Microsoft has not released a dedicated app for YouTube, nor do they plan to. Here, we have given a way for you to still install it on your Windows PC,
Unlike Netflix, there is no official YouTube app for Windows 10 or Windows 11. Google was never interested in developing an app for Microsoft Store.
Watching Youtube videos inside a UWP app has several advantages over watching inside a browser. The app can use Windows advanced graphics and performance features to enhance video and audio quality.
There have recently been rumors that Google might be working on a dedicated application for Windows, but it has not been confirmed, nor has Google made any comment on the matter. They had earlier also declined to make an app for Windows phones. Nevertheless, you can still get an app for YouTube on your Windows PC with a neat trick.
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Let’s continue to see how you can install the YouTube application on your Windows PC.
Install YouTube App on Windows 10, 11
Google did not specifically make an app to run on Windows. However, they did make one to run on Xbox, which is readily available to download on Microsoft App Store for Xbox.
Since a portion of Xbox’s operating system is a modified version of Windows 8, which has the same backbone as Windows 10, the YouTube app designed for Xbox can also run on any PC with a Windows 10 or Windows 11 OS.
The installation is relatively easy and requires an additional step to download the application package through a third website. Follow the steps below to install the YouTube app on your Windows computer:
Open the YouTube link on Microsoft Store and copy the URL from the address bar.
The copied URL is required for the next step, where we download the installation files from the Microsoft Store. If prompted to log in, enter your Microsoft account credentials.
Open the AdGuard website and paste the URL.
The Adguard website offers a tool to download apps from the Microsoft Store.
Select “Retail” from the drop-down menu on the right, select “URL (link)” from the drop-down menu on the left, and then click on the checkbox.
A list of downloads will now be available.
Copy the download link for the following file to the clipboard:
Note: The version number may be different for you.
GoogleInc.YouTube_1.4.156.70_x64_yfg5n0ztvskxp.appx
Right-click the link ending with .appx for your respective Windows platforms (32-bit or 64-bit), and then click Copy link address from the context menu. This will download the .appx file to your computer. .appx files act like installer files for the Microsoft Store.
Download the Youtube app installation file to your computer.
Open a new tab in the web browser, paste the copied address, and press Enter. Your download should now begin.
Run the downloaded appx file to install Youtube app on your system.
Once downloaded, execute the package. The installation wizard will now run. Click on the Install button to start the installation.
Close the wizard once the installation is complete.
The installation should take about 30 seconds. The wizard will automatically close, and the YouTube app will now launch if the “Launch when ready” box is initially checked.
You can now enjoy the YouTube application on your Windows computer without any hassle. As mentioned before, you will need to navigate through the app using only your keyboard, just as you would on an Xbox.
Uninstall YouTube app from your computer
If you want to remove/delete the app, navigate to the following:
Start Menu -> Settings -> Apps
Now scroll down, click on the YouTube app, and then click Uninstall.
Alternatively, you can also remove it from the Programs and Features applet, which can be accessed by typing in “appwiz.cpl” in the Run Command box.
Install YouTube Web App on Microsoft Edge
Although web apps don’t provide as much flexibility as the actual UWP Windows app, they are better than opening YouTube in a browser. They follow Youtube’s official web interface.
A Youtube progressive web app will have the same functionality as Youtube for the web but when you click on the YouTube icon on the desktop, it will open the YouTube web app directly without opening the browser first.
Check out how to Create a Progressive Web App (PWA) for any website on Windows 10 (Including Youtube and Facebook)
Youtube web app also supports picture-in-picture mode so you can easily keep the video on top of all other windows.
Let’s go through the process of creating a web app for YouTube on Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome separately.
Open Microsoft Edge and go to https://youtube.com.
Open Edge settings, expand Apps, and then click “Install YouTube.”
This will create a Youtube shortcut on the Desktop. You can open Youtube directly by double-clicking the shortcut without opening the browser first.
Alternatively, you can also click on the Web app icon in the address bar of Edge to install the YouTube app automatically. The web app icon will only appear on websites that support creating progressive web apps.
Install YouTube App on Google Chrome
Google Chrome also supports creating an app for YouTube. Follow the steps below to install the YouTube app using Google Chrome:
Open Google Chrome and go to https://youtube.com.
Open Chrome settings and click “Install YouTube.”
This will create a Youtube shortcut on the Desktop. You can open YouTube directly by double-clicking the shortcut without opening the browser first.
You can also click on the Web app icon in the address bar to install the YouTube app automatically. The web app icon will only appear on websites that support creating progressive web apps.
YouTube App Keyboard Shortcuts
One of the advantages of the YouTube app is that you can use your keyboard to control most aspects of Youtube. Here are some keyboard shortcuts that you can use to control the Youtube web app:
| Function | Shortcut |
| Toggle play/pause | k |
| Rewind 10 seconds | j |
| Forward 10 seconds | l |
| Previous video | p |
| Next video | n |
Here is the complete list of YouTube keyboard shortcuts. Click on the image to enlarge it.
Best Alternative YouTube Apps for Windows
If Google doesn’t provide a YouTube app for Windows, it’s not the end of the world. Below you’ll find a list of alternative apps that stream YouTube videos.
Minitube Youtube App
Minitube is one of the best YouTube apps for viewing YouTube videos on a desktop computer. It is available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux (Debian and Ubuntu). It is a very small application that runs almost instantly on a Windows PC. It is free to use but does not provide automatic updates or support. You will receive lifetime support and automatic updates once you purchase the app.
