Getting YouTube on your Windows 11 device is a breeze! You can either use the web app or a third-party app. Both methods offer quick access to your favorite videos. Below, I’ll walk you through each step to get YouTube installed and running smoothly on your Windows 11 computer.
How to Install YouTube in Windows 11
This section will guide you through the steps to install YouTube on your Windows 11 device, ensuring a seamless experience whether you choose the web app or an unofficial app.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge
First, open the Microsoft Edge browser on your Windows 11 device.
Edge is the default browser for Windows 11 and comes pre-installed. You can find it by clicking on the Start menu and typing “Edge” in the search bar.
Step 2: Visit YouTube’s Website
Go to www.youtube.com in the Edge browser.
Once you enter the URL, you’ll be directed to the YouTube homepage where you can browse or sign in to your account if you wish.
Step 3: Access the Edge Menu
Click on the three-dot menu (settings icon) in the upper-right corner of the browser window.
This menu gives you several options for customizing your browsing experience.
Step 4: Select “Apps” and then “Install this site as an app”
From the dropdown menu, hover over “Apps” and then click “Install this site as an app.”
This will prompt a dialog box asking you to name the app. By default, it will say “YouTube.”
Step 5: Confirm Installation
Click the “Install” button to confirm.
Once installed, YouTube will behave like a standalone app. You’ll find it in the Start menu and can pin it to the taskbar for easy access.
Step 6: Open YouTube App
Find the newly installed YouTube app in your Start menu and click to open.
After launching, you can sign in to your YouTube account, browse videos, and enjoy all the features available in the web version.
Once you complete these steps, YouTube will be easily accessible from your Windows 11 device just like any other app. You can open it directly from the Start menu or pin it to the taskbar for even quicker access.
Tips for Installing YouTube in Windows 11
- Update Edge: Ensure you are using the latest version of Microsoft Edge for the best experience.
- Pin to Taskbar: After installing, right-click the YouTube app in the Start menu and choose “Pin to taskbar” for easy access.
- Browser Shortcuts: Use shortcuts like Ctrl+T to open a new tab quickly in the Edge browser.
- Sign In: Sign in to your YouTube account to sync your subscriptions and watch history.
- Adjust Permissions: Go to Settings in the YouTube app to adjust notification and privacy settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install YouTube on Windows 11 without using Edge?
While Edge is the easiest method, you can also use Chrome’s “Create Shortcut” feature to achieve a similar result.
Is the YouTube app the same as the website?
Yes, the app installed this way will function just like the website but behave like a standalone app.
Do I need a Google account to use the YouTube app?
No, you can use YouTube without a Google account, but signing in offers a personalized experience.
Can I uninstall the YouTube app?
Yes, you can uninstall it by right-clicking the app in the Start menu and selecting “Uninstall.”
Is there an official YouTube app for Windows 11?
No, there is no official YouTube app for Windows 11, but the web app method works great.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Visit YouTube’s website.
- Access the Edge menu.
- Select “Apps” and then “Install this site as an app.”
- Confirm Installation.
- Open YouTube App.
Conclusion
Installing YouTube on your Windows 11 device is a straightforward process that enhances your viewing experience by making it more accessible. Whether you choose to use the web app or explore third-party options, having YouTube just a click away is incredibly convenient. Make sure to keep your browser updated for the best performance and to take advantage of any new features.
In addition, remember that using the web app method not only simplifies access but also keeps your system clutter-free compared to installing multiple third-party apps.
So, go ahead and install YouTube today to enjoy endless hours of video content with just a click. And if you run into any issues or have further questions, feel free to revisit this guide. Happy watching!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.