Want to completely remove edge webview2 permanently from Windows without breaking your apps. Let’s learn how to uninstall microsoft edge webview2 runtime in 2025. With our step-by-step guide shows safe uninstall methods, ways to prevent auto-reinstalls, and tips to avoid system or app errors.
What Is Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime and Why Does It Show Up on Your PC?
If you’ve ever spotted Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime in your installed programs and wondered where it came from, you’re not alone. This little component often slips into Windows without making a big announcement, and that can feel confusing. But its purpose is actually pretty simple.
How WebView2 Powers Modern Windows Apps
WebView2 is a behind-the-scenes engine that lets apps display modern web content without opening your browser. Think of it as a built-in viewer that apps like Microsoft Office, Outlook, or Teams rely on to load interactive pages, dashboards, or login screens. Instead of building their own browser engines, these apps use WebView2 to stay lightweight and consistent.
Why WebView2 Installs Automatically on Your PC
The reason it shows up automatically on your PC is because Windows installs it as a shared system component. That way, different apps can use the same engine without needing their own separate versions. It’s part of Microsoft’s newer approach to smoother, web-powered app features—so even if you’ve never personally installed it, apps you use every day might depend on it.
In short: WebView2 isn’t a standalone program you open — it’s more like a support tool that helps other applications load web-based experiences quietly in the background.
Why Microsoft Edge WebView2 Keeps Reinstalling Itself on Windows 10/11
The Real Reason WebView2 Keeps Coming Back
If you’ve tried removing Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime only to see it return after a restart or update, you’re not imagining things. WebView2 is treated as a core Windows component, which means the system believes it’s essential for stability and app functionality. Because of that, Windows often restores it automatically whenever it detects it’s missing.
Apps That Depend on WebView2 Trigger Auto-Reinstallation
Many popular apps—especially modern Microsoft tools—rely on WebView2 for loading web-based features. When these apps start and don’t find the runtime, they request Windows to install it again.
This built-in dependency is one of the main reasons users see WebView2 reappear even after a clean uninstall.
Windows Update Also Forces Its Return
Another major trigger is Windows Update. Since Microsoft distributes WebView2 as part of the system’s required components, updates frequently push it back onto your PC.
This ensures compatibility for apps that expect the runtime to be present, but makes removal feel nearly impossible for users trying to disable it.
Why This Happens Even After Manual Deletion
Even if you delete folders or kill processes, Windows still treats WebView2 as a required rendering engine. The moment a linked service or app starts, the system checks for the component and reinstalls it in the background.
In short, WebView2 comes back because Windows is designed to protect system-level features that other applications rely on — not because something is wrong with your PC.
Is It Safe to Uninstall Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime? Here’s the Real Answer
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime can be safe — but it depends on what apps you use.
If you don’t use programs that rely on web-powered interfaces (like newer versions of Outlook, Microsoft Teams, or apps that embed web content), you likely won’t notice much difference.
However, many Windows and Microsoft apps quietly depend on the WebView2 engine for things like login screens, dashboards, and embedded previews. Removing it may cause certain features to stop working properly.
Bottom line: Uninstalling WebView2 won’t harm Windows, but it can affect apps that rely on it.
Creating a system restore point before removing it is strongly recommended.
Best Ways to Uninstall Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime Without Breaking Windows
When you’re ready to remove Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime — but don’t want to risk breaking applications — these methods stand out as the most dependable, balancing effectiveness with safety.
Method 1: Remove WebView2 Using Microsoft’s Official Removal Tool (Most Reliable Pick)
The official removal tool is made to detect and uninstall WebView2 properly — including versions that resist standard uninstalls. It handles registry entries, installer data, and runtime files more thoroughly than manual methods.
Step-by-Step: Using Microsoft’s Official WebView2 Removal Tool
- Visit the official WebView2 download page on Microsoft’s site.
- Download the WebView2 Runtime Removal Tool (or the version-specific installer).
- Run the downloaded tool. If prompted, choose “Uninstall” or similar.
- Follow on-screen instructions — the tool will automatically remove WebView2 and any associated files.
- After completion, restart your PC to ensure changes take effect.
Tip: This tool is especially useful if WebView2 isn’t listed in Programs, or if Control Panel uninstall options are greyed out.
Method 2: Force Uninstall Microsoft Edge WebView2 via Command Prompt
Command Prompt gives you direct control. If WebView2 is locked or marked as required, a forced uninstall from the installer’s internal setup often succeeds where GUI options fail.
Command-Line Steps: Force Removing WebView2
- Press Win + S, type
cmd, then right-click > Run as administrator. This ensures you have the permissions needed. - Open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\Application\
— there you should see a folder named with the version number (e.g.111.0.1661.54). Inside that folder, go to the Installer subfolder. - Back in Command Prompt, change directory using:
cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\Application\<version>\Installer"Replace<version>with the actual folder name you see. - Then run:
setup.exe --uninstall --msedgewebview --system-level --verbose-logging --force-uninstallThis instructs the installer to forcibly remove WebView2 at the system level. - Once the command finishes, restart your PC.
