On a Windows PC, most people who want to save a YouTube video end up installing something: a desktop downloader, a browser extension or a "free converter" that arrives with three toolbars. None of that is needed. A browser is enough to download a video as an MP4 file on Windows 10 or Windows 11, on a desktop or a laptop, in Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Opera. This guide shows the steps, where the files go, which formats Windows plays out of the box and what to do with the video next.
How to download a YouTube video on a PC
- Open the video in your browser.
- Click the address bar and copy the link (Ctrl+L, then Ctrl+C).
- Open Skachok in a new tab and paste the link (Ctrl+V).
- Press "Find" and choose the quality in the Video · MP4 tab.
- Press "Download".
The file is an ordinary MP4. The same steps work for Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels, X, Pinterest, Twitch, Kick, Vimeo, Facebook and many other sites. Free downloads go up to 720p: 3 a day without an account and 5 with a free account.
Where downloaded videos go on Windows
Browsers save files to the Downloads folder (C:\Users\your name\Downloads). Press Ctrl+J in Chrome or Edge to see the list of downloads, then "Show in folder". To pick a folder for each download:
- Chrome: Settings → Downloads → turn on "Ask where to save each file before downloading".
- Edge: Settings → Downloads → "Ask me what to do with each download".
- Firefox: Settings → General → Files and Applications → "Always ask you where to save files".
A dedicated folder such as Videos\Downloaded keeps things tidy when you save a lot.
Which player opens the file
| File | Media Player / Movies & TV | VLC |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 with H.264 (most downloads) | yes | yes |
| MP4 with VP9 | yes, with the VP9 extension that ships with Windows | yes |
| MP4 with AV1 | after installing the free "AV1 Video Extension" from the Microsoft Store | yes |
For some videos, the quality list also offers a compact AV1 or VP9 version of the same resolution. If a file shows a black screen or only plays sound, download the regular option, or install the free VLC player, which plays everything. More about formats in MP4 vs WebM vs MKV.
1080p, 1440p and 4K on a PC
PC monitors are where higher quality really shows. 720p is free; 1080p comes with the Lite plan at $1.99 a month, 1440p with Pro at $3.99 and 4K with Max at $5.99. A few practical points:
- Laptops with integrated graphics can stutter on 4K AV1. If that happens, choose 1440p or the regular codec.
- Storage: a 10-minute 4K video takes roughly 0.5–1.5 GB.
- A video uploaded in 1080p stays 1080p: no downloader can add detail that the original does not have.
Why some downloaders stop at 720p, and why 4K files sometimes refuse to play, is covered in download video in 1080p, 2K and 4K.
Downloading only the sound
For music, podcasts and lectures, open the Audio tab and choose MP3 or M4A. MP3 plays in every program and in every car; M4A keeps the original audio track without re-encoding. Audio formats start with the Lite plan. After registration, Pro is free for 2 days, so you can try 1080p and MP3 before you pay.
Editing the downloaded video on Windows
- Clipchamp, the editor built into Windows 11, imports MP4 directly: trim, add text and export.
- Photos app: the "Edit video" option trims a clip in seconds.
- DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Shotcut: import the MP4 like any other footage. Keep the timeline frame rate the same as the clip, especially for 60 fps gaming videos.
- PowerPoint: Insert → Video → This Device puts the clip on a slide, so the presentation works without internet.
If a video editor refuses a VP9 or AV1 file, download the regular H.264 option instead.
Why not a desktop downloader or an extension?
Programs such as 4K Video Downloader or ClipGrab work until the next YouTube change, then need an update, and some free alternatives come with adware. YouTube downloaders are not allowed in the Chrome Web Store, so extensions you find elsewhere are often unsafe. A website has nothing to install, keeps working after platform changes and leaves no traces in the system. The full story: why video download extensions stopped working.
Several videos at once
Paste several links, one per line: 3 at a time for free, 5 on Lite, 10 on Pro and up to 50 on Max. On Pro and Max, a YouTube playlist link expands into all its videos, so a full course or album downloads in one go. More in how to download a YouTube playlist.
Laptops and slow connections
On a laptop with a weak Wi-Fi connection, start with a test download of a short video. Large files continue to download in the background while you do other things; if your connection drops, start the download again from the same results page. For a long trip, download at home on a fast connection and watch offline: MP4 files need no internet once they are on the disk.
Copying videos to a phone or TV
Downloaded on the PC but want it elsewhere? Connect an Android phone by USB and copy the file to its Movies folder, or use Phone Link on Windows 11. For iPhone, a cloud folder (OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud for Windows) is the easiest route. For a TV, copy the MP4 to a USB stick formatted as exFAT so files over 4 GB fit.
Prices
| Plan | Price | Video | Audio | Downloads a day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | up to 720p | — | 5 (3 without an account) |
| Lite | $1.99/mo | up to 1080p | MP3, M4A | 20 |
| Pro | $3.99/mo | up to 1440p | MP3, M4A, OGG | 50 |
| Max | $5.99/mo | up to 4K | MP3, M4A, OGG, FLAC | 100 |
No automatic renewal. Details on the pricing page.
What cannot be downloaded
Private and members-only videos, paid courses behind a login, YouTube Premium-only videos and DRM-protected services such as Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+ cannot be downloaded. Live streams can be saved after they end.
FAQ
How do I download a YouTube video on my PC as MP4?
Copy the video link, paste it into Skachok, choose the quality in the Video · MP4 tab and press "Download". Up to 720p is free.
Where are downloaded videos saved on Windows?
In the Downloads folder, unless you changed the download location in your browser. Press Ctrl+J to open the list of downloads.
Why does the downloaded video show a black screen?
The file probably uses the AV1 codec. Install the free AV1 Video Extension from the Microsoft Store, open it in VLC, or download the regular option.
Do I need to install a program?
No. Everything works in the browser on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Can I download 4K videos on a PC?
Yes, on the Max plan, if the video was uploaded in 4K.