Getting YouTube onto Windows 11 as a standalone-ish app isn’t exactly tricky, but it does involve a few steps that aren’t super obvious right away. Kinda bogs the mind that Windows & Edge don’t make this a one-click job, but that’s Microsoft for ya. Anyway, once you’ve done this, YouTube feels a bit more like a proper app — like launching a tiny desktop shortcut rather than just another browser tab. Perfect if you’re always watching videos or want it separate from your other browsing. Once set up, opening YouTube takes just a couple of clicks, no hassle with tabs or browser windows. This trick works pretty well, even if it seems a bit roundabout at first. Here’s how to do it without losing the plot.
How to Install YouTube on Windows 11
Head to the site and get Edge ready
Start with Microsoft Edge. If it’s not your default, just search for it in your start menu — they usually come with Windows now. Make sure it’s updated because some features, like “Install this site as an app,” might not show on older versions. To check, go to Settings > About Microsoft Edge, or press Alt + R then pick “Help and Feedback,” then “About Microsoft Edge” to see what version you’ve got. On my setup, if Edge isn’t up-to-date, the whole thing might not work, or those menu options might not show up.
Visit YouTube and prep the app shortcut
- Open Edge, type www.youtube.com in the address bar, and hit Enter.
- Once YouTube loads, click on the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner of Edge.
- Hover over or click on “Apps” — if you don’t see that straight away, double-check if your Edge is fully updated, ’cause sometimes Microsoft sneaks features behind updates.
- Choose “Install this site as an app”. On some setups, this might be under “More tools” or a separate menu, but usually it’s right there.
Name and install the app — nearly there
After clicking that, a prompt will ask you to give it a name. Just call it “YouTube” or whatever floats your boat. When you click “Install”, Edge will put an icon on your desktop or in the start menu, depending on your settings. Sometimes, especially if you’re not paying attention, it doesn’t pop up where you think, so check your desktop, taskbar, or start menu. That’s it — YouTube’s all set up as an app!
Honestly, this method tends to make a pretty tidy, minimal window for your videos. Fair dinkum, sometimes, on certain machines, the first go might be a bit dodgy — maybe a ‘not responding’ message for a sec. But a quick restart of Edge or a reboot usually sorts it. Just one of those Windows quirks, right?
Tips to Make It Even Better
- Keep your Edge up to date — if it’s out of whack, these features can be flaky.
- Right-click the new YouTube icon and pick “Properties” if you want to change how it looks or the icon. Why not?
- Pin the app to your taskbar for quick access — right-click the icon and select “Pin to taskbar”.
- Use the same trick for other sites you frequent, like Twitch, Twitter, or Reddit. Just head to the site and install it as an app too.
- If it’s acting dodgy or won’t launch, try clearing Edge’s cache or resetting the browser settings. It’s a quick fix worth trying.
FAQs
Can I do this with other browsers apart from Edge?
Nah, only Edge natively supports the “Install this site as an app” feature on Windows 11. Chrome or Firefox don’t have the same built-in options, though some third-party workarounds exist— but they’re a bit messy.
Will this work offline with YouTube?
Nah, it’s just the web version, so you’ll need the internet. No offline watching unless you’ve downloaded videos beforehand with YouTube Premium or another tool— which is a whole other hassle.
What if I change my mind and want to chuck the app?
Just right-click the icon (on desktop or in the start menu) and pick “Uninstall”. Easy as. If it’s pinned to the taskbar, right-click there and choose “Unpin from taskbar.”
How do I update it or fix issues down the track?
Mostly, it depends on how the web version of YouTube updates itself. No need to manually update it. If something’s dodgy, removing and reinstalling usually sorts it out. Just redo the process, and you’ll get the latest version.
Summary
- Open Edge and visit www.youtube.com.
- Go to the Edge menu, click “Apps”, then choose “Install this site as an app”.
- Name your app and hit “Install”.
- Launch your new YouTube desktop app anytime — pin it for quick access.
Wrap-up
It’s not a perfect, fully integrated solution, but way better than leaving YouTube in a tab. Makes your workflow neater and gives that nice “app-like” feel. If this helps you knock a few tabs off or makes your YouTube life a bit easier, then it’s worth a crack. Just remember, Windows can be a bit temperamental sometimes, so patience is key. Hope it saves someone a few clicks or helps keep distractions down.