Minitube has a very simple user interface consisting of three tabs: Search, Browse, and Subscriptions. Using the Browse tab, you can browse YouTube using a specific country or worldwide. The browse and subscriptions tabs did not function correctly, but the search tab worked perfectly for me.
Once the application has been downloaded and installed, you will see a screen with three options: Use Demo, Enter License, and Buy License. You can use the app for free by selectingUse Demo.
FreeTube
FreeTube Player is one of the best desktop players for YouTube that is open source and free. The primary advantage of FreeTube is that it plays YouTube videos without advertisements and prevents Google from tracking your device.
FreeTube Player is extremely fast and can also be used to download YouTube videos for offline viewing. A mini-window mode is also available, which operates similarly to the Picture-in-Picture mode of a browser.
FreeTube’s only disadvantage is the quality of the videos. This application can only play or download video files up to 720p resolution.
FreeTube is available for MacOS, Windows, and Linux.
Echoes Player
Install Echoes Player from Chrome Web Store
Echoes Player is another free and open-source YouTube media player that focuses on privacy. It has a very sleek interface that enhances the user experience. Echoes Player blocks all YouTube advertisements, so you can watch your videos without distractions.
Echoes Player is available as a Google Chrome extension. You can install the extension in any of your Chromium-based browsers including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, or Opera.
Echoes Player gives the user the option to create playlists easily and play videos and music without any interruption.
MotionBox
If you are looking for a video browser that can browse videos not only from YouTube, but also from other video streaming services like Dailymotion, Vimeo, SoundCloud, etc., MotionBox is the perfect fit.
MotionBox is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
Conclusion
YouTube is a popular platform to share your candid and professional videos with the entire world. The YouTube application makes that experience pleasant with its better interface and controls. However, the application does not continue to play audio when it is minimized. Hence, it would not be possible to listen to music while the application runs in the background.
Will you switch to the app version of YouTube or continue to use it via a browser?
FAQs
How do I download Windows 11 guide? ›
- Go to the Windows 11 download page.
- Under Create Windows 11 Installation media, click Download Now. ...
- Run the file you've just downloaded and accept the terms and conditions.
- Choose the language and edition settings you want for your Windows 11 installation.
- Use the Installation Assistant to upgrade. We recommend you wait until your device has been offered the upgrade to Windows 11 before you use the Installation Assistant. ...
- Create Windows 11 installation media. ...
- Create an image install.
The answer to the question, “Is Windows 10 or 11 better?” depends on your unique needs. Windows 10 is a solid operating system that can allow you to work, play, and interact with useful apps. And Windows 11 can help you in the same way, but with enhanced features for gaming and interface layouts.
Is it worth downloading Windows 11? ›You want or need the latest features: Windows 11 looks and feels like a fresh coat of paint on Windows 10, but there are some features that you won't get without upgrading. Some interesting improvements include better widgets and snap layouts, better virtual desktops, and support for Android apps.
How do I go back to Windows 10 from Windows 11? ›To roll back to Windows 10 from 11, open Settings > System > Recovery and click “Go Back.” Skip the update check, follow the on-screen directions, and click “Go back to Windows 10.” The process will take several minutes to roll back to Windows 10 from 11.
How do you know if you are using Windows 11? ›To find out which version of Windows your device is running, press the Windows logo key + R, type winver in the Open box, and then select OK. Here's how to learn more: Select Start > Settings > System > About .
How do I add apps to my desktop in Microsoft 11? ›Press and hold (or right-click) the desktop, then select New > Shortcut. Enter the location of the item or select Browse to find the item in File Explorer, then select the location and select OK.
Where is app in Windows 11? ›To see a list of your apps, select Start , then select the arrow next to All apps to expand that pane.
Where are apps stored on Windows 11? ›Windows 10 or 11 OS stores Windows Apps and other UWP apps like Your Phone in the WindowsApps folder. The folder is a highly secure location within your Windows OS installation directory and is protected by multiple layers of security. First of all, you will not see the folder unless you unhide it.
Does Windows 11 automatically install apps? ›Turn Off the Suggested Content in the Settings App
Microsoft also suggests new apps and content (like new Windows features) via the Settings app. This feature doesn't automatically install unwanted apps in the background if kept enabled. But you can also turn off all future suggestions if you find them annoying.
How do I install apps on Windows 11 without the store? ›
In Windows, Tap “Start”, then “Settings”, then select “Apps” On the Apps & Features settings panel, find “Choose where to get apps” and change the setting to something other than “The Microsoft Store only”, since this option is the most restrictive. Rating: 4.0/5. From 1 vote.
Does Windows 11 support all apps? ›Will my Windows 10 apps work with Windows 11? In the vast majority of cases, yes. Microsoft has made changes to the hardware requirements for Windows 11, but app compatibility is set to remain the same. When the free upgrade to Windows 11 becomes available, all the apps you have installed will remain.
What do you mean by taskbar? ›The Taskbar is a graphical user interface element that has been part of Microsoft Windows since Windows 95, displaying and facilitating switching between running programs.
What does Pin to start mean? ›The process of adding a Windows 10 app to the Start Menu is known as pinning. Unless you're using Tablet mode, any items you pin to Start in Windows 10 are shown in the tiles section, on the right side of the Start Menu, as seen below. Clicking or tapping on any items pinned to Start Menu opens them.
Where is Start button on Windows 11? ›The Start button in Windows 11 is a small button that shows the Windows logo. It always appears at the left end of the primary group of buttons within the taskbar. The buttons in the Windows 11 taskbar appear in the center of the bar, by default.