Easy yt-dlp on Windows, without hunting for PATH.
Installing yt-dlp by hand on Windows usually means downloading an executable, placing it in a folder, and editing PATH. lyt manages a checksum-verified yt-dlp for you and provisions ffmpeg when it is missing. You install Node.js and run one npm command.
1. Install Node.js 20 or newer
Download the current LTS release from the official Node.js website. Then open a new PowerShell window and check the version:
node --version2. Install lyt and check readiness
npm install --global @tanattv/lyt
lyt doctorIf PowerShell blocks npm with an execution-policy error, use npm.cmd in its place.
npm.cmd install --global @tanattv/lyt3. Let lyt provision missing tools
lyt doctor --fixOn Windows, --fix downloads yt-dlp from its GitHub release and checks it against the published checksum. If no usable ffmpeg is found, lyt uses one it can find, such as an existing install or a WinGet link, or downloads a verified Windows build into its managed folder.
Approve managed downloads
These steps download and install tools. Run them only when you approve those downloads. To require tools already on your PATH, add --no-download to your commands or set LYT_NO_DOWNLOAD=1.
4. Save a video to your Downloads folder
lyt --video -q 1080p -o "$HOME/Downloads" "URL"lyt prints the exact path of the saved file. A run looks like this:
Saved: C:\Users\you\Downloads\Example [abc123].mp45. Save MP3s to a music folder
lyt --mp3 -q 192K -o "D:/Music" "URL"Use forward slashes or quoted Windows paths. Set a default folder once with lyt config set output-dir "D:/Music".
Quote URLs in PowerShell
PowerShell tip
Always put the URL in quotes. Characters such as & and ? can otherwise be interpreted by PowerShell instead of passed to lyt.
Common Windows fixes
- Close and reopen PowerShell after installing Node.js or lyt.
- If
lytis not found, runnpm prefix --globaland confirm that folder is on your PATH. - Run
npx --yes -p @tanattv/lyt lyt doctoras a temporary diagnostic when the global command is not available. - If ffmpeg is missing for MP3 or video work, run
lyt doctor --fix, or install it yourself withwinget install Gyan.FFmpeg. - When asking for help, include the exact error, but not private URLs, cookies, or personal paths.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to add yt-dlp to PATH on Windows?
No. lyt keeps its own checksum-verified yt-dlp in its managed folder and calls it by full path. The only PATH requirement is that npm's global folder is on PATH, which the Node.js installer sets up.
Does installing lyt change my PATH?
npm install --global and the lyt commands do not edit PATH. The optional install script in a source checkout, install\install.ps1, adds lyt's managed tools folder to your user PATH only when it falls back to managed tools.
Where does lyt save files and keep its data on Windows?
Downloads go to a downloads folder under the directory you run lyt from, unless you pass -o. Managed tools, config, and history live in %LOCALAPPDATA%\lyt. Run lyt doctor to see the exact paths on your machine.
Why does lyt say ffmpeg was not found?
ffmpeg is needed for MP3 conversion, video merging, clips, and similar options. Run lyt doctor --fix to let lyt provision a verified build. You can also install it yourself with winget install Gyan.FFmpeg. Native audio does not need ffmpeg.