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Stellop's avatar
Stellop
Iron Contributor
Mar 04, 2025
Solved

How to download youtube videos in laptop from windows 11

Hello everyone on the forum!

I'm new to getting a Windows 11 laptop and recently wanted to download some instructional videos from YouTube for study purposes, but wasn't quite sure what safe and secure methods are available. I've heard that there are some tools that can make the downloads possible, but I'm worried about copyright issues or malware involved, so I was hoping for recommendations and suggestions.

Specifically, I'd like to know how to download youtube videos in laptop from windows 11:

  1. Which software or websites support downloading YouTube videos and comply with the platform's rules?
  2. How do I choose the format and picture quality of the downloaded video?
  3. Is there any additional configuration required to use these tools successfully on Windows 11?

I'd appreciate it if someone could share specific steps or notes on how to do this! Please also be sure to remind me to follow copyright laws and only download content that is allowed to be shared. 

  • Yeah, it is now a tough task to find a way to download youtube videos to laptop as many of the tools stopped working in 2025. I have spent 5 hours last week on the same task and finally found a good one for doing this. 

    Here is the step-by-step guide: https://www.netgeair.com/download-youtube-videos-to-laptop

    I have tested it on my Windows 11  laptop and already downloaded more than 100 videos on my computer without any issue!

8 Replies

  • Jrueui's avatar
    Jrueui
    Iron Contributor

    Yeah, it is now a tough task to find a way to download youtube videos to laptop as many of the tools stopped working in 2025. I have spent 5 hours last week on the same task and finally found a good one for doing this. 

    Here is the step-by-step guide: https://www.netgeair.com/download-youtube-videos-to-laptop

    I have tested it on my Windows 11  laptop and already downloaded more than 100 videos on my computer without any issue!

  • Swawn's avatar
    Swawn
    Iron Contributor

    PyTube is an open source, cross-platform Python command-line tool designed for downloading video, audio, and subtitles from YouTube. It supports customizing the download resolution, format, and output path without complex configuration, and has a simple, intuitive interface. PyTube's code is completely transparent, with no ads or usage limitations. This is a guide on how to download youtube videos in laptop on Windows 11:

    1. Open a Windows terminal (CMD or PowerShell) and run the following command as an administrator:

    If you are prompted for insufficient permissions, add sudo to the command (non-Windows systems will need to adjust this); if you are installing Python for the first time, you will need to install Python from the official website and enable environment variables.

    2. Find the target video on YouTube and copy the full video link.

    Note: Do not paste a short link with additional parameters such as &ab_channel=.... It is recommended to manually remove extraneous characters to keep the core URL.

    3. Open a terminal, enter the following command and replace <URL> and <output path> with the following command:

    pytube "<URL>" --output "<output_folder>\video.mp4" --format "bestvideo"

    Description of common parameters:

    • --output: specify the save path and file name (e.g. D:\Downloads\my_video.mp4).
    • --format: optional values include bestvideo (highest quality), bestaudio (audio only) and so on.
    • --quality: directly specify the resolution (e.g. 1080p).

    4. After execution, the video will be downloaded to the specified folder automatically.

    Note: It is recommended to connect to a stable network to avoid interruption when downloading large files. PyTube may not work due to YouTube's anti-climbing mechanism, so you should pay attention to the official updates or use it with a proxy.

  • Matthiasar's avatar
    Matthiasar
    Iron Contributor

    YouTube has its own rules, and if you’re ignoring them, you might end up getting your account flagged or worse. They do have a premium version that lets you download legally, but if you’re trying to do it for free, you’re already skirting the terms. Not the best way to play it safe! Sometimes, when you use online downloaders like YTBsaver or Y2Mete to download YouTube videos in laptop, the video quality might not be that great. You think you’re downloading this epic high-res video, and then you end up with something that looks like it was filmed on a potato. Plus, the format might not work with your devices, leading to more head-scratching moments.

    Lastly, sometimes those free web-based downloaders can be a hassle to use. They can be slow, and you might encounter a ton of ads or pop-ups. Getting through that jungle to get your video might end up being more work than it’s worth!

    In the end, while downloading YouTube videos can be super helpful, just be aware of the potential pitfalls. If you genuinely want to download videos, checking out official channels or options like YouTube Premium might save you a lot of hassle down the line. Just some food for thought!

  • Nathanelp's avatar
    Nathanelp
    Iron Contributor

    Downloading YouTube videos on Windows 11 laptop can be fun, but you gotta be careful about a few things! Here’s the lowdown, based on what I've seen and experienced:

    Not all downloaders offer the same video quality. Some files might come out looking like pixelated potato footage, while others will be crisp and clear. When you pick a tool, check what quality options it gives you—1080p or 4K, you know? You’ll also want to think about what format you want the video in. MP4 is usually a safe bet since it plays on pretty much anything. But if you're into specifics, make sure your downloader gives you the options you need.

