How to Download YouTube Videos on PC, Mac and Laptop
By Qamar Aftab, SaveDock · Updated
You do not need to install a program to save a YouTube video on a computer. Any modern browser on Windows, macOS, Linux or ChromeOS can download the file directly. This guide covers each system, where the file ends up, and how to choose a quality that suits your screen and storage.
Skip the reading?
Use the YouTube to MP4 Converter or the main downloader.
What you need
A computer with an up-to-date browser such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari, a link to a public YouTube video, and enough free disk space. A 1080p video uses roughly 50 to 70 MB per minute; 4K uses several times more. The size of every option is shown before you download, so you can check it against your free space.
Step by step on Windows
1. Open the video on youtube.com and copy the address from the address bar, or click Share and then Copy.
2. Open SaveDock in a new tab and paste the link into the box with Ctrl+V.
3. Choose MP4 and a quality. 1080p is right for most laptop and desktop screens.
4. Press Download, wait for the file to be prepared, then press Save file. Edge and Chrome save it to the Downloads folder; press Ctrl+J to open the downloads list.
Step by step on Mac
The steps are the same, using Cmd+V to paste. Safari saves files to the Downloads folder in the Dock and in Finder. MP4 opens in QuickTime Player and Photos. If you choose a 4K option that is saved as WebM or MKV, open it in VLC or IINA, because QuickTime does not play those containers; choose 1080p MP4 if you want it to open with a double click.
Chromebook and Linux
On a Chromebook, files go to My files, then Downloads. The built-in player handles MP4 well. On Linux, every browser saves to ~/Downloads by default, and players such as VLC or mpv play every format offered here, including WebM and MKV.
Which quality should you pick on a computer?
For a 13 to 15 inch laptop, 1080p looks sharp and keeps files reasonable. A 27 inch 1440p monitor benefits from 1440p, and a 4K monitor or TV from 4K. If you only want to listen to a lecture or a podcast, switch to the Audio tab instead of saving a large video. Options marked 60 fps look smoother for games and sport.
Why we recommend no desktop software
Many desktop downloaders bundle adware, change browser settings or ask for admin rights. A web tool needs none of that: nothing is installed, nothing runs in the background, and you can use it on a work or school computer where installing programs is blocked. Finished files are deleted from our servers automatically after a few hours.
Saving many videos at once
To save a series of lectures or an album, paste the playlist link instead of a single video. Every video is listed with a checkbox, you choose one quality for the whole batch, and each video is saved as its own file. Up to 50 videos can be downloaded per batch.
Download responsibly
Download your own uploads, Creative Commons and public-domain videos, or content you have permission to keep. For everything else, YouTube Premium offers official offline viewing that supports creators.
Frequently asked questions
Can I download YouTube videos on a PC without software?
Yes. Your browser downloads the MP4 directly; nothing needs to be installed.
Where do downloaded videos go on Windows?
To the Downloads folder. Press Ctrl+J in Chrome or Edge to see the list of downloads.
Why will my 4K file not open on Mac?
Some 4K videos are saved as WebM or MKV, which QuickTime cannot play. Use VLC or IINA, or download 1080p MP4.
Does this work on a school or work computer?
Yes, as long as the network allows youtube.com and file downloads.
Keep reading
Only download content you own, that is licensed for download, or that is in the public domain. See our Terms of Service.