# How to Download Instagram Reels on a Laptop, PC, or Mac Source: https://reelsdl.net/blog/download-instagram-reels-on-laptop-pc-mac Publisher: ReelsDl.net Last updated: 2026-10-25 > Instagram's website has no download button for Reels. Save any public Reel with its music on Windows, Mac, or Chromebook using only a browser. ## Key takeaways - Instagram's Download option for Reels exists only in the mobile app, not on instagram.com. - On a computer, copy the Reel's address from the browser, paste it into a web downloader, and save the MP4 to the Downloads folder. - A Reel downloaded by link keeps its audio track, including licensed music. - Browser extensions that add a download button usually require access to your logged-in Instagram tab; a web-based downloader does not. On a laptop or desktop, Instagram gives you no way to save a Reel: the **Download** option only exists in the phone app. The simple workaround is to copy the Reel's address from your browser, paste it into the [Instagram video downloader](https://reelsdl.net/), and save the MP4. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS, in any modern browser, and the music stays in the file. ## Step by step ### 1. Copy the Reel link Open the Reel on **instagram.com**. You have two ways to get its link: - **From the address bar.** Click the address, select it, and copy it. A Reel link looks like `instagram.com/reel/…` or `instagram.com/reels/…`. - **From the menu.** Click the **three dots** on the Reel and choose **Copy link**. If you are scrolling the Reels feed, the address bar updates as each Reel comes into view, so make sure the one you want is the one playing before you copy. ### 2. Paste it into the downloader Open [reelsdl.net](https://reelsdl.net/) in a new tab. Click the box, press **Ctrl + V** (Windows, Linux, ChromeOS) or **⌘ + V** (Mac), and press **Enter**. ### 3. Save the MP4 A preview of the Reel appears within a few seconds. Click **Download video**. The file is saved to your Downloads folder.
Desktop browser on Windows or Mac showing the downloaded Instagram MP4 in the downloads panel
On a computer the MP4 shows up in the browser’s downloads panel and your Downloads folder.
## Where the file goes | System | Default location | Quick way to open it | | --- | --- | --- | | Windows | `Downloads` in your user folder | Press **Ctrl + J** in the browser | | macOS | `Downloads` in your home folder | Click the Downloads stack in the Dock | | ChromeOS | *Files → Downloads* | Click the download tray in the shelf | | Linux | `~/Downloads` | Press **Ctrl + J** in the browser | Want to choose the folder each time? In Chrome or Edge, open *Settings → Downloads* and switch on **Ask where to save each file before downloading**. In Safari it is under *Settings → General → File download location*. ## Does the Reel keep its music? Yes. The MP4 contains the same audio track that plays on Instagram, whether that is a licensed song, a voice-over, or original sound. This is different from the Download button in the phone app, which can save a silent copy when the Reel uses a song from Instagram's music library. If the file seems silent on your computer: - Check that the system volume and the media player are not muted. - Open the file in a different player. **VLC** plays almost any MP4. - Make sure the original Reel still has sound on Instagram. When you only need the music, the [Reel audio downloader](https://reelsdl.net/audio) saves the same link as an MP3. See [how to extract audio from an Instagram Reel](https://reelsdl.net/blog/extract-audio-from-instagram-reel-mp3). ## Other methods, and why they are worse **Browser extensions.** They add a download button to instagram.com, which is convenient. The cost is the permission they ask for: reading and changing data on websites you visit, including the tab where you are logged in to Instagram. Extensions also change owners and get pulled from stores with little notice. If you use one, check its permissions and reviews first. **Screen recording.** Windows (Xbox Game Bar, **Win + G**) and macOS (**⇧ + ⌘ + 5**) can both record the screen. You get the interface in the picture, the quality depends on your display, and on a Mac the built-in recorder may not capture the computer's own sound without extra software. **Developer tools.** Older guides tell you to open the browser's inspector and look for an `.mp4` in the Network tab. Instagram now serves most video in separate audio and video segments, so this usually gets you a silent or partial file. **Desktop software.** Programs that download from Instagram exist, but installing software for an occasional Reel is more risk and effort than a browser tab. ## Send the Reel to your phone Once the MP4 is on your computer, moving it to a phone is quick: - **Mac to iPhone:** right-click the file, choose *Share → AirDrop*. It goes straight into Photos. - **Windows or Chromebook to Android:** use **Quick Share**, or plug in a USB cable and drag the file to the phone's *Download* or *DCIM* folder. - **Any combination:** upload it to Google Drive, iCloud Drive, or OneDrive, or message it to yourself. Or skip the computer for that step: the same downloader works in your phone's browser. The phone version of this guide is [how to save Reels in your gallery with music](https://reelsdl.net/blog/save-instagram-reels-in-gallery-with-music). ## Photos and carousels on desktop The same box accepts post links (`instagram.com/p/…`), not just Reels. A single photo saves as a JPG, and a carousel lists every slide. Details are in [how to save Instagram photos without a screenshot](https://reelsdl.net/blog/save-instagram-photos-without-screenshot). ## What will not download - **Private accounts.** Being logged in to Instagram in the same browser makes no difference. The downloader never sees your session and can only reach public posts. - **Deleted Reels.** A link to a removed Reel returns nothing. - **The wrong link.** A profile address (`instagram.com/username`) is not a Reel. Open the Reel itself and copy again. The complete checklist is in [Instagram Reels not saving: causes and fixes](https://reelsdl.net/blog/instagram-reels-not-saving-to-camera-roll). ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I download Instagram Reels on a laptop without software? Yes. Open the Reel on instagram.com, copy its link, paste it into ReelsDl.net, and download the MP4. Everything happens in the browser, so there is nothing to install. ### Why is there no download button on Instagram's website? Instagram's Download option for Reels exists only in the mobile app. The desktop site lets you watch, like, save to a collection, and share, but not save the video file. ### Do Reels downloaded on a PC have sound? Yes. A Reel downloaded by link is saved as an MP4 with its audio track, including the music. If it plays silently, try another player such as VLC and check that the tab or system volume is not muted. ### Where are downloaded Reels saved on a Mac? In the Downloads folder, which you can open from the Dock or from Finder. Safari and Chrome both use it unless you have chosen another location in the browser's settings. ### Are browser extensions for downloading Reels safe? Be careful. A download extension usually asks for permission to read and change data on the sites you visit, which includes your logged-in Instagram session. A web-based downloader needs no such access.