Simplifying YouTube Access on Windows 10 with a Web App
Getting to YouTube on your Windows 10 PC doesn’t have to be a pain. There’s a handy way to make it more straightforward by installing it as a Progressive Web App (PWA) using Microsoft Edge. This approach sets YouTube up like a dedicated app that runs on your desktop, so you don’t have to keep a browser tab open all the time. Plus, it keeps things looking tidy and easy to navigate when you’re watching videos.
Installing YouTube as a Web App on Windows 10
Ready to skip the endless tab toggling? Installing YouTube as a PWA is simple and lets you open it in its own window — just like a proper app.
Opening Microsoft Edge
First, launch Microsoft Edge. It’s the default browser in Windows 10. If it’s not the latest version, you might run into issues. Check your version by heading to Settings > About Microsoft Edge or by typing `msedge.exe --version` into Command Prompt. If it’s not already pinned, find it in the Start menu.
Visiting YouTube
Next, go to YouTube by typing `https://www.youtube.com` into the address bar and hitting Enter. Wait until everything has loaded fully before proceeding — this ensures a smooth installation.
Finding the Menu
Look for the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner (or press Alt + F). That’s where all the options live.
Selecting “Install this site as an app”
Hover over the “Apps” section, then click on “Install this site as an app.” If you don’t see it, make sure your Edge browser is up to date — sometimes, an older version doesn’t support this feature.
This clever trick makes Edge treat YouTube like a dedicated app. When you install it, a shortcut appears on your desktop.
Naming and Finalising the Install
A pop-up window will ask you to name the app — naming it “YouTube” makes sense. Click “Install”, and voilà — a YouTube icon will now be sitting on your desktop, ready to go.
Pro tip: You can also find the app file at `
Tips for a Seamless Experience
Keep Microsoft Edge up to date for the best results. You can check for updates under Settings > About Microsoft Edge. Also, bookmarking YouTube with Ctrl + D is a good fallback.
To pin the app for quick access, right-click its icon on the desktop or taskbar and select Pin to taskbar.
If the “Install this site as an app” option isn’t showing up, try restarting the browser. Keeping Windows updated via Windows + I and heading to Update & Security is also a good idea to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Common Questions Answered
Many people ask if this method is effective. Currently, Edge provides the most reliable PWA experience on Windows 10. Remember, this setup creates a shortcut for easy access — it doesn’t allow you to download videos directly. You’ll still need an internet connection to watch content.
Offline viewing: If offline access is essential, subscribing to YouTube Premium enables official video downloads through the app, not via this PWA.
Uninstalling the app is easy — just right-click its desktop icon and select Uninstall, or look for it under Apps & Features in the Start menu.
To Wrap It Up
Here’s the quick rundown:
- Open Microsoft Edge
- Visit
https://www.youtube.com - Click the three dots (Alt + F or the menu icon)
- Navigate to Apps > Install this site as an app
- Give it a name (like “YouTube”) and click Install
This process can save you from endless browser tab frustration — making your YouTube experience quicker and cleaner.
Installing YouTube as a PWA not only helps save time but also tidies up your desktop. While it doesn’t support local downloads, its seamless integration into your workflow can be a real time-saver.
For quick access, creating a shortcut or typing “YouTube” into the Windows Search bar works beautifully. Hopefully, this saves you some hassle with multiple tabs and makes life a bit easier when the streaming mood hits.