How to Download YouTube Videos on Windows (2026)
Want a local copy of a YouTube video for offline viewing on your PC? On Windows, the most reliable approach is a dedicated desktop downloader—not fragile browser tricks.
This guide shows how to download YouTube videos with Ballad VideoDownloader.
What you need
- A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC
- Ballad VideoDownloader installed (download page)
- The YouTube video URL you want to save
- Permission to download the content for personal, lawful use
Step 1: Install Ballad VideoDownloader
- Open the Ballad VideoDownloader product page.
- Click Download Now and run
BalladVideoDownloader-latest.exe. - Follow the installer prompts, then launch the app.
Need button-level detail? See the getting started guide.
Step 2: Copy the YouTube URL
In your browser, open the YouTube video and copy the link from the address bar (or use Share → Copy link).
Step 3: Paste, choose quality, and download
- Paste the URL into Ballad VideoDownloader.
- Choose a resolution (for example 1080p, 4K, or 8K when YouTube provides it) and a format such as MP4.
- Start the download and open the output folder when it finishes.
Looking for ultra HD specifically? Read the YouTube 4K / 8K landing page.
Tips
- Available quality options depend on each upload—not every video has 4K or 8K.
- Prefer MP4 for everyday playback.
- For audio only, see YouTube to MP3.
- For entire lists, see how to download a YouTube playlist.
Legal note
Only download content you own, have permission to save, or that is otherwise lawfully available for personal use. Follow YouTube’s terms and copyright law. More detail: Is it legal to download YouTube videos?.