Download yt-dlp for Windows (11/10)
Get the latest yt-dlp.exe — fast, safe, and portable. Direct link to the official GitHub release. Works with 4K/8K, playlists, and MP3.
Direct download links
Latest executable
- Works on Windows 11/10
- Portable single file — no installer
- Auto-update via yt-dlp -U
Release page
- Changelog and version notes
- Alternative assets (source code)
- Signature/checksums (when available)
Quick start after download
- Place yt-dlp.exe in a folder like
C:\\Users\\YOU\\DownloadsorC:\\Tools\\yt-dlp. - (Recommended) Put ffmpeg.exe next to it for 4K/8K merges and audio conversion (FFmpeg setup).
- Open PowerShell in that folder and run yt-dlp --help to verify it works.
- Keep it updated with yt-dlp -U.
Need a full guide? See the Windows install tutorial and the commands cheatsheet.
Is this download safe?
- We link directly to the official GitHub release of yt-dlp.
- Open source and community-audited — no ads, no telemetry.
- If Windows SmartScreen warns you, click More info → Run anyway (common for portable open-source tools).
Common questions
Do I need admin rights to run yt-dlp.exe?
No. yt-dlp.exe is portable and runs without installation. Admin is only needed if you choose to add its folder to the system PATH.
How do I convert to MP3?
Use yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 --audio-quality 0 "VIDEO_OR_PLAYLIST_URL". FFmpeg is required. See YouTube to MP3 guide.
How do I download a whole playlist?
Run yt-dlp --yes-playlist "PLAYLIST_URL". See playlist guide for filters and resume options.
How do I keep yt-dlp up to date?
Run yt-dlp -U in the folder with the executable. This replaces it with the newest version.