Amazon has moved away from the classic Kindle for PC application and introduced the new Kindle for Windows app through the Microsoft Store.
If you are a Windows user, you may wonder:
- Kindle for Windows 11 vs Legacy Kindle for PC 2.9.1: Quick Comparison
- What Is Kindle for Windows 11?
- What Is Kindle for PC 2.9.1?
- Key Differences Between Kindle for Windows 11 and Kindle for PC 2.9.1
- Kindle for Windows 11 vs Kindle for PC 2.9.1: DRM Compatibility
- Which Kindle App Should You Use?
- Frequently Asked Questions on MS Kindle and Legacy Kindle
In this guide, we will compare Kindle for Windows 11 and Kindle for PC 2.9.1 and explain their differences in installation, features, DRM compatibility, and book backup.
Kindle for Windows 11 vs Legacy Kindle for PC 2.9.1: Quick Comparison
The table below shows the main differences between the new Kindle for Windows app and the legacy Kindle for PC 2.9.1.
| Feature | Kindle for Windows 11 | Kindle for PC 2.9.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | New official Kindle app | Legacy desktop application |
| Installation | Microsoft Store | Standalone EXE installer |
| Windows Support | Designed for Windows 11 (TPM 2.0 and higher) | Windows 10/11 |
| Updates | Automatic updates through Microsoft Store | Manual updates(No future updates any more) |
| User Interface | Modern Windows design
|
Classic Kindle desktop interface
|
| Offline Reading | Yes | Yes |
| Kindle Family Sharing | No | Supported |
| Epub format Support | Import epub directly from Kindle for Windows | Send epub to kindle library |
| Book Sync | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Structure | Microsoft Store app data structure C:\Users\your_username\AppData\Local\Packages\AMZNKindle.AmazonKindleReadingApp_m1sc522ngdk36\LocalState\Classic\Content |
Traditional Kindle content folder C:\Users\your_username\Documents\My Kindle Content |
| DRM Architecture | Newer Kindle DRM system | Legacy Kindle DRM system |
| DRM Removal Compatibility | Supported by latest Epubor Ultimate | Supported by Epubor Ultimate V3.0.16.599 |
What Is Kindle for Windows 11?
Kindle for Windows is Amazon's latest desktop Kindle application distributed through the Microsoft Store.
Compared with the traditional Kindle for PC software, the new app provides a more modern Windows experience and follows Microsoft's app update system.
Here are the key features you may want to know:
- Installation through Microsoft Store
- Automatic updates
- Modern user interface
- Cloud synchronization
- Offline reading support
What Is Kindle for PC 2.9.1?
Kindle for PC 2.9.1 is one of the last versions of Amazon's classic desktop Kindle application.
For many years, it allowed users to download Kindle books, read offline, and manage their Kindle libraries on Windows computers.
However, Amazon has gradually replaced the legacy desktop application with the new Kindle for Windows app.
Key Differences Between Kindle for Windows 11 and Kindle for PC 2.9.1
1. Installation Method
The biggest difference is how the two applications are installed.
Kindle for Windows 11 is distributed through the Microsoft Store, which means installation and updates are managed automatically.
Kindle for PC 2.9.1 uses a traditional Windows installer. Users need to download and install the application manually.
2. User Interface and Experience
Kindle for Windows 11 features a redesigned interface optimized for modern Windows systems.
Kindle for PC 2.9.1 uses the classic Kindle desktop layout that longtime Kindle users are familiar with.
3. Future Updates
The new Kindle for Windows app is Amazon's current desktop platform and will continue receiving updates.
Kindle for PC 2.9.1 is a legacy application and may not receive future improvements.
4. Import EPUB files
The new Kindle for Windows app features an "Import" button in the top-right corner. You can either drag EPUB files directly onto the main interface or click the "Import" button to add them to the Kindle for Windows app or your Kindle library. It's super easy!
Kindle for PC 2.9.1 does not support EPUB files directly. You will need to use "Send to Kindle" to add EPUBs to your Kindle library.
5. Amazon Family Sharing Features — Kindle Sharing
The new Kindle for Windows app is missing the Kindle sharing feature. Consequently, your shared Kindle content will not appear within the Kindle for Windows app.
Your shared Kindle content will still show up on your legacy Kindle devices or apps as usual.
Kindle for Windows 11 vs Kindle for PC 2.9.1: DRM Compatibility
For many Kindle users, DRM compatibility is the most important difference between these two applications.
| Kindle for Windows 11 | Kindle for PC 2.9.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| DRM System | New Kindle DRM architecture | Legacy Kindle DRM architecture |
| Book Format | KFX / AZW | KFX / AZW |
| Book Download | Supported | Supported |
| DRM Removal Compatibility | Supported by latest Epubor Ultimate | Supported by Epubor Ultimate V3.0.16.599 |
Which Kindle App Should You Use?
| If You Are... | Recommended Choice |
|---|---|
| A new Windows 11 Kindle user | Kindle for Windows 11 |
| Using the Microsoft Store Kindle app | Continue using Kindle for Windows | Still using Windows 10 system | Legacy Kindle for PC 2.9.1 |
| Only reading Kindle books | Kindle for Windows 11 |
| Want to back up Kindle books |
Frequently Asked Questions on MS Kindle and Legacy Kindle
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Is Kindle for PC 2.9.1 discontinued?
A: Not yet . Kindle for PC 2.9.1 is a legacy desktop application. Amazon has moved users toward the new Kindle for Windows app available through the Microsoft Store. But you still can download and install kindle for PC 2.9.1 for downloading kindle books if your Windows system doesn't support MS Kindle. However, some customers reported that many newly published books cannot be downloaded via this legacy kindle.
Q: Can I still use Kindle for PC 2.9.1?
A: Existing users may still be able to use Kindle for PC 2.9.1, but it is no longer Amazon's recommended desktop Kindle application. However, after checking some Amazon regions beyond U.S., I found that you are able to download the legacy kindle from the Amazon official kindle app download pages. So I am not sure why this happen. It seems the Amazon has not yet discountinued this legacy kindle as of July 2026.
Q: Does Kindle for Windows 11 support offline reading?
A: Yes. Kindle for Windows 11 allows users to download purchased Kindle books and read them offline.
Q: Does Kindle for Windows 11 use different DRM?
A: Yes. The new Kindle for Windows app uses an updated application architecture and DRM system compared with the legacy Kindle for PC version.
Q: Does Epubor Ultimate support Kindle for Windows 11?
A: Yes. The latest version of Epubor Ultimate supports Kindle for Windows 11 and can convert Kindle books to EPUB, PDF, AZW3, and other formats for personal backup.
Final Thoughts
Kindle for Windows 11 is Amazon's future desktop Kindle application, while Kindle for PC 2.9.1 belongs to the legacy Kindle ecosystem.
For everyday reading, Kindle for Windows 11 is the better choice because it receives future updates and provides a modern Windows experience.
If you want to keep your Kindle books backed up and convert them to EPUB, PDF, or AZW3, make sure you are using the latest version of Epubor Ultimate for the best compatibility.
Iris Yan Marketing Architect at Epubor since 2017, drives the brand’s product design, advertising, and all-channel strategy.
Love Epudor. Have had it for many many years and have converted all my books. I read on a separate tablet tho the books are also on my computer and are kept as backups.I haven't converted any books lately. I usually do a whole bunch at a time generally the first of the year. Stay inside because of weather (snow)and cold. Good book weather.
I hope that some time I will be able to convert my books to the Linux system. I use both it and windows.