YouTube Music can be installed on Windows 11 either as a Microsoft Store app, a browser-based app (PWA), or simply used through a web browser. Many users install it for offline access or quick launching, but later decide to remove it due to storage concerns, background activity, or preference for another music player.
Uninstalling YouTube Music on Windows 11 is usually straightforward, but the steps vary depending on how it was installed. In some cases, the app may not appear in the usual uninstall list, which can cause confusion. Understanding the installation type helps you remove YouTube Music completely without leaving leftover files or shortcuts.
Things to Check Before Uninstalling YouTube Music
Before removing YouTube Music, it helps to confirm how it is installed on your system.
- YouTube Music may be installed from Microsoft Store
- It may be installed as a browser app using Chrome or Edge
- It might only exist as a website shortcut
- Uninstall steps differ for each installation method
Once you identify the source, follow the appropriate method below.
How to Uninstall YouTube Music on Windows 11
Follow the method that matches how YouTube Music is installed on your PC.
1. Uninstall YouTube Music from Windows Settings
If YouTube Music was installed as an app, it will appear in the installed apps list.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Go to Apps > Installed apps
- Search for YouTube Music
- Click the three-dot menu next to it
- Select Uninstall
- Confirm the action
After uninstalling, restart your PC to ensure the app is fully removed.
2. Uninstall YouTube Music Installed from Microsoft Store
If YouTube Music was installed via Microsoft Store, you can remove it directly from there.
- Open Microsoft Store
- Click Library
- Locate YouTube Music in the list
- Click the three-dot menu
- Select Uninstall
This method ensures the Store version is removed cleanly.
3. Remove YouTube Music Installed as a Browser App (Chrome)
Many users install YouTube Music as a Progressive Web App using Google Chrome.
- Open Google Chrome
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner
- Go to Apps
- Right-click on YouTube Music
- Select Remove from Chrome
- Confirm removal
This removes the app and its desktop shortcut.
4. Remove YouTube Music Installed as a Browser App (Microsoft Edge)
If installed using Microsoft Edge, the removal process is slightly different.
- Open Microsoft Edge
- Click the three-dot menu
- Go to Apps > Manage apps
- Find YouTube Music
- Click Uninstall
- Confirm the action
The app will be removed from the system and Start menu.
5. Delete YouTube Music Desktop Shortcut Only
If YouTube Music was not fully installed and only exists as a shortcut, deleting it is enough.
- Go to the Desktop
- Right-click the YouTube Music shortcut
- Select Delete
- Empty the Recycle Bin if needed
This does not affect your browser or account.
6. Remove Remaining Background Permissions (Optional)
If you no longer use YouTube Music, removing background permissions can help reduce resource usage.
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps > Installed apps
- Locate YouTube Music if it still appears
- Open Advanced options
- Set Background apps permissions to Never
This step is useful if the app cannot be fully removed for any reason.
Final Thoughts
Uninstalling YouTube Music on Windows 11 is easy once you know how it was installed. Whether it came from the Microsoft Store, a browser app, or a simple shortcut, using the correct method ensures complete removal without leftover files. If you only use YouTube Music in a browser, uninstalling the app version can help free up space and reduce background activity.
