Most phone and media apps for PC download from Microsoft Store: WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, Netflix, iTunes and iCloud all have Store listings, while YouTube runs as a web app you install from Chrome or Edge.
This guide covers which route each app takes on Windows 11 and 10, how to install YouTube and WhatsApp Desktop, how to connect your phone, and a download page for every app by job.
How to download apps for PC from Microsoft Store
Microsoft Store is the safest first stop for any app download on Windows 11 and 10, because Store apps update themselves.
- Select Start and open Microsoft Store.
- Type the app name, for example WhatsApp or Netflix, in the search box.
- Check that the publisher on the listing is the company that makes the app.
- Select Get or Install and wait for the download to finish.
- Select Open, or find the app later under Start > All apps.
If the Store has no listing for the app, use its website in Edge or Chrome, or one of the routes in the next table.
Store app vs web vs Android app on Windows
| Your situation | Use this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The app has a Microsoft Store listing (WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, Netflix, iTunes, iCloud) | Store app | Installs and updates through the Store, gets its own Start entry and notifications |
| The service has no Windows app but a full website (YouTube) | Web app installed from Chrome or Edge | Opens in its own window and can be pinned to the taskbar and Start |
| You only need the app now and then | The website in any browser | Nothing to install or uninstall |
| The app exists only on Android and you own a supported Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo or Xiaomi phone | Phone Link Apps | Streams the phone's own app to a PC window |
| The app exists only on Android or iPhone and no Phone Link apps support | Use the app on the phone, or its web version if one exists | Microsoft documents no other supported route |
| You want texts, calls and photos from your phone on the PC | Phone Link | Built into most Windows 10 and 11 PCs |
Android emulators are third-party software that Microsoft and Google do not document for these apps, so this guide does not cover them.
Can you download the official YouTube app for PC?
No Windows desktop program for YouTube exists, but youtube.com installs as an app from Chrome or Edge, and the YouTube app for PC page lists every option.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is there a YouTube app for Windows PC? | Yes, as a web app: install youtube.com from Chrome or Edge |
| Is the YouTube app available on the Microsoft Store? | Not from Google; use the browser install route instead |
| How do you install YouTube on PC? | Chrome: Install page as app; Edge: Install this site as an app |
| How do you download the YouTube app for PC without a browser? | No supported route; the web app is the official option |
| Is the YouTube Android app usable on PC? | Only through Phone Link Apps on supported phones |
Method 1: Install YouTube app on PC using Google Chrome
- Open Chrome and go to youtube.com.
- Select More (three dots) at the top right.
- Select Cast, save, and share > Install page as app.
- Follow the prompts and select Install.
- Open YouTube from its desktop or Start shortcut; Chrome lists it at
chrome://apps.
Some sites also show an Install icon at the right end of the address bar.
Method 2: Download and install YouTube app using Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge and go to youtube.com.
- Select Settings and more (three dots).
- Select More tools > Apps > Install this site as an app.
- Confirm the name and select Install.
- Open it any time from
edge://appsby selecting Open on its card.
How to pin YouTube to the Windows taskbar
- In Edge, go to
edge://apps. - Select Details on the YouTube card.
- Select Pin to taskbar, Pin to Start or Create Desktop shortcut.
- For a Chrome install, open the YouTube window, right-click its taskbar icon and select Pin to taskbar.
Method 3: Use YouTube on PC without downloading anything
The website at youtube.com does everything the installed web app does: sign-in, subscriptions, uploads and Premium downloads. If pages stop loading or videos refuse to play, work through fixes for YouTube not working on desktop and mobile.
- Open any current browser, such as Edge, Chrome or Firefox.
- Go to youtube.com and select Sign in.
- Bookmark the page, or drag the address to the desktop for a shortcut.
How to use YouTube app for PC without Bluestacks
Phone Link Apps shows your Android phone's apps, including YouTube, in PC windows with no emulator. It needs Windows 10 May 2019 Update or later with a DirectX 11 GPU, Android 10 or later on a select Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo or Xiaomi phone, and both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Pair the phone with Phone Link first (steps in the phone-to-PC section below).
- Open Phone Link on the PC and select Apps.
- Follow the setup prompts on the PC and phone.
- Select YouTube in the apps list to open it in its own window.
- Add it as a favourite or pin it to Start or the taskbar.
Can you download YouTube videos on PC for offline viewing?
Yes, with YouTube Premium in Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Opera. Downloads play offline for up to 29 days before you must reconnect.
- Sign in to your Premium account on youtube.com.
- Open the video and select Download below the player.
- Wait for the icon to turn solid, which means the download finished.
- Find saved videos under Downloads in the left menu.
