How to Install YouTube in Laptop Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 27, 2025

YouTube has become an essential part of our daily lives—whether for learning, entertainment, or work. If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you might be wondering: “Can I install YouTube on my laptop just like an app?” The good news is yes—you can, and there are multiple ways to do it.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to install YouTube on a Windows 11 laptop. From using a browser-based Progressive Web App (PWA) to downloading it from the Microsoft Store or accessing it through Android apps, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

By the end, you’ll be able to enjoy YouTube just like a native app—launching it directly from your Start menu or desktop without always opening a browser manually.

Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)

  • ✅ You can install YouTube on Windows 11 as a Progressive Web App (PWA), through Microsoft Store, or via Android apps using Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA).

  • ✅ PWAs are the fastest way to create a YouTube app-like experience on your laptop.

  • ✅ Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome can be used to install YouTube as an app.

  • ✅ Windows 11 supports Android apps, so you can install the official YouTube app from the Amazon Appstore (with some tweaks).

  • ✅ Shortcuts allow quick access even without full installation.

Why Install YouTube on a Windows 11 Laptop?

You might be thinking: “Why not just open YouTube in a browser?” While that works, installing YouTube as an app has clear advantages:

  • Faster Access – Launch directly from Start or taskbar.

  • Distraction-Free Experience – App-like mode removes unnecessary browser tabs.

  • Better Productivity – Great for multitasking and split-screen use.

  • Offline Support (via third-party apps) – Some solutions allow offline viewing.

  • Consistent Updates – PWAs update automatically with new features.

It’s like turning a website into a real desktop app—simple but powerful.

Different Methods to Install YouTube on Windows 11

There’s no single way—you’ve got options. Let’s break them down:

  1. Install YouTube as a PWA using Google Chrome.

  2. Install YouTube as a PWA using Microsoft Edge.

  3. Use the Microsoft Store to install YouTube-compatible apps.

  4. Install YouTube via Android apps on Windows Subsystem for Android.

  5. Create manual shortcuts for quick access.

We’ll go through each method in detail.

Method 1: Install YouTube Using Google Chrome (PWA Method)

This is the easiest and most popular method. Google Chrome lets you install YouTube as a Progressive Web App.

Steps:

  1. Open Google Chrome on your Windows 11 laptop.

  2. Visit YouTube.com.

  3. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.

  4. Go to More Tools → Create Shortcut.

  5. Check the box that says Open as window.

  6. Click Create.

Now, you’ll find the YouTube app in your Start menu or on your Desktop.

👉 Pro Tip: Pin it to the Taskbar for one-click access.

Method 2: Install YouTube Using Microsoft Edge

If you prefer Edge (the default browser in Windows 11), you can also install YouTube as an app.

Steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.

  2. Go to YouTube.com.

  3. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right.

  4. Select Apps → Install this site as an app.

  5. Choose a name (default is “YouTube”) and click Install.

You’ll now have YouTube installed as a separate app that runs outside the browser.

Method 3: Install YouTube from the Microsoft Store

Currently, there’s no official YouTube app in the Microsoft Store. However, you’ll find several third-party apps like:

  • myTube! – A highly-rated YouTube client.

  • Awesome Tube – Offers offline playback.

  • WinTube for YouTube – Simple interface with smooth performance.

Steps:

  1. Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu.

  2. Search for YouTube.

  3. Choose a trusted app like myTube!.

  4. Click Get/Install.

  5. Launch directly from Start or taskbar.

👉 While not official, these apps often provide extra features like background play and downloads.

Method 4: Install the Official YouTube Android App (Windows Subsystem for Android)

One of the coolest features of Windows 11 is that it supports Android apps. This means you can run the official YouTube app (with a little setup).

Steps:

  1. Install Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) from the Microsoft Store.

  2. Install the Amazon Appstore.

  3. Search for YouTube in the Appstore.

  4. If unavailable, sideload the APK (requires enabling Developer Mode).

  5. Launch YouTube just like you would on a phone.

👉 This method is slightly technical but gives you the official mobile app experience on your laptop.

Method 5: Create a YouTube Shortcut (No Installation Needed)

If you don’t want to fully install YouTube, you can still create shortcuts.

Steps:

  1. Right-click on your Desktop.

  2. Select New → Shortcut.

  3. Enter the URL: https://www.youtube.com.

  4. Name it YouTube and click Finish.

This creates a quick link to YouTube that opens in your default browser.

Comparison of Installation Methods

Here’s a quick comparison table:

Method Difficulty Official App Best For
Chrome PWA Easy Yes (Web-based) Fast setup, Chrome users
Edge PWA Easy Yes (Web-based) Microsoft Edge users
Microsoft Store Easy No (3rd party) Extra features, offline use
Android App (WSA) Moderate Yes Mobile-like experience
Shortcut Very Easy Yes (Web-based) Quick access only

Troubleshooting: What If YouTube Won’t Install on Windows 11?

Sometimes you may face issues. Here are quick fixes:

  • PWA option missing? Update Chrome/Edge to the latest version.

  • YouTube app crashes? Clear cache or reinstall.

  • Amazon Appstore doesn’t show YouTube? Consider sideloading APKs.

  • Slow performance? Disable unnecessary background apps.

Tips for Using YouTube on Windows 11 Like a Pro

  • 📌 Pin YouTube to the taskbar for one-click access.

  • 📺 Use Picture-in-Picture mode in Chrome/Edge to watch while multitasking.

  • 🎧 Enable Background Play via third-party apps.

  • ⌨️ Keyboard shortcuts – Use K for play/pause, F for full screen, M for mute.

  • ⚡ Dark Mode – Turn on dark mode for a better viewing experience at night.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I download YouTube videos on Windows 11?
Yes, but not with the official app. Use YouTube Premium or third-party apps like myTube! for offline downloads.

2. Is the YouTube app on Microsoft Store official?
No, only third-party apps are available. For the official experience, use PWAs or Android apps.

3. Do I need an internet connection to use YouTube on Windows 11?
Yes, unless you use an app that supports offline downloads.

4. Which is better: Chrome PWA or Edge PWA?
Both work well. Choose based on your preferred browser.

5. Is it safe to sideload the YouTube APK?
Yes, if downloaded from a trusted source. Always verify authenticity to avoid malware.

Conclusion

Installing YouTube on a Windows 11 laptop isn’t complicated—you’ve got plenty of options. The PWA method (Chrome/Edge) is the fastest and most seamless way to get an app-like experience. For extra features, you can explore Microsoft Store apps or even run the official Android YouTube app using WSA.

No matter which method you choose, you’ll enjoy the convenience of launching YouTube just like a native app—saving time and making your Windows 11 experience smoother.

So, why stick to browser tabs when you can have YouTube sitting neatly in your Start menu? 🚀

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