YouTube is one of those apps we all use daily—whether it’s for music, tutorials, gaming streams, or just endless cat videos. But here’s the catch: Windows 11 doesn’t come with a dedicated YouTube desktop app pre-installed. Instead, you normally access YouTube through your browser.

So, how do you install YouTube on Windows 11 as an app? The good news is, there are several ways to do it. In this guide, I’ll walk you step by step through different methods, from installing YouTube as a Progressive Web App (PWA) to using third-party apps.

Let’s dive right in.

Table of Contents

Why Install YouTube on Windows 11 Instead of Using a Browser?

You might be asking, “Why not just keep using YouTube in Chrome or Edge?” Good question! Installing YouTube as an app offers some great perks:

App-like experience – No tabs, no distractions, just YouTube in its own window.
Pin to taskbar/start menu – Quick, one-click access.
Better multitasking – Easily switch between YouTube and other apps.
Offline mode (with Premium) – Download and watch videos offline.
Cleaner interface – No clutter of extra browser controls.

Think of it as turning YouTube into a native Windows app—it just feels smoother.

Method 1: Install YouTube as a Progressive Web App (PWA) Using Google Chrome

This is the easiest and most popular way to install YouTube on Windows 11.

Step 1: Open YouTube in Chrome

Launch Google Chrome, then go to youtube.com.

Step 2: Install as an App

Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Hover over More tools.
Select Create shortcut…
Check Open as window.
Click Create.

Step 3: Launch the App

YouTube will now open in its own window—just like a native app.

Step 4: Pin It for Easy Access

Right-click the YouTube app icon in your taskbar.
Select Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start.

Now, YouTube is just a click away.

Method 2: Install YouTube Using Microsoft Edge

If you’re not a Chrome fan, Microsoft Edge also supports PWAs.

Step 1: Open YouTube in Edge

Go to youtube.com in Microsoft Edge.

Step 2: Install App

Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Choose Apps > Install this site as an app.
Name it YouTube and click Install.

Step 3: Pin to Taskbar or Start Menu

Edge will ask if you want to pin it automatically. Check the boxes, and you’re done.

This method works almost identically to Chrome, but Edge tends to integrate even more smoothly with Windows 11.

Method 3: Install YouTube via Other Browsers (Brave, Opera, Vivaldi)

Don’t worry if you’re using another Chromium-based browser like Brave or Vivaldi. The process is very similar.

Open YouTube in your browser.
Look for the install app or create shortcut option.
Enable Open as window if available.

Boom—you now have YouTube as an app in Windows 11.

Method 4: Use Third-Party YouTube Desktop Apps

Apart from PWAs, you can also use third-party apps made for desktop. Some popular ones include:

FreeTube – Open-source YouTube client with privacy features.
Minitube – Lightweight desktop YouTube app.
YouTube Music (official app) – If you mainly care about music.

Pros of Third-Party Apps

Sometimes lighter and faster.
Offer privacy controls (no ads, no tracking).

Cons

Not officially supported by Google.
May lack certain YouTube features.

Method 5: Use YouTube via Microsoft Store Apps

While there’s no official YouTube app in the Microsoft Store, some third-party apps mimic it. Examples include:

myTube!
Awesome Tube
WinTube

These offer a more app-like experience, though they may not always be as polished as YouTube itself.

How to Pin YouTube to Taskbar or Start Menu

Once installed, you’ll probably want YouTube just one click away.

Pin to Taskbar

Open the YouTube app.
Right-click its icon on the taskbar.
Select Pin to taskbar.

Pin to Start

Search for YouTube in the Start menu.
Right-click the app.
Select Pin to Start.

Now, YouTube will always be ready to go.

How to Enable Notifications for YouTube App

Want real-time notifications when your favorite channel uploads? Here’s how:

Open YouTube PWA.
Sign in with your Google account.
Click the lock icon in the address bar.
Allow Notifications.

Now you’ll get YouTube alerts directly on Windows 11, just like on your phone.

How to Uninstall YouTube App from Windows 11

Changed your mind? Removing the YouTube app is just as easy.

Option 1: From Settings

Press Windows + I.
Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
Find YouTube and click Uninstall.

Option 2: From the App Menu

Right-click the YouTube app icon.
Select Uninstall.

Done—it’s gone.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem 1: YouTube app won’t launch

Try reinstalling it from Chrome/Edge.
Clear browser cache.

Problem 2: No sound or video lag

Update your graphics and audio drivers.
Check Windows 11 updates.

Problem 3: Notifications not working

Make sure Notifications are enabled in both Windows and YouTube settings.

Tips to Enhance YouTube on Windows 11

Want to make the most out of YouTube on desktop? Try these:

Enable Dark Mode: Go to YouTube settings > Appearance > Dark theme.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Spacebar = play/pause, K = play, J = rewind, L = skip.
Picture-in-Picture Mode: Right-click the video twice, select Picture in Picture to watch while multitasking.
Install Extensions: Add Chrome extensions like Enhancer for YouTube for more control.

PWA vs. Third-Party App: Which Is Better?

Feature	PWA (Chrome/Edge)	Third-Party App
Official support	✅ Yes	❌ No
Updates	Automatic	Manual
Performance	Smooth	Varies
Notifications	✅ Yes	Sometimes
Privacy	Standard Google	Some offer ad-free & privacy

For most people, PWA via Chrome or Edge is the best choice.

Conclusion

Installing YouTube on Windows 11 isn’t as hard as it sounds. Whether you go for the PWA method using Chrome/Edge, try out a third-party desktop app, or explore Microsoft Store alternatives, you can easily get a dedicated YouTube app-like experience on your PC.

The PWA method is hands down the most reliable and integrates perfectly with Windows 11. You’ll enjoy quick access, real-time notifications, and a distraction-free viewing experience.

So, stop wasting time juggling browser tabs—install YouTube on your Windows 11 PC today and make it feel like a true desktop app.

FAQs

1. Does YouTube have an official Windows 11 app?
No, there’s no official desktop app, but you can install YouTube as a PWA using Chrome or Edge.

2. Can I download YouTube from Microsoft Store?
Not the official version, but there are third-party apps like myTube! and WinTube.

3. Can I use YouTube offline on Windows 11?
Yes, but only with YouTube Premium, which allows offline downloads.

4. Is the PWA version of YouTube safe?
Absolutely. It’s basically the official YouTube website packaged as an app.

5. Which method is best for installing YouTube on Windows 11?
The PWA method via Edge or Chrome is the most stable, secure, and user-friendly option.

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