YouTube is the world’s largest video-sharing platform and an essential part of digital life for millions. Whether you’re catching up on the latest news, watching your favorite content creators, or learning new skills, YouTube has become a go-to source for free and diverse content. While many people access YouTube directly through web browsers, having it installed as a desktop application offers a more streamlined experience.
For users on Windows PCs, this is both possible and easy to do without using third-party software or unofficial methods. In fact, modern browsers like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome allow you to install YouTube as a Progressive Web App (PWA), which functions like a native app but runs using web technologies. This guide will walk you step-by-step through how to download and install YouTube on your Windows PC using secure, official channels while covering additional tips and common questions to make the most of your YouTube experience.
What Is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to understand what a Progressive Web App is. PWAs are web applications that behave like native apps. They are installed from the browser and function as stand-alone apps with their own icons, windows, and even offline support in some cases. The biggest benefit of PWAs is that they are lightweight, always up-to-date, and do not require traditional installations from app stores. They operate with minimal system overhead and provide a seamless user experience.
In the case of YouTube, installing it as a PWA allows you to access it with a single click from your desktop, bypassing the clutter of browser tabs and the need to open a browser first. Plus, the interface looks almost identical to what you’d see in a mobile or tablet app, providing a distraction-free viewing experience.
How to Install YouTube as a PWA Using Microsoft Edge
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open Microsoft Edge:
Begin by launching Microsoft Edge, which comes pre-installed on all Windows 10 and 11 PCs. If you don’t have it updated, make sure to check for the latest version via the Microsoft Store or the Edge settings. - Go to YouTube’s Official Website:
In the address bar, typehttps://www.youtube.comand hit Enter. Wait for the homepage to fully load. - Access the Install Option:
Click the three-dot menu (⋯) located in the top-right corner of the browser. Hover your mouse over Apps in the dropdown menu. - Click on “Install YouTube”:
From the submenu, you’ll see an option that says “Install YouTube.” Click on it. A small pop-up will appear prompting you to confirm the installation. - Confirm the Installation:
Click Install on the pop-up dialog box. YouTube will now open in a separate, dedicated window that behaves like an app. - Pin to Taskbar or Start Menu (Optional):
You can pin the app to your taskbar or start menu for quick access. Just right-click the icon and choose the desired pinning option. - Enjoy YouTube Like a Native App:
From now on, you can open YouTube directly from your desktop, taskbar, or start menu without opening your web browser first.
Benefits of Using Microsoft Edge:
- Seamless Windows integration
- Low resource consumption
- Regular updates through the browser
- Built-in privacy and security features
How to Install YouTube as a PWA Using Google Chrome
If you prefer Google Chrome, the steps are very similar:
- Open Google Chrome:
Launch the Chrome browser on your Windows PC. - Navigate to YouTube:
Typehttps://www.youtube.cominto the address bar and press Enter. - Click the Install Icon:
If the site supports PWA installation (which YouTube does), you’ll see a small “+” icon or a computer icon in the address bar on the right-hand side. Click it. - Install YouTube:
A confirmation dialog will appear. Click the Install button to proceed. - Access the App:
YouTube will now launch in a separate window with no tabs or browser controls—just like a native app. - Shortcut Creation:
Chrome will automatically add shortcuts to your Start menu and/or desktop. You can manage this underchrome://apps.
Benefits of Using Chrome:
- Fast loading times
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent support for PWAs
- Works on all major versions of Windows
Using YouTube via the Microsoft Store: Reality Check
As of now, there is no official standalone YouTube app available in the Microsoft Store. There may be third-party applications claiming to offer access to YouTube, but these are not recommended. Most unofficial apps offer limited functionality, excessive ads, or questionable privacy policies. Stick to browser-based PWA installations for safety and reliability.
Why You Should Use YouTube as a Desktop App
Here are some compelling reasons to install YouTube as a PWA:
- Faster Access: Open YouTube with a single click, no need to launch a browser and type in the URL.
- Distraction-Free Viewing: A dedicated app window means no browser tabs, address bars, or bookmarks getting in your way.
- Better Multitasking: Easily snap the YouTube app alongside other windows for better workflow.
- System Efficiency: PWAs consume fewer system resources than running YouTube in a full browser session.
- Auto-Updates: Since it’s based on the web, the app stays updated automatically without manual interventions.
Advanced Tips for Enhancing Your Experience
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts:
Just like the browser version, you can use shortcuts such asKto pause/play,JandLto rewind/fast forward, andMto mute. - Dark Mode:
YouTube’s app respects your system’s dark mode settings. To enable it manually, go to Settings > Appearance inside the app. - Custom Window Sizes:
Resize the YouTube PWA just like a normal app window. You can even maximize or minimize it based on your screen real estate. - Playback Speed Controls:
Right-click on a video to access speed settings, loop, or picture-in-picture mode. - Casting Support:
If you’re on the same Wi-Fi network as a smart TV or Chromecast device, you can still cast directly from the PWA version.
Uninstalling the YouTube App from Windows
Should you decide to remove the YouTube PWA from your PC, here’s how:
From Microsoft Edge:
- Open Edge.
- Go to
edge://apps. - Find YouTube in the list.
- Click on the settings icon (⋯) and choose Remove.
From Google Chrome:
- Open Chrome.
- Visit
chrome://apps. - Right-click on the YouTube icon.
- Choose Remove from Chrome.
From Windows Settings:
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
- Find YouTube in the list.
- Click Uninstall.
Uninstalling the PWA does not affect your YouTube account or subscriptions.
Final Thoughts
Installing YouTube on your Windows PC as a Progressive Web App is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your video-viewing experience. It combines the convenience of a desktop application with the flexibility and security of a browser-based platform. You don’t need to deal with bloated software or unreliable third-party tools—just use Edge or Chrome and install YouTube in a few clicks. The app behaves like a native Windows application, offering benefits such as faster launch times, better multitasking, and reduced distractions.
With features like dark mode, keyboard shortcuts, and casting support, the PWA version of YouTube provides almost everything the web version does, all in a compact, dedicated window. If you’re someone who uses YouTube frequently—whether for work, education, or entertainment—having it installed as a desktop app is a small step that can make a big difference. Try it out today and see how much smoother and more accessible your YouTube experience becomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is installing YouTube as a PWA free?
Yes, installing YouTube as a Progressive Web App using Edge or Chrome is completely free. It doesn’t require any subscription or payment and is backed by official browser support.
2. Will installing YouTube as a PWA affect browser performance?
No. In fact, it can improve your workflow by isolating YouTube into its own window, reducing the number of open tabs in your browser and thus improving overall performance.
3. Can I log in to my account on the YouTube PWA?
Absolutely. The PWA uses the same interface and backend as the web version, so you can log in to your Google account, manage subscriptions, comment on videos, and access playlists without any limitations.
4. Does the PWA support extensions like ad blockers or video downloaders?
No. Since PWAs operate outside the main browser interface, browser extensions do not apply to them. If you rely on extensions, you may want to continue using the standard web version in your browser tabs.