Some users of Windows 10 and Windows 11, and sometimes previous versions of the system, may have noticed the “Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime” item in the list of programs in the Control Panel or in the list of applications in the settings, and they themselves did not install this application, but Microsoft Edge may not be present at all on the system.
This article explains what the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime is, where it came from on a computer or laptop, and whether it can be uninstalled.
- What is WebView2 Runtime
- Can I uninstall (and how to download again)
What is the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime for and how it came to be on the computer
The Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime component is used to embed content created using web technologies (conditionally: content from sites) into ordinary desktop applications using the Chromium engine from Microsoft Edge. More details about the appointment – on the official Microsoft page: https://docs.microsoft.com/ru-ru/microsoft-edge/webview2/
In Windows 11, the component is installed on the system by default. In Windows 10, 8.1 and Windows 7, it is installed automatically for users with modern versions of Microsoft Office precisely for the purpose of running office applications and the components embedded in them, built on the basis of web frameworks.
In general, there is no need to pay attention to the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime – the process starts only when necessary and does not affect the operation of any of your programs.
Is it possible to uninstall Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime
There are no standard methods for removing this component in Windows 11, but in previous versions of the system, you can uninstall it in the same way as any other program: using the Programs and Features item in Control Panel and the Uninstall button.
Is it safe? As far as I can tell, it is quite safe for most cases: according to the information I found, the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime is still used only in Microsoft Outlook, and if you do not use it, it is quite possible that you will not notice any changes. At the same time, there is a possibility that after some time after uninstalling, WebView2 Runtime will be automatically installed again.
I am not yet ready to judge how much the program is necessary for the operation of Windows 11: it is possible that it is required for the operation of some system elements, such as a new widget panel or something else.