- Change quality under Settings > Downloads > Download quality.
How to fix YouTube app not installing on Windows 11 or 10
No install option in the browser menu
An old browser version, or the wrong menu.
- Update Chrome or Edge and restart it.
- In Chrome look under Cast, save, and share; in Edge under More tools > Apps.
The install option says Open instead
YouTube is already installed as an app.
- Check
chrome://appsoredge://appsfor a YouTube entry. - Open it from there, or uninstall it and install again.
The installed app opens blank or will not play
Extensions or stored site data interfere.
- Turn off extensions one at a time and reopen the app.
- Clear the site data for youtube.com in the browser's settings.
- Uninstall the web app, then reinstall it.
How to uninstall YouTube app from Windows PC
- Chrome: open the YouTube app window, select More (three dots), then Uninstall YouTube and Remove.
- Tick Also delete data from Chrome if you want the app data gone.
- Edge: go to
edge://apps, select Details on the YouTube card, then Uninstall. - Choose whether to clear its data, then select Uninstall again to confirm.
What is WhatsApp Desktop?
WhatsApp Desktop is the Windows app for your WhatsApp account. It is a linked device: your phone stays the primary device, and the PC connects to the account on its own.
| Feature | WhatsApp Desktop on Windows |
|---|---|
| Where to get it | Microsoft Store (publisher WhatsApp) |
| Linked devices per account | Up to four |
| Works with the phone off | Yes |
| Voice and video calls | Yes, group calls up to 32 people |
| Encryption | End-to-end, the same as on the phone |
| Not supported | Live location, broadcast lists, WhatsApp Flows |
System requirements for WhatsApp Desktop
| You need | Detail |
|---|---|
| A primary phone | WhatsApp registered on Android or iPhone; a PC cannot be the primary device |
| A Windows PC | The Microsoft Store listing shows the current Windows version and architecture it needs |
| Regular phone use | Open WhatsApp on the phone at least every 14 days or linked devices log out |
| Recent activity on the PC | Linked devices disconnect after 30 days of inactivity |
How to download WhatsApp Desktop on Windows PC
- Open Microsoft Store from Start.
- Search for WhatsApp and pick the listing published by WhatsApp.
- Select Get or Install.
- Select Open when the install finishes; the app shows a QR code.
Install WhatsApp Desktop on Windows only from the Store or whatsapp.com. Unofficial apps that link to your account can get it banned.
How to link WhatsApp Desktop with your mobile phone
After an iPhone restore the old link can fail; then re-verify and relink WhatsApp on PC before anything else.
- Open WhatsApp Desktop on the PC so the QR code shows.
- On the phone, open WhatsApp and go to Linked devices > Link a device.
- Confirm with your fingerprint, face or phone PIN if asked.
- Point the phone at the PC screen and scan the QR code.
- Tap Link device if WhatsApp asks you to confirm an unrecognised device.
You can also link with your phone number instead of the QR code.
Multi-device mode: do you need your phone online?
No. Linked devices, including WhatsApp Desktop and WhatsApp Web, keep working when the phone is off or offline. Each linked device connects to WhatsApp on its own, but they log out if the phone is not used for more than 14 days.
In any browser, WhatsApp Web on a PC links the same way with no install.
Tips for using WhatsApp Desktop effectively
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Check Linked devices on the phone now and then | Log out any PC you do not recognise |
| Keep push notifications on for the phone | You get an alert when a new device links |
| Keep the Store app updated | Updates carry fixes for linked-device bugs |
| Use the PC for calls with many people | Desktop calls support up to 32 people |
| Open WhatsApp on the phone every few days | Stops the 14-day logout |
You can update WhatsApp manually when a fix is out, and if the app still fails to launch, try these fixes for WhatsApp not opening on a PC.
Phone Link and Quick Share: connect your phone to PC
Phone Link is built into most Windows 10 and 11 PCs; if it is missing, search Phone Link in Settings and install it. Android pairing needs Android 10 or later on the same Wi-Fi network; iPhone pairing needs iOS 16 or later and Bluetooth on both devices. A screen-by-screen Phone Link setup for texts and calls covers the rest.
- Search the taskbar for Phone Link and open it.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account, then choose Android or iPhone.
- On Android, install Link to Windows from aka.ms/yourpc and sign in with the same account.
- On the PC, select Pair with QR code and scan it with the phone.
- Allow the permissions the phone asks for, then finish setup.
