Getting YouTube set up on a Windows 11 laptop isn’t exactly brain surgery, but it’s not dead easy either. There’s no official YouTube app in the Microsoft Store, but the trick is to install it as a Progressive Web App (PWA). This way, YouTube shows up with its own icon on your desktop or start menu, just like a regular app. It’s basically a shortcut with a bit more style, and it runs in its own window — not inside a browser tab — so feels a lot more native.
How to Install YouTube on Your Windows 11 Laptop
If you’re over juggling a bunch of tabs or just want a quick shortcut on your desktop, here’s how it usually goes. Sometimes it works on the first try, other times you might need to do a quick refresh… It’s a bit trial and error, but once you’ve had a crack a couple of times, it’s pretty straightforward.
Step 1: Open Your Web Browser
Fire up Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. No joke, these are your best mates for this, because they support full PWA installation — unlike Firefox or some others. One time it worked in Chrome, another time it didn’t — Windows can be a bit of a turncoat. So yeah, stick to Chrome or Edge for this.
Step 2: Head to YouTube
Type www.youtube.com into the address bar and hit Enter. Once YouTube loads up, you’re nearly there. This is just the launching pad for making it feel more like an app.
Step 3: Open the Browser Menu
Find the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of Chrome or Edge. Click it, and a dropdown will appear with heaps of options. That’s the secret spot for installing the site as a PWA.
Step 4: Install YouTube as an App
Look for options labelled “Install YouTube” or “Create shortcut”. In Chrome, you might see “Install [Site Name]” under the menu > More tools > Install site. In Edge, a prompt or banner might pop up automatically, but if not, the menu’s your mate. Just select the install option. It’s a bit odd, sometimes you need to refresh or restart the browser if it doesn’t show immediately.
Step 5: Finalise & Enjoy
A small window will pop up asking if you want to add the app — click “Install” or “Add”. After that, a shortcut should land on your desktop or start menu, ready to open YouTube like a true blue app. No fuss, no hassle. If it doesn’t show up right away, sometimes a quick reboot or re-adding it does the trick.
Tips for Installing YouTube on Windows 11
- Make sure your browser’s up-to-date — outdated browsers can be a ledge breaker for PWA features.
- You can remove the shortcut anytime by right-clicking and choosing Uninstall.
- If you use it heaps, pin it to your taskbar by dragging the icon or right-clicking and choosing Pin to taskbar.
- If you use both Chrome and Edge, you’ll need to do this on each browser — you can’t just install once and cross over.
- Clear your cache if things feel slow or glitchy; sometimes old data gets in the way of a smooth install.
FAQ
Can I install YouTube straight from the Microsoft Store?
Nah, no dedicated YouTube app there. The PWA trick is your best bet — just do it through your browser.
What’s a PWA anyway?
It’s a web app that acts a lot more like a native app. Installs on your device, has its own window, and can even work offline with a few limits.
Is it safe?
Too right, as long as you stick to Chrome or Edge. Don’t go trusting dodgy third-party tools claiming to do the same thing — they can be a bit sketchy.
Will this work on Windows 10?
Most likely, yeah. The PWA support is in Windows 10 too, so give it a crack if you’re still on that OS.
Summary
- Open up Chrome or Edge.
- Go to
www.youtube.com. - Click on the menu (three dots).
- Select the option to install the shortcut.
- Confirm, and enjoy YouTube on your desktop or start menu, just like a proper app.
Hopefully, this helps save you a fair few bob and hours. Once you’ve done it once or twice, it’s a piece of piss, and you might find yourself doing the same for other sites like Netflix or Twitter too.