Is YouTube Vanced Available for PC?
No. The app was designed exclusively for Android and never released for desktop platforms. It relied on Android's APK format and sideloading, which do not exist the same way on Windows, macOS, or Linux. The project was also discontinued in March 2022, so no port will ever be developed.
Websites offering a "Vanced for PC download" or a "Vanced desktop version" are scams. No legitimate desktop application exists. Never download executable files from sites making this claim.
Can You Run It on PC via Emulator?
Android emulators like BlueStacks, NoxPlayer, and LDPlayer can technically run APK files on a desktop, but running the old app through one is a poor idea:
- Security risks: the APKs are no longer maintained and may contain vulnerabilities
- Compatibility: the outdated app frequently fails against YouTube's updated backend
- MicroG issues: Google authentication through an emulator adds another layer that can fail
- Better options exist: native desktop solutions are safer and work better
Best Alternatives to YouTube Vanced for PC
These are the most effective ways to get ad-free YouTube on desktop. All are free, actively maintained, and available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
| Option | Platform | Ad Blocking | SponsorBlock | Google Login | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| uBlock Origin | Windows/Mac/Linux | ✓ | Via extension | ✓ | Browser extension |
| Brave Browser | Windows/Mac/Linux | ✓ | Via extension | ✓ | Web browser |
| FreeTube | Windows/Mac/Linux | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | Desktop app |
| YouTube Premium | Any browser | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | Paid service |
Detailed Desktop Solutions
uBlock Origin: best browser extension
uBlock Origin is the most widely used ad blocker for YouTube on desktop. Install it on Firefox, Chrome, or Edge and it removes video ads, banner ads, and overlay ads automatically. Pair it with the SponsorBlock extension to skip in-video sponsor segments as well; together they cover most of what the Android mod did.
FreeTube: best standalone desktop app
FreeTube is a free, open source desktop YouTube player for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers ad-free viewing, built-in SponsorBlock, subscription management without a Google account, and a clean interface. As a native application, it comes closest to a YouTube Vanced for PC experience.
Brave Browser: easiest setup
Brave has ad and tracker blocking built in. Install it, open YouTube, and most ads disappear without any extensions. It also supports Google account login, so subscriptions and history still work.
Is ReVanced Available for PC?
No. ReVanced is also Android-only. It works by patching the official YouTube APK on your Android device, which is not applicable to desktop operating systems. For PC users, the browser-based solutions listed above provide equivalent ad-blocking functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. YouTube Vanced was exclusively an Android app. It was never available for Windows, Mac, or Linux and was discontinued in 2022.
Technically yes via Android emulators, but it is not recommended. The app is outdated, may not work properly, and native desktop alternatives are much better.
uBlock Origin (browser extension), FreeTube (desktop app), and Brave Browser are the best free alternatives for ad-free YouTube on PC.
No. ReVanced is Android-only. For PC ad blocking, use uBlock Origin or FreeTube instead.