Phone to PC apps for Windows 11 and 10
| App | Windows option | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Link | Built into Windows; Store listing | Phone Link for PC |
| Quick Share | See the download page | Quick Share for Windows |
| Samsung DeX | See the download page | Samsung DeX download |
| iMazing | See the download page | iMazing for PC |
| Google Play Store | See the download page | Google Play Store on PC |
| Apple App Store | See the download page | Apple App Store options |
| FaceTime | See the download page | FaceTime on Windows |
| iMessage | See the download page | iMessage on a PC |
| Google Photos | See the download page | Google Photos for PC |
| Shutterfly | See the download page | Shutterfly app download |
iTunes, Apple Devices and iCloud for Windows
Apple splits the old iTunes jobs into Microsoft Store apps: Apple Music for your library, Apple TV for films and shows, and Apple Devices to back up, update and sync an iPhone or iPad. iTunes for Windows still handles podcasts and audiobooks.
| App | Windows option | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| iTunes | Microsoft Store | iTunes for Windows |
| Apple Devices | Microsoft Store | Apple Devices app |
| iCloud | Microsoft Store | iCloud for Windows download |
If iTunes does not see your iPhone because the usbaapl64.inf Apple driver fails, fix the driver first. Sign-in trouble has its own iTunes login fixes on Windows 11, and a failed purchase download points to iTunes error -42110.
For iCloud, separate fixes exist for iCloud stuck at sign-in, an iCloud Drive sync pending status, an endless iCloud login loop and an iCloud verification failed error.
Messaging apps for PC: Telegram, Signal, Viber and WeChat
Telegram Desktop has a Microsoft Store listing, and you can also log in to Telegram Web from any browser.
| App | Windows option | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Telegram | Microsoft Store (Telegram Desktop) | Telegram for PC |
| Signal | See the download page | Signal Desktop download |
| Viber | See the download page | Viber for Windows |
| See the download page | WeChat for PC | |
| KakaoTalk | See the download page | KakaoTalk PC download |
| GroupMe | See the download page | GroupMe on Windows |
| TextNow | See the download page | TextNow for PC |
Social media apps for PC: TikTok, Instagram and Facebook
| App | Windows option | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok | Microsoft Store | TikTok for PC |
| Microsoft Store | Instagram for Windows | |
| Microsoft Store | Facebook app for PC | |
| X (Twitter) | See the download page | Twitter for PC |
| See the download page | Reddit on Windows | |
| See the download page | Pinterest for PC | |
| See the download page | LinkedIn app download | |
| Bitmoji | Phone app | Bitmoji download options |
| YouTube Studio | See the download page | YouTube Studio on PC |
Video streaming, live TV and sports apps for PC: Netflix, Disney+ and ESPN
The Netflix Store app is the route for offline viewing, and you can download Netflix movies on a laptop through it.
| App | Windows option | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Microsoft Store | Netflix for PC |
| Disney+ | Microsoft Store | Disney Plus for Windows |
| Apple TV | Microsoft Store | Apple TV app for PC |
| HBO Max | See the download page | HBO Max for PC |
| Hulu | See the download page | Hulu on Windows |
| Paramount+ | See the download page | Paramount Plus for PC |
| Peacock | See the download page | Peacock app download |
| Crunchyroll | See the download page | Crunchyroll for PC |
| Tubi | See the download page | Tubi on Windows |
| Pluto TV | See the download page | Pluto TV for PC |
| Fandango at Home | See the download page | Fandango at Home download |
| Kanopy | See the download page | Kanopy for PC |
| Vimeo | See the download page | Vimeo on Windows |
| YouTube Kids | See the download page | YouTube Kids options |
| Roku | See the download page | Roku app for PC |
| VIZIO Mobile | Phone app | VIZIO Mobile download |
| ESPN | See the download page | ESPN app for PC |
| FOX Sports | See the download page | FOX Sports on Windows |
| Fubo | See the download page | Fubo for PC |
| Sling TV | See the download page | Sling TV download |
| Frndly TV | See the download page | Frndly TV for PC |
| Spectrum TV | See the download page | Spectrum TV on Windows |
| Xfinity | See the download page | Xfinity app for PC |
| NFL | See the download page | NFL app download |
| NCAA March Madness Live | See the download page | March Madness Live on PC |
Music and audio apps for PC: Apple Music, YouTube Music and Audible
Spotify on Windows can show local files in the desktop app, lets you control Spotify from your phone, and accepts a Spotify login with Apple ID.
