Need help for Youtube MP4 conversion from my Windows 11 PC

There are a couple of dedicated youtube mp4 converter you can try out on Windows 11 PC.

Why not use the Microsoft Edge extension if you are looking for a YouTube MP4 converter tool? This method takes advantage of the developer console that is directly built into Chrome, Edge or Firefox. It doesn't require downloading and can be run entirely within your browser.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Open your browser and navigate to the video page where you want to save it.

Step 2: Open the Developer Tools

Google Chrome/Edge: Press F12 or Ctrl + Shift + I

Firefox: Press Ctrl + Shift + I

Step 3: Click on the "Network" tab at the top of the Developer Tools panel.

Step 4: After opening the Network tab, press F5 to reload the YouTube page. You will see many files start to appear in the list.

Step 5: Start playing the YouTube video. In the Network tab, look for file entries where the "Type" column shows "Media" or the file name ends with ,mp4.

Step 6: Right-click on the media file entry and select "Open in New Tab".

Step 7: The video will play directly in the new browser tab. Right-click on the video and select "Save Video..." to get it as an MP4 file.

If you really don't want to add any new software, then use the method of browser developer tools as YouTube MP4 converter. This method is effective, but you will need to go through some trial and error before you can find the correct media file.

BigConv Firefox addon.

It is a free Firefox extension that lets you convert the video clips to either MP3 or MP4 format in high quality directly from youtube. It's a lightweight, beginner-friendly tool that eliminates the need any 3rd-party websites.  The download and conversion is triggered with just a single click while you're already watching a video on YouTube.

Step 1: Go to the BigConv Firefox Add-on page and click Add to Firefox to install the extension.

Step 2: Open YouTube in Firefox and navigate to the video you want to convert.

Step 3: Click the BigConv toolbar icon while watching the video — a compact popup will appear, offering options to convert to either MP3 or MP4. 

Step 4: Click your desired format and a new tab will open on the BigConv website, initiating the conversion process automatically.

Step 5: Select your preferred format and start the conversion by clicking the corresponding button. Once complete, download the file by pressing the Download button. 

For me, BigConv is a convenient one-click free youtube mp4 converter without leaving your browser. It's free, easy to use, and requires no technical knowledge. However, it currently holds a 2.6 out of 5 rating from users, so it may not be the most reliable option for everyone — it's worth trying but have a backup tool in mind just in case

If you are looking for a best method to make videos to MP4 format, you can use the Xbox game bar that is directly integrated into Windows 11 computers. It should be noted that the Xbox game bar is not a true YouTube MP4 converter.

Treat it as a YouTube MP4 converter. Since this is a screen recording, you must play the video from the beginning to the end, and your computer will record it.

Step 1: Prepare the video

• Open your web browser and navigate to the YouTube video page where you want to save it.
• Make sure the video is in full-screen mode (click the full-screen icon in the lower right corner of the player).

Step 2: Start screen recording

• Press the Windows icon key and the G key simultaneously. This will open the Xbox game bar overlay.
• You will see a "Recording" window (usually a small bar with circles and dots). Click the "Start Recording" button (the circle button).
• Alternatively, you can directly press the Windows icon key, Alt key, and R key to start recording immediately without opening the overlay.

Step 3: Play the video

• Click the back button of the video to ensure that the recording device can capture the correct area of the screen.
• Let the video play completely. The game bar will record all the content on your screen, so you must keep the video active.

Step 4: Save the MP4 file

• After the video playback is complete, press the Windows icon key + Alt + R again to stop the recording.
• A notification will appear in the lower right corner of the screen. Click on it to open the folder where the new MP4 file will be saved.
• By default, all the recorded content will be saved at this location: C:\Users\[Your Username]\Videos\Captures.

This is a frequently asked questions in online forums. As far as I know, here are 2 safe ways to convert youtube clips as mp4:

Use Windows Media Player's Stream/Convert Feature — Most people know WMP as just a player, but it has a hidden built-in network stream recorder. You can paste a YouTube URL into its "Open Network Stream" option combined with a stream ripper to capture and save the video locally. It's buried deep in the menus and very few people know about it.

