Background Play
Keep audio playing when minimized or in another app. Perfect for music, podcasts, and lectures.
YOUR VIDEOS. YOUR OWN WINDOW.
YouTube App for Desktop
Free YouTube App Download for PC, Mac & Linux
Give YouTube its own window on Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac, or Linux. Keep videos close with background playback, picture-in-picture, and familiar keyboard shortcuts.
Get YT Desktop
FREE DOWNLOADFree for Windows, Mac & Linux.
No subscription. YouTube Premium isn’t included.
No payment · No account needed
Choose your computer below and download directly.
Already purchased? Get your downloadIndependent app. Not affiliated with YouTube or Google.
LESS TAB CLUTTER. MORE YOU.↗
Actual app capture · Signed out on macOS
Find your next favorite⌘ / Ctrl K
↗Small installersApproximately 1.5–2.2 MB
◎No extra app telemetryNo app viewing-history tracking
▣A familiar experienceYouTube in a dedicated window
CHOOSE YOUR COMPUTER
One app. Your choice of computer.
Windows 10/11, Apple Silicon or Intel Mac, and Debian/Ubuntu Linux.
Windows
64-bit
v1.0.0 · ~1.5 MB
Get YT DesktopmacOS
Apple Silicon
v1.0.0 · ~1.8 MB
Get YT DesktopmacOS
Intel
v1.0.0 · ~2.0 MB
Get YT DesktopLinux
Debian/Ubuntu
v1.0.0 · ~2.2 MB
Get YT DesktopNot sure which Mac download? Open the Apple menu → About This Mac. “Chip” means Apple Silicon; “Processor” with an Intel name means Intel.
These installers open the YouTube streaming app. An internet connection is required; this is not a video downloader.
MADE FOR THE WAY YOU WATCH
YouTube Desktop App Features
Your daily videos. A more comfortable place to watch.
Picture-in-Picture
Open picture-in-picture from the View menu, or keep the app window above your other windows with Always on Top.
Native Performance
Open YouTube from your dock or taskbar. A dedicated desktop window keeps your videos separate from your browser tabs.
Speed Control
Watch at 0.5x to 2x speed. Speed through tutorials or slow down complex explanations.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Search with Cmd+K on Mac or Ctrl+K on Windows. Use native menus for playback, volume, speed, and navigation.
Privacy Focused
YT Desktop adds no app telemetry or viewing-history tracking. YouTube and Google handle data under their own policies.
FROM DOWNLOAD TO PLAY
How to Download YouTube App for PC
A familiar setup. Then straight to your favorites.
Choose your download
Check your computer’s compatibility and choose your free installer above. No payment or account is required.
Install, then open
Open the downloaded installer and follow its prompts. Launch YT Desktop from your applications, dock, or taskbar.
Make yourself at home
Browse YouTube, find a video, and press play. Sign in directly to YouTube if you want to access your account.
BEFORE YOU INSTALL
System Requirements for YouTube Desktop App
Choose a compatible desktop computer. All versions need an internet connection to stream YouTube.
Windows
- Windows 10 (64-bit) or later
- Windows 11 fully supported
macOS
- Intel: macOS 10.13 or later
- Apple Silicon: macOS 11 or later
Linux
- Ubuntu 22.04+ or Debian 12+
- 64-bit x86 processor
Need setup help? Read the Mac guide, Linux guide, or laptop installation steps.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about downloading and using the YouTube desktop app.
How do I download YouTube app for PC?
Use the Download free button, then choose the Windows 64-bit installer. No payment or account is required. Open the downloaded .exe and follow the installation prompts. YT Desktop supports Windows 10 and Windows 11. The Windows installer is approximately 1.5 MB.
Is the YouTube desktop app free?
YT Desktop is currently free in every country. Downloads need no payment or account. There is no subscription or activation key, and existing installed copies continue to work. YT Desktop does not include YouTube Premium.
Does YouTube have a desktop app for Windows 10/11?
YT Desktop is an independent desktop app for Windows 10 and Windows 11, with separate downloads for macOS and Linux. It opens YouTube in a dedicated window and adds native menus for playback and navigation.
Can I play YouTube videos in the background?
Yes. Keep audio playing while the window is minimized or you use another app. It is useful for music, podcasts, and long-form videos while you work.
Is YT Desktop safe to install?
Download from the installer links on this website and keep your operating system up to date. YT Desktop adds no app analytics or viewing-history tracking. YouTube and Google still process data under their own policies; our website uses Analytics as explained in our Privacy Policy.
How do I download the YouTube app on my laptop?
Choose the free installer for your laptop’s operating system: Windows, Mac, or Linux. No payment is required. On a Mac, choose Apple Silicon or Intel to match your computer. Open the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts.
What's the best YouTube app for Windows 10?
If you want YouTube in a dedicated window, YT Desktop supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 with background playback, picture-in-picture controls, and keyboard shortcuts. Choose the app or browser experience that works best for you.
Can I download YouTube videos for offline viewing?
YT Desktop is a streaming app, not a video downloader. It requires an internet connection and does not add offline downloads. YouTube features depend on availability within its web experience and your account.
Is there an official YouTube desktop app?
YT Desktop is an independent app, not an official YouTube or Google product. It wraps the YouTube website in a desktop window with native playback and navigation menus. Some features are also available in browsers.