The official way to download YouTube videos on Windows 10 is with YouTube Premium: sign in on youtube.com in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Opera, open a video, and click Download below the player. The video is saved for offline viewing inside YouTube for up to 29 days. If the video is your own, you can download the original file from YouTube Studio. Third-party downloader apps and websites break YouTube’s Terms of Service and are a common source of malware, so this guide sticks to the methods YouTube supports.
Method 1: Download Videos With YouTube Premium
- Sign in to youtube.com with the Google account that has YouTube Premium.
- Open the video you want to save.
- Click Download below the video. The icon changes when the download finishes, and it resumes automatically if your connection drops.
- To watch offline, open youtube.com and choose Downloads from the left menu.
To change the quality, go to Settings > Downloads > Download quality. Higher quality takes longer and uses more storage. Downloads play only inside YouTube, while signed in with the same account.
How long do Premium downloads last?
Downloaded videos can be played offline for up to 29 days. Go online at least once in that time so YouTube can refresh them; videos that are removed from YouTube or no longer available offline disappear on the next sync. In some regions, downloads only play for up to 48 hours without a connection.
Delete downloads
Click Downloaded under the player and choose Delete, or open Downloads and use the More menu next to a video. To clear everything, use Delete all downloads in the download settings.
Method 2: Download Your Own Videos From YouTube Studio
If you uploaded the video, you can save a copy as an MP4 file:
- Go to studio.youtube.com and sign in.
- Select Content in the left menu.
- Hover over the video, select Options (three dots), and choose Download.
The file downloads to your Downloads folder and plays in any video player, such as the Windows Media Player or Movies & TV apps. To download all your uploads at once, use Google Takeout and select YouTube.
Method 3: Ask the Creator or Use Licensed Sources
- Many creators offer downloads through their own websites, Patreon, or course platforms.
- Videos with a Creative Commons license can be reused within the license terms; check the description and the license shown on the video page.
- For movies and TV shows, buy or rent them through a store that allows downloads, such as the Microsoft Store or Apple TV app.
What About YouTube Downloader Apps and Websites?
YouTube’s Terms of Service prohibit downloading content except where YouTube provides a download button or link, or with permission from YouTube and the rights holder. Beyond the rules, free downloader sites and apps are often packed with aggressive ads, fake download buttons, browser hijackers, and bundled malware. If you have already installed one, scan your PC with Windows Security and remove unfamiliar browser extensions. Downloading copyrighted videos without permission can also infringe the creator’s rights.
Troubleshooting
The Download button is missing
You are not signed in with a Premium account, Premium is not available in your country, you are using an unsupported browser, or the creator or rights holder has turned off downloads for that video. Music videos may require YouTube Music Premium or Premium.
Downloads disappeared
They expire after 29 days offline, or were removed after the video was taken down. Clearing your browser data also deletes YouTube downloads saved in that browser.
Downloads take up too much space
Lower the download quality in settings, and delete videos you have finished watching.
The Studio download option is greyed out
The video may still be processing, or it was uploaded in a format YouTube cannot offer for download. Wait until processing finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
Using YouTube Premium downloads or downloading your own uploads is allowed. Using third-party tools violates YouTube’s terms, and downloading copyrighted content without permission may infringe copyright, depending on where you live.
Can I download videos in HD?
Yes. Choose a higher quality in Premium download settings, subject to the video’s available resolutions.
Can I save Premium downloads as MP4 files?
No. Premium downloads are protected and play only inside YouTube.
Do I need an internet connection to download?
Yes, to download and to refresh downloads at least every 29 days. Watching downloaded videos works offline.
Does this work on Windows 11?
Yes, the same steps apply. See how to download YouTube videos on Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.