Use a Screen Recording App with Hardware Acceleration — Instead of converting, use a tool like OBS Studio (free) to record your screen while the YouTube clips plays in fullscreen at the highest quality. OBS can save the file as MP4. It's technically a recording rather than a conversion, but the result is identical and it sidesteps any download restrictions entirely.

Keep in mind that all youtube mp4 converter methods should only be used on videos you have the right to save — such as your own uploads, Creative Commons licensed content, or videos with an official download option enabled by the creator.

Choosing a reliable application to convert youtube clips as mp4 requires caution, as many programs use the generic YouTube Downloader name to hide malware or intrusive bloatware. Unless you are using a specific, highly-vetted brand, it is generally safer to avoid these generic tools, which often prioritize aggressive ads and Pro version upsells over user security.

• Be sure to download the conversion software directly from the official website of a reputable developer.
• Select the advanced installation options and uncheck any bundled optional software or toolbars.
• Paste the video URL into the app, select MP4 as the output format, and choose your preferred resolution.
• Click the Convert/Download button, and scan the generated file with antivirus software.

Be wary of tools with overly simple names; they are often used as a front for unwanted background processes.

Use the software solely to convert youtube clips as mp4, and only for content you have the right to download, such as your own videos or those in the public domain.

Avoid using generic online conversion websites, as they often trigger malicious pop-ups or suspicious browser redirects.

Stacher is an open-source desktop tool that convert youtube clips as mp4 on Windows 11.

First, install the application, paste the URL into the input field, and select the desired format from the menu. The software will then convert youtube clips as mp4 and save the file to your computer.

Since it is a locally installed program rather than a web-based tool, it is more stable when handling large files. If you prefer not to use other software, this is an ideal choice.

Tartube is an open-source tool developed by Engine that provides a secure environment for convert youtube clips as mp4.

To use it, simply add the video link to the list and select the output format in the download settings. Once the configuration is confirmed, the software will automatically convert youtube clips as mp4 and save it directly to your specified directory.

It is feature-rich and suitable for long-term use, though it may be a bit challenging for beginners.

Some of the smart TVs is able to record the clips when playing from the youtube app. You can take advantage of this trick for solving your problems.

How this youtube mp4 converter works:

1. Plug your USB drive into the USB port on the back or side of your TV.

2. Open the YouTube app on your Smart TV and find the video you want to capture.

3. Access your TV's recording function — on most Samsung TVs this is done by pressing the Record button on the remote, or going to Settings → Broadcasting → Record. On LG, look for the REC button.

4. Play the video in fullscreen and let it record in real time until it finishes.

5. Stop the recording and safely eject the USB drive.

Downsides to be aware of:

It records in real time, so a 1-hour video takes 1 hour to capture.

Some Smart TVs only allow USB recording for live TV broadcasts, not streaming apps — so this may not work on all TV models.

Video quality depends on your screen resolution and TV output settings.

The YouTube app on some TVs may detect and block screen recording attempts.

If you find that you often need to download videos or need to save complete playlists, then installing a dedicated application would be a more long-term and effective solution. A fantastic free YouTube MP4 converter is yt dlp gui.

This application is the "graphical user interface" (GUI) of a powerful command-line tool named "yt dlp". In simple terms, it gives a friendly appearance to a powerful engine, allowing you to access all its functions without having to learn complex instructions. This program is open-source, completely free, and has no advertisements.

If you want to set up the YouTube MP4 converter, please follow these steps:

1. Run the program: Double-click the "yt dlp gui ,exe" file to open it. You will see a simple and clear window.

2. Paste the link: Copy the URL of a YouTube video and paste it into the box at the top of the yt dlp gui window.

3. Instructions: Click the "Analyze" button. The program will obtain all the relevant information of the video, including its title and all different quality options.

4. Select your format: In the panel below, you will see a series of format options. Click the "Format" tab, and then select the video quality you want, such as 1080p or 720p MP4 format.

5. Download: Select the location where you want to save the file, and then click the large "Download" button. That's it!

This method is extremely great because it enables you to download the entire playlist, the audio from the video (saved in MP3 format), and if necessary, the subtitles as well. If you are addicted to this and find yourself downloading videos every week, then use the YouTube MP4 Converter to save those 5 minutes. In the long run, this will save you a lot of time and give you greater control over the quality of the downloads.