Max is available as a desktop app for Windows and Mac

Max (formerly HBO Max) is a streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. You can watch it through a web browser on any computer, but downloading the desktop app gives you a dedicated window, offline viewing options for some content, and faster performance than streaming through a browser tab.

The Max app works on Windows 10 and newer, and on Mac with macOS 11 and newer. The installation process takes about five minutes and requires an active Max subscription — you cannot watch without one.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Max app from the Microsoft Store on Windows or the Mac App Store on Apple computers, not from a third-party website.
  • You need an active Max subscription before you install; the app itself is free but requires a paid account to use.
  • On Windows, search for "Max" in the Microsoft Store and click Install; on Mac, search for "Max" in the App Store and click Get.
  • After installation, sign in with your Max account email and password, then choose your profile and streaming quality.
  • The app takes up roughly 500 MB of storage space on your hard drive.

How to read Max on Windows

Open the Microsoft Store by clicking the Windows Start button and typing "Microsoft Store," then pressing Enter. In the search box at the top of the Store window, type "Max" and press Enter.

The official Max app appears as the first result. Click the blue "Install" button. Windows downloads and installs the app automatically — you do not need to do anything else during this process. When installation finishes, the button changes to "Open." Click it to launch Max for the first time.

If you see multiple apps with similar names, look for the one with the Warner Bros. Discovery logo and published by "Warner Bros. Discovery Global Svcs." This is the official version.

How to read Max on Mac

Open the Mac App Store by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner, selecting "App Store," or by opening Spotlight (Command + Space) and typing "App Store." In the search box, type "Max" and press Enter.

The official Max app appears at the top of the results. Click the blue "Get" button. Your Mac may ask for your Apple ID password or biometric authentication (Touch ID or Face ID). Enter it to proceed. The button changes to "Install," then to "Open" when finished. Click "Open" to start the app.

Like Windows, verify you are downloading the official version by checking for the Warner Bros. Discovery logo and publisher name.

Signing in and setting up your account

When you open Max for the first time, you see a sign-in screen. Enter the email address and password associated with your Max subscription. If you do not have a subscription yet, you must create one through the Max website before the app will work.

After signing in, Max asks you to choose a profile. If you share your subscription with family members, each person can have their own profile with separate watch history and recommendations. Select your profile or create a new one.

Next, you choose your streaming quality. Max offers options from Standard Definition up to 4K Ultra HD, depending on your internet speed and subscription tier. Higher quality uses more data and requires a faster connection. If you are unsure, select "Auto" and let Max adjust based on your network.

Offline downloads and storage space

One advantage of the Max app over the web version is the ability to read episodes and movies to watch without an internet connection. Not all content supports downloading — Max marks downloadable titles with a read icon in the app.

Downloaded content takes up storage space on your computer. A single hour-long episode typically uses 500 MB to 2 GB depending on quality. If you read frequently, keep an eye on your available hard drive space. You can delete downloaded content anytime from the app's Downloads section to free up space.

Downloaded content expires after a set period (usually 30 days), so you cannot keep it permanently. When the expiration date approaches, Max notifies you in the app.

Troubleshooting common installation problems

If the Install button does not appear or is grayed out, your computer may not meet the system requirements. Windows users need Windows 10 Build 14393 or newer; Mac users need macOS 11 or newer. Check your operating system version in Settings (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac).

If the app crashes or will not open after installation, try restarting your computer first. If that does not work, uninstall the app through the Microsoft Store or App Store, restart, and reinstall it. This usually fixes corrupted installation files.

If you see an error message about your account when you try to sign in, make sure you are using the correct email address and password. If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the sign-in screen to reset it through the Max website.

Updating the Max app

The Microsoft Store and Mac App Store handle updates automatically by default. Max receives updates roughly once a month with bug fixes, new features, and performance improvements. You do not need to do anything — the app updates in the background.

If you turned off automatic updates, you can manually update Max by opening the Microsoft Store or App Store, finding Max in your library, and clicking "Update" if available. Keeping the app updated prevents playback problems and ensures you have access to the newest features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Max on my computer without downloading the app?

Yes. You can go to max.com in any web browser, sign in, and start watching when ready. The app is optional and mainly useful if you want offline downloads, a dedicated window, or better performance than a browser tab.

Do I need to pay extra to read the Max app?

No. The app itself is free. You only need an active Max subscription, which you pay for separately. The subscription cost is the same whether you watch through the app or the website.

How much storage space does Max use on my computer?

The app itself takes about 500 MB. Downloaded episodes and movies take additional space — typically 500 MB to 2 GB per hour-long episode depending on quality. You can delete downloads anytime to free up space.

What should I do if Max keeps crashing?

Restart your computer first. If that does not work, uninstall the app, restart again, and reinstall it from the Microsoft Store or App Store. Make sure your operating system is up to date, as older versions sometimes cause compatibility problems.

Can I use the same Max account on multiple computers?

Yes. You can sign in on as many computers as you own. However, Max limits how many devices can stream at the same time depending on your subscription tier — typically two to four simultaneous streams. If you exceed that limit, you get an error message asking you to stop playback on another device.