If you’ve installed the YouTube app on Windows 11 and no longer need it, uninstalling it is a straightforward process. What many users don’t realize is that the YouTube desktop app isn’t a traditional Windows program, it’s usually installed as a Progressive Web App (PWA).
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to uninstall the YouTube app on Windows 11 step by step, keeping things simple and easy to follow. Since PWAs behave a bit differently from regular desktop apps, using the correct removal method ensures everything is properly cleaned up.
Uninstall YouTube Desktop App on Windows 11
Once installed, Windows treats the YouTube PWA like a regular app. You can remove it either through Windows Settings or directly from the Start menu. Both methods completely uninstall the YouTube app from your system.
1. Uninstall the YouTube App Using Windows Settings
This is the most reliable method and works in almost all cases. You can also use these same steps to uninstall other Windows apps, including PWA-based applications.
1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
2. Click Apps from the left pane, then select Installed apps.
3. Use the search box to type YouTube. When it appears, click the three-dot menu next to it and choose Uninstall.
4. When prompted, enable Remove application data (if available).
5. Click Uninstall again to confirm.
Windows will now completely remove the YouTube app from your system.
2. Uninstall the YouTube App from the Start Menu
You can also uninstall the YouTube app directly from the Start menu, which works for both regular apps and PWAs.
1. Click the Start button and search for YouTube.
2. Right-click the YouTube app in the search results.
3. Select Uninstall.
4. Confirm the uninstall when prompted.
That’s it; the YouTube app will be removed immediately from you system.
Final Thoughts
Whether you installed the YouTube app using Chrome, Edge, or another Chromium-based browser, uninstalling it on Windows 11 is quick and hassle-free. Both the Windows Settings and Start menu methods fully remove the YouTube PWA without leaving behind unnecessary data.
After uninstalling, you can continue watching videos as usual by visiting youtube.com in any web browser, no desktop app required.
