and younger viewers. Parents love this option because it keeps kids from viewing inappropriate content.
The Netflix for Windows 8 user interface has a simple design. The left side of the screen shows you links to content that it thinks you will like based on what you watched in the past, new releases and specific genres. When you click the genres link, you can choose horror, television comedies, dramas and other categories. Many of those categories have additional sub-genres too. When you select documentaries, you can narrow down your choice to true crime, social or even sports documentaries.
Another helpful feature found on this app is the My List, which shows you the most recently added items in your list. Though Netflix lets you add up to 500 titles to your list, it will show you fewer than 100 of your most recently added titles. If you stopped watching a program without finishing it, the app will let you pick up right where you left off. Even if you watched that video on another device, it will start where you stopped.
Netflix for Windows 8 will also let you learn more about a program before watching it. When you click on a title, you'll see its rating, director, actors and genre. If you select a TV show, you can read a short description and view the number of seasons and episodes available. As Netflix designed this app for Windows 8 operating systems, you'll find that you can check other sites, work on documents and do other tasks on your computer as the app runs. The main issue with this Netflix app is that it can sometimes lag.
Pros
- Gives you full access to the Netflix library of content
- Lets you snap and adjust the screen size
- Allows for multitasking and using other apps/programs
- Clean and modern user interface
- Can create multiple profiles for other users
Cons
- Lag issues are common when loading new videos
- Lags may occur when changing profiles
- You must download a separate program to view Netflix content
- Running two or more other programs at the same time can slow down your computer
