Hey there! I totally get the frustration; the web is flooded with tools, and not all of them are up to snuff. For downloading YouTube videos (keeping in mind that downloading copyrighted content without permission can be illegal), you'd want something that's not sketchy and gets the job done. Here are a couple of reliable options for your Windows 11 PC:
Topclipper Video Downloader:
TopClipper Video Downloader is a powerful and versatile software tool designed for downloading videos, audio, and subtitles from various online platforms. It supports a wide range of video resolutions and formats, making it a valuable resource for users looking to save videos for offline viewing, educational purposes, or content creation.
Tutorial: https://www.androidphonesoft.com/blog/4-ways-to-download-videos-from-youtube-to-computer/
- Pros: It's user-friendly, and as the name suggests, it can even handle 4K videos. It also supports batch downloading, so you can grab a bunch of videos all at once.
- Cons: The free version has some limitations, and you might need to upgrade to the paid version for unlimited downloads and some advanced features.
YTDownloader:
- Pros: This is another solid choice. It's simple to use, allows for video and audio downloads, and even has a built-in search feature.
- Cons: Like many freeware, the free version has some limitations, and there's a premium version with more bells and whistles.
A word of caution: Whenever you're downloading software, especially free software, make sure you're getting it from the official website or a reputable source. Some sites bundle extra software (aka bloatware or worse, malware) with popular free tools.
Also, always remember to respect copyright and terms of service when downloading content. YouTube's terms of service, for instance, prohibit downloading their content without permission except with the use of the "Download" button they sometimes provide.
Stay safe and happy downloading!