Prime Video is blurring the line between "renting" and "owning." Although we pay for the Prime Video subscription, we'll encounter encrypted files when trying to download Amazon Prime video to PC. Sometimes, there is even no download button on our Windows PC. Is there a way to download video from Amazon Prime to PC for unlimited offline viewing?
No worries. This post will guide you to understand the official download limits of Prime Video on PC, and explain the best way to download VOD, Freevee, rents and purchased content on Prime Video to a Windows PC (Win 10/11).
Quick Guide:
We can download via the Prime Video app for Windows, but the download limits are unavoidable. For true offline viewing, we need an extra tool.
Method 1: The Official Way via Prime Video Windows App
Honestly, the safest and most convenient way to download Amazon Prime Video to PC is by using the official app for Windows PC. First, you need to ensure your OS is updated to at least Windows 10 (Version 17763.0 or higher), and install the Prime Video app on PC:
- Open the Microsoft Store on your PC.
- Search for "Prime Video" and install the official app.
- Sign in with your Amazon credentials.
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If you are using a VPN, the download button may vanish due to licensing restrictions. Disable it before attempting to sync content.
Step-by-Step Guide for Official Download to PC
Official App Facts:
- Best for: Short-term offline viewing (commutes, flights).
- Key cons: High encryption; files are unplayable outside the app.
- Storage: Locked to your internal C-drive by default.
Downloading video from Amazon Prime to PC is as easy as you do on mobile devices: Just install, click, and save. Once you've installed the app from the Microsoft Store, follow these steps:
- Sign in with your Amazon account (with subscription).
- Find a title you want to download in the app.
- Go to "Settings" > "Download Quality" to select the preferred quality. (According to 2025 industry benchmarks, "Best" quality consumes roughly 2.4 GB of data per hour of video.)
- On the movie's detail page, click the "Download" icon.
- Play downloads from My Stuff > Downloads.
You can even manage Prime Video storage from app settings on a Windows PC. But please use the service carefully. All the downloads can still only be played via the Prime Video app. As a best practice, keep official downloads on an internal drive, or keep downloads in MP4/MKV format on a USB/external drives.
NOTE: Downloading on a Mac is different from downloading on a Windows PC. All Prime Video titles are saved in the app's sandbox and can never be moved outside.
Official Limits of Prime Video App for Windows
As long as you're using the Prime Video app, no matter whether you download Prime Video on a Windows PC or a Mac, you need to follow the official rules and can only play the downloaded videos under these limits:
1. Time Limit ⏰: Every Prime Video subscriber typically has 30 days to start watching the videos, and after pressing play, the clock is ticking on that "48 hours to finish" rule.
2. Device Limit 🖥️: How many movies can you download on Amazon Prime? The same title can be played on no more than 2 devices at once, and a maximum of 25 titles can be downloaded under one account. Of course, the specifics can vary by title/region and may change.
3. Title Limit 🚫: Not all titles on Prime Video can be downloaded. Sometimes, you're only allowed to watch one title online within the app.
4. Quality Limit 🎬: Availability of HD/4K for downloads depends on the title, device, and rights. If you don’t see 4K, it's usually a licensing or device capability limitation.
5. Playback Limit 🔐: The downloads can only be played in the app because they aren't stored as accessible video files. They are buried in C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Local\Packages\... as fragmented, encrypted data chunks.
NOTE: If you're curious about more details about Prime Video download limits, continue to read this article.
Method 2: Use a Video Downloader for Prime Video
Video Downloader Facts:
- Format: MP4/MKV (Universal playback).
- Expiration: None (Files last as long as your hard drive does).
- Quality: Higher bitrate 1080p vs. 720p official cap.
- Flexibility: Works on VLC, Plex, and external storage.
⚠️ Ensure the downloads are only used for personal offline viewing. Do not share, upload, or sell downloads. Always follow DMCA §1201 (U.S.) and respect copyright.
If the official app feels like a "rented" experience, there is a more professional alternative. For those who prioritize "true freedom", third-party tools like KeepStreams for Prime Video bridge the gap that the Microsoft Store app leaves wide open.
How to Download Amazon Prime Video on PC in MP4 Files?
I used 2 third-party tools that claim no DRM-removal process and are 100% legal to be used for personal purposes: KeepStreams for Prime Video and MovPilot Amazon Prime Video Downloader.
| Feature | Official App | KeepStreams | MovPilot |
| Pricing | Free with Prime subscription |
|
|
| Video Quality | 1080p, 2K, 4K | 1080p | 1080p |
| Output Format | Encrypted | MP4/MKV | MP4/MKV |
| Playback Limit |
|
*100 downloads per day | No Limit |
| Auto-Download | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Batch Download | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ad-Removal | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Customizable Language | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Supported OS | Windows 10/11 | Win/Mac | Win/Mac |
*To protect users' accounts from being banned by Prime Video, KeepStreams sets a daily download limit.