    By the way. Using Microsoft Edge’s Developer Tools to download YouTube videos in laptop may sound like a sneaky little hack, but let me tell you, it comes with its own set of headaches. From my experience, here are some of the drawbacks you'd want to consider before diving into this method:

    This whole process isn’t exactly straightforward for most people. You’ve got to go through the Developer Tools, and honestly, it can get confusing if you’re not tech-savvy. I remember the first time I tried it—I felt like I was lost in a maze, clicking around trying to find that right file. It’s definitely not a user-friendly experience!

  • KennedyScott's avatar
    KennedyScott
    Iron Contributor

    Please don't use online tools to download youtube videos in laptop on Windows 11. It is so dangerous though they are easy to operate and the users only need to copy and paste the video link to get the content quickly, without complex configuration, especially for non-technical users.

    Most of the tools support multi format output (e.g., MP4, FLV, etc.) and high-definition quality downloads, and some of them provide additional functions such as video editing and audio extraction to meet diversified needs. In addition, most of these tools are free or low-cost models, which reduces the cost of accessing video content. 

    For batch downloads or scenarios requiring high stability, it is recommended to try professional video downloading tools, which supports playlist parsing, format conversion, and high-speed downloads, and has better compatibility. For long-term use, it is recommended to choose a reputable tool and update the version regularly to bypast technical limitations.

  • Downloading YouTube videos for personal use, especially for educational purposes, can be a bit tricky due to copyright laws and the terms of service of the platform. However, there are safe and reliable methods that comply with these rules. Here’s a guide to help you navigate downloading YouTube videos on Windows 11 laptop.

    Important Considerations

    • Copyright Laws: Only download videos that you have permission to use, like those under Creative Commons licenses or those made available for free download by the creator.
    • YouTube Terms of Service: YouTube's terms prevent users from downloading videos unless they explicitly provide a download option (like the YouTube Premium feature).
    • Safety: Always download software from the official website to avoid malware.

     

    About downloading YouTube videos on laptop. If you prefer not to install any software, you could use web-based download services. However, be cautious as these sites can vary in safety and functionality.

    YTBsavar or Y2Mete:

    1. These are examples of online tools to download videos directly without needing software installation.
    2. Copy the YouTube URL, paste it into these websites, select the format and quality, and follow the prompts to download.
  • TylerWallace's avatar
    TylerWallace
    Iron Contributor

    Hi, new friend, welcome to join!  Do you want to download YouTube videos in laptop on Windows 11 computer? Actually there is a way, no need to install any third-party software, and it is safe and legal! Here are 3 simple methods for you.

    1: Use YouTube's official "Offline Download" function (YouTube Premium required)

    Subscribe to YouTube Premium (paid).
    Find the video on the YouTube webpage or App and click the "Download" button.
    After downloading, you can watch it in "Library" → "Downloads", but it can only be played by YouTube and cannot be saved as an independent file.

    2: Use browser cache to secretly save videos (suitable for short videos)
    Play the video and let it load completely.
    Press F12 to open the developer tools → select "Network" → "Media".
    Find the video file link, right-click → Save as, and save it successfully! 🎉

    3: Record it with Windows 11's built-in screen recording function (suitable for learning)
    Press Win + G to open Xbox Game Bar.
    Play the video and click the "Record" button.
    After recording, the video will be automatically saved in the "Video" → "Capture" folder.
    Note⚠️:

    These methods are suitable for personal learning, do not use them for commercial purposes or secondary distribution.
    When downloading YouTube videos in laptop, remember to comply with copyright and do not infringe on the rights of creators!
    In this way, you can download YouTube videos in laptop safely and stably without any additional software!  Try it now! 

  • EWilson380's avatar
    EWilson380
    Iron Contributor

    Method 1: 
    If you’re a fan of using web browsers, you can also find extensions that allow you to download YouTube videos in laptop. Just search for something like “YouTube video downloader” in the Chrome Web Store or a similar store for other browsers:

    • Add the Extension: Install an extension (be cautious about permissions, though!).
    • Navigate to YouTube: Go to the video you want to download.
    • Use the Extension: Click the extension icon in your browser toolbar, and follow the prompts to download the video.

     

    Method 2: 
    If you're using Microsoft Edge, there's a built-in feature for downloading YouTube videos in laptop, but it's a bit more manual. You can try the following:

    • Open the Video: Start playing the YouTube video you want.
    • Inspect Page: Right-click on the page and select “Inspect.” This opens the Developer Tools panel.
    • Network Tab: Navigate to the "Network" tab and hit play on the video. Look for a file that starts with "videoplayback" and has a huge size. 
    • Download: Right-click that file and select “Open in new tab.” This will open the video directly. You can right-click and select “Save video as...” to download it.

     

    Important Notes:

    • Check the License: Always ensure you're downloading YouTube videos in laptop that you’re allowed to download. Public domain or Creative Commons videos are usually safe.
    • Keep Your Software Updated: Windows 11 should keep everything running smoothly, but always check for updates, especially for the apps you're using.

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