How to Fix YouTube Picture-in-Picture Not Working on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode on YouTube lets you watch videos in a small floating window while you browse other apps or websites. This feature is very useful for multitasking on Windows 11.

Sometimes, PiP might stop working due to browser or system settings. Don’t worry—fixing it can be simple if you follow the right steps.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy and detailed troubleshooting steps to get YouTube PiP working again on your Windows 11 computer.

By the end, you will understand why PiP might fail and how to restore it smoothly.

Quick Note Before You Start

Make sure your browser supports Picture-in-Picture mode. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox all support it.
Check that your Windows 11 and browser are updated to the latest versions. Updates often fix bugs related to features like PiP.
YouTube’s PiP works best when videos are playing on the official YouTube site, not embedded players on other sites.
Confirm you are logged into YouTube with a free or premium account, as some features might differ for logged-out users.

Step 1: Enable Picture-in-Picture Mode in Your Browser

Before anything else, ensure that PiP is enabled in your browser settings. Browsers usually have this feature on by default, but it can sometimes be turned off.

For Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge:

Open your browser and type chrome://flags (for Chrome) or edge://flags (for Edge) in the address bar, then press Enter.
In the search box on the page, type “Picture-in-Picture.”
Look for any flags related to PiP and ensure they are set to “Default” or “Enabled.”
If you made changes, click “Restart” to relaunch the browser and apply settings.

This step is important because sometimes experimental features like PiP can be disabled accidentally or by default in certain browser versions.

Step 2: Use the Official PiP Button on YouTube

YouTube provides a built-in Picture-in-Picture option. Using it correctly ensures the feature works as intended.

Open a YouTube video in your browser and start playing it.
Right-click twice on the video player (first right-click opens YouTube’s menu, second right-click opens the browser’s context menu).
In the browser’s context menu, click on “Picture in Picture.” The video should pop out into a small floating window.

If this method does not work, it could be related to browser extensions or system settings blocking PiP.

Step 3: Disable Browser Extensions That May Interfere

Extensions can sometimes block or interfere with the Picture-in-Picture function. It’s good to check if any are causing issues.

Open your browser’s extensions or add-ons page (e.g., chrome://extensions for Chrome).
Temporarily disable all extensions by toggling them off.
Reload YouTube and try using PiP again.
If PiP works now, enable extensions one by one to find the culprit.

This process helps isolate extensions that might be breaking PiP, allowing you to keep your favorite extensions without losing functionality.

Step 4: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Old or corrupted cache and cookies can cause unexpected problems with websites and features like PiP.

Open your browser settings.
Navigate to the “Privacy and Security” section.
Find the option to clear browsing data.
Select “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data.”
Clear the data and restart your browser.

This step ensures that your browser loads fresh data from YouTube, which can fix issues caused by outdated or corrupted files.

Step 5: Check Windows 11 System Settings

Windows 11 has settings that manage multitasking and window behavior. Ensuring these are properly set can help PiP work smoothly.

Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
Go to System > Multitasking.
Make sure “Snap windows” is turned on.
Also ensure “When I snap a window, show what I can snap next to it” is enabled.

These options help Windows manage floating windows and overlays, which PiP relies on to display properly.

Step 6: Try Using Keyboard Shortcuts for PiP

Some browsers support keyboard shortcuts to activate PiP mode. This can be a quick alternative if the context menu option isn’t working.

While watching a YouTube video, press Alt + P on Windows (works on some browsers).
If this shortcut does not work, check your browser’s official shortcut list as it may vary.

This method is helpful if mouse clicks or menus are unresponsive or blocked.

Alternative Method: Use a Dedicated PiP Browser Extension

If native PiP is not working, you can try browser extensions designed to force Picture-in-Picture mode on videos.

Go to your browser’s extension store (Chrome Web Store or Edge Add-ons).
Search for “Picture-in-Picture” extensions.
Install a trusted extension such as “Picture-in-Picture Extension (by Google).”
Use the extension button to activate PiP on YouTube videos.

This alternative works around native issues and can provide additional controls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is YouTube Picture-in-Picture not working on Windows 11?

It could be due to browser settings, outdated software, conflicting extensions, or Windows system settings blocking PiP functionality.

Does YouTube PiP require a premium account?

No, Picture-in-Picture mode is available for all users on supported browsers and devices.

Can I use PiP on browsers other than Chrome?

Yes, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and some other modern browsers support PiP on YouTube.

Is it normal to right-click twice to access PiP on YouTube?

Yes, the first right-click opens YouTube’s custom menu. Right-clicking again opens the browser’s menu where the PiP option appears.

Will updating Windows 11 fix PiP issues?

Sometimes, yes. Updates can fix bugs and improve compatibility for features like PiP.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and YouTube Picture-in-Picture still does not work, consider the following final options:

Update or reinstall your browser: Sometimes a fresh install fixes deep issues.
Try a different browser: Check if PiP works on another browser to isolate the problem.
Visit official support pages: Check YouTube Help or your browser’s support forums.
Contact Microsoft support: For Windows 11-related issues, Microsoft’s support can assist.

Conclusion

Picture-in-Picture mode on YouTube is a handy feature that enhances your multitasking experience on Windows 11. When it stops working, it usually relates to browser or system settings.

By following simple steps like enabling PiP flags, disabling conflicting extensions, clearing cache, and checking Windows settings, you can quickly restore this functionality.

If needed, alternative methods such as dedicated PiP extensions or trying different browsers are available to keep you enjoying videos uninterrupted.

Remember to keep your software updated and consult official resources when problems persist. With these tips, you should be able to fix YouTube Picture-in-Picture mode on Windows 11 with ease.