Compared with the official app, both KeepStreams and MovPilot can help you have a more flexible download and offline viewing experience. Based on the comments on Prime Video, KeepStreams gets a higher rating of positive comments.
Although most video downloaders for Prime Video share the main features and operating steps, you still need to collect information from various sources to determine which one is the best for you. Take KeepStreams as an example, follow these steps:
Step1
Install KeepStreams and launch it
Step2
Choose Prime Video from VIP Services
Sign in to your Prime Video account within the built-in browser. This is to help KeepStreams get access to the videos you want to download. Nearly all playable videos can be downloaded by KeepStreams.
Step3
Play the video you want to downloadand select download options.
When you play the video, KeepStreams will analyze the video, and a Settings window will pop up.
Step4
Select download options
You can choose the episode, resolution, codec, audio, subtitles, etc. here. Click on "Download Now" to save the video or film. KeepStreams supports Freevee, VOD, purchased, and rented content.
Step5
Check the real-time download progress
Check the download progress in the Downloading section and find downloaded titles in the Downloaded.
Is It Legal to Use a Third-Party Tool to Download from Prime Video?
In most countries, there is DRM-related law. If you go outside official apps, remember to use the tools that require your Prime Video account information. Normally, they don't work by removing DRM.
DMCA §1201 (U.S.) prohibits circumventing access controls (DRM), with specific, narrow exemptions. Using "Prime Video downloader" utilities that depend on DRM bypass can be illegal in the U.S. and can violate Amazon’s terms.
But as an active subscriber to Prime Video, you do have the right to enjoy your downloads based on your will. Therefore, it's acceptable to use tools (downloaders, recorders, DVR, etc) to download movies from Amazon Prime. But they should only be used for personal entertainment.
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Never, ever share the downloads online or use them for commercial purposes.
[Tips] Troubleshooting Common Problems on the Official App
When I first used the Prime Video app to download videos, I ran into a lot of trouble. To help you avoid these download problems on the Prime Video app in the beginning, fix the common stuff fast by following these steps:
Problem 1
"Download" button is greyed out
It means the title is not eligible for download in your region/account. The problem might also be raised by a temporary licensing window or device/auth limit reached. Fix in several steps:
- Switch to another network (corporate VPNs can block CDNs).
- Sign out/in of the app, and relaunch.
- Check if the title is rental or Prime-included. Rentals may have tighter windows.
- Try another title to confirm it’s not account-wide.
Problem 2
"Downloaded" but won’t play offline
This problem happens when DRM revalidation failed (clock/region mismatch), the file was on a removable drive that disconnected, or the app needs a fresh license. To fix it:
- Keep downloads on internal storage and avoid USB/external drives.
- Toggle Airplane mode off/on once to refresh entitlements, then try again.
- Update the app from the Microsoft Store / Mac App Store.
Problem 3
Downloads fail or stall on Windows
If this happens, the problem might lie in the Microsoft Store cache or app install issues. Try to troubleshoot it via these steps:
- In Settings > Apps > Advanced options, Repair/Reset Prime Video.
- Use wsreset.exe to clear the Store cache. And reboot it.
- Confirm Windows Update is current, and reinstall the app.
FAQs
Q1. Can I download Amazon Prime movies to Windows 11?
A1. Yes. Install Prime Video for Windows from the Microsoft Store and download from the title page. Be careful about the download limits when using the official app to download videos.
Q2. How long do Prime Video downloads last?
A2. When using the official app, the offline viewing cap is typically 30 days to start and 48 hours to finish after you hit play. Some titles differ. When using a third-party tool that is able to download Prime Video shows into MP4/MKV format, the downloads can be saved forever.
Q3. Where are downloads saved on Windows? Can I change the folder?
A3. To learn about the download location, read Where are Prime Video Downloads Stored. And yes—use app settings to pick storage. It's highly recommended to keep downloads on the same internal drive as the Amazon Prime app, in order to avoid DRM verification issues.
Conclusion
On my Windows 11 laptop, the official app has been the least-friction way to stock up on shows before a flight. Also, MP4 "forever files" are a good way to enjoy flexible downloads without the limits on device, expiration date, simultaneous viewing, and more.
Each method can help you download Prime Video on laptop, and each of them has pros and cons. But always remember, never share the downloads and only use them for personal entertainment.
NOTE: Although downloading Amazon Prime Video on PC is technically possible, always prioritize ethical usage and comply with the platform’s terms of service. The methods outlined in this guide provide reliable solutions for capturing your favorite content while maintaining respect for creators' intellectual property.
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