| App | Windows option | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Music | Microsoft Store | Apple Music for Windows |
| YouTube Music | See the download page | YouTube Music for PC |
| Amazon Music | See the download page | Amazon Music for PC |
| Pandora | See the download page | Pandora on Windows |
| SoundCloud | See the download page | SoundCloud for PC |
| Audiomack | See the download page | Audiomack download |
| TIDAL | See the download page | TIDAL for PC |
| iHeartRadio | See the download page | iHeartRadio on Windows |
| SiriusXM | See the download page | SiriusXM for PC |
| Shazam | See the download page | Shazam on a PC |
| Sonos | See the download page | Sonos app for PC |
| Audible | See the download page | Audible for Windows |
| Kindle | See the download page | Kindle for PC |
| Libby | See the download page | Libby on Windows |
| Apple Books | Mac, iPhone and iPad | Apple Books options |
Smart home, maps, travel, shopping and money apps for PC
| App | Windows option | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Alexa | See the download page | Alexa app for PC |
| Google Home | See the download page | Google Home on Windows |
| Arlo Secure | See the download page | Arlo Secure for PC |
| Blink Home Monitor | Phone app | Blink app download |
| eufy Security | Phone app and web | eufy Security options |
| Lorex Home | See the download page | Lorex Home for PC |
| Wyze | See the download page | Wyze app on Windows |
| Tile | Phone app | Tile app download |
| Life360 | See the download page | Life360 for PC |
| Microsoft Family Safety | See the download page | Family Safety for Windows |
| Google Maps | See the download page | Google Maps for PC |
| Google Earth Pro | See the download page | Google Earth Pro download |
| Waze | See the download page | Waze on a PC |
| Stellarium | See the download page | Stellarium for Windows |
| Uber | See the download page | Uber app for PC |
| Lyft | See the download page | Lyft on Windows |
| Fly Delta | See the download page | Fly Delta for PC |
| Southwest Airlines | See the download page | Southwest app for PC |
| Amazon Shopping | See the download page | Amazon Shopping app |
| Amazon Flex | Phone app | Amazon Flex download |
| eBay | See the download page | eBay app for PC |
| Walmart | See the download page | Walmart app on Windows |
| OfferUp | See the download page | OfferUp for PC |
| PayPal | See the download page | PayPal app for PC |
| Robinhood | See the download page | Robinhood on Windows |
| Google Wallet | See the download page | Google Wallet options |
| My Verizon | See the download page | My Verizon for PC |
Health, fitness, news and weather apps for PC
| App | Windows option | Get it |
|---|---|---|
| Fitbit | Phone app | Fitbit app download |
| Garmin Express | See the download page | Garmin Express for PC |
| Strava | See the download page | Strava on Windows |
| MyFitnessPal | See the download page | MyFitnessPal for PC |
| Zwift | See the download page | Zwift for Windows |
| Headspace | See the download page | Headspace for PC |
| Insight Timer | See the download page | Insight Timer on Windows |
| Hallow | See the download page | Hallow app for PC |
| Fox News | See the download page | Fox News app download |
| AccuWeather | See the download page | AccuWeather for PC |
| The Weather Channel | See the download page | Weather Channel on Windows |
| Weather Underground | See the download page | Weather Underground for PC |
Bottom line: Store app, web app or phone for PC apps
Search Microsoft Store first, install the website as an app from Edge or Chrome when there is no Store listing, and use Phone Link for anything that lives only on your phone. Store apps update themselves, web apps need no installer, and Phone Link is the only Microsoft-documented way to reach Android apps on Windows.
Apps for PC download FAQ
Where can I download apps for PC?
Start with Microsoft Store, which is built into Windows 11 and 10 and keeps apps updated. If an app is not there, download it from the developer's own website, never from a third-party download portal.
Can apps be downloaded on a PC like on a phone?
Yes. Microsoft Store works like a phone app store: search, select Get or Install, and the app appears in Start. Phone-only apps need the web version or Phone Link Apps on a supported Android phone.
Can I put my phone's apps on my laptop?
On select Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo and Xiaomi phones, Phone Link Apps shows Android apps in windows on the PC. iPhone apps cannot run on Windows; use the service's web version or Windows app instead.
Can you install YouTube app on Windows 7?
There is no YouTube Windows program for any version of Windows. Watch YouTube in a browser at youtube.com; the install-as-app routes in this guide are documented for current Chrome and Edge.
Can you download YouTube from the Microsoft Store?
Google does not publish YouTube in Microsoft Store. Install youtube.com as an app from Chrome or Edge instead; it gets its own window and can be pinned to the taskbar.
Is WhatsApp Desktop free on Windows?
Yes. WhatsApp for Windows is a free Microsoft Store app. You link it to the WhatsApp account on your phone with a QR code or your phone number.
Why won't my apps open on my PC?
Restart the PC, then update the app from Microsoft Store and try again. If one app still fails, repair or reset it from its settings page in Settings, or uninstall and reinstall it.