Note: Some users have reported error codes when using this command — it may not work if WebView2 is tightly integrated or protected on your system.
Method 3: Uninstall WebView2 from Programs & Features the Simple Way
This is the most user-friendly approach — ideal for users who prefer visual, Windows-native tools and aren’t comfortable with command-line operations or manual removals.
How to Uninstall WebView2 from Programs & Features (GUI Steps)
- Press Win + S, type
appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter to open Programs & Features. - Scroll through the list and locate Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime.
- If it appears, right-click it and choose Uninstall. Then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
- After uninstallation, restart your computer for changes to take effect.
Sometimes, WebView2 might not appear in the list — especially if it’s installed system-wide. In that case, you’ll need to use Method 1 or Method 2.
Which Method Should You Use: Based on Your Situation
| Situation / Need | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| WebView2 won’t uninstall through Control Panel or Settings | Method 1 (Removal Tool) or Method 2 (Force via CMD) |
| Prefer a simple, GUI-based uninstall with minimal risk | Method 3 (Programs & Features) |
| WebView2 seems corrupted or stuck, or apps keep reinstalling it | Method 1 (Removal Tool) — deepest, cleanest removal |
| Comfortable with command-line and need full system-level removal | Method 2 (Force via CMD) |
Stop WebView2 From Reinstalling: Rename the Executable File to Block Auto-Return
Sometimes uninstalling Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime doesn’t prevent Windows or other apps from reinstalling it.
One workaround that many users try is renaming the core runtime executable — a trick that can block automatic reinstall triggers.
Why Renaming the WebView2 Executable Helps Prevent Reinstallation
WebView2 uses the file msedgewebview2.exe to run background tasks or trigger its own setup when needed. If that file is renamed, automatic checks (from Windows Update or dependent apps) often fail to locate the runtime — so they don’t reinstall it.
This method doesn’t remove WebView2 completely, but it can prevent it from auto-reappearing.
How to Rename the WebView2 Executable Safely
- The first step is to press Win + E and open File Explorer.
- Next, navigate to:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\Application\and open the folder that matches the installed version. - Then, inside the folder (or its Installer / Runtime subfolder), locate the
msedgewebview2.exefile. - After finding it, right-click the file, choose Rename, and change it to something like
msedgewebview2_backup.exe. - Finally, restart your PC to complete the change.
Advanced WebView2 Cleanup: Safely Delete Leftover Runtime Files and Folders
After using uninstall tools or manual methods, remnants of WebView2 — folders, leftover installer data or registry entries — may remain.
Cleaning these increases the likelihood that it stays removed, and cuts off paths for unwanted reinstall.
Where WebView2 Leftovers Are Commonly Stored in Windows
Common folder paths to check include:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\C:\Program Files\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\- User-level cache or app data folders like:
C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\EdgeWebView\
How to Remove Leftover WebView2 Files Completely (Numbered Steps)
- First, confirm that WebView2 has been fully uninstalled (or at least renamed) using earlier methods.
- Then open File Explorer and browse to each of the folder paths listed above.
- If you find any “EdgeWebView” folder, right-click it and choose Delete.
- After deleting all leftover folders, empty the Recycle Bin so they’re removed completely.
- To finish, restart your PC to apply all cleanup changes.
Install an Older WebView2 Version: How to Reinstall or Downgrade the Runtime Easily
At times, a newer WebView2 version may cause issues like compatibility problems, crashes, or unexpected behavior. Reinstalling an older, stable version can help restore proper functionality.
When Downgrading WebView2 Is the Better Choice
Downgrading is useful when a recent update introduces instability, when a specific app performs better with an older runtime, or when you removed WebView2 but now need a version known to work well with certain software.
How to Download and Install an Older WebView2 Build
- Start by visiting the official WebView2 download page on Microsoft’s site.
- Then look for the Evergreen Standalone Installer or archived version builds suitable for your needs.
- After selecting the version you want, download the installer to your PC.
- Run the installer, follow the prompts, and allow the setup to complete.
- Once the installation finishes, restart your PC to ensure the older WebView2 version initializes correctly.
What to Consider Before Downgrading WebView2
Some modern apps may prompt automatic updates of WebView2, which means your older version could eventually be overwritten. Older runtimes may also lack newer security patches or features, so creating a system restore point before downgrading is always a good idea.
Final Recommendation: The Safest Way to Remove WebView2 Without Causing App Errors
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime can be done — but only if you’re careful about what apps you use and how you remove it.
According to Microsoft’s documentation, removing WebView2 “should not have any impact on the Windows OS” itself — but it may break applications that rely on it. (learn.microsoft.com)
Recommended Safe Path:
- Use the official WebView2 Removal Tool first — it’s designed to cleanly uninstall WebView2 without messing up system files.
- Only resort to force-uninstall or manual cleanup if the tool doesn’t work — and you’re comfortable with potential consequences.
Things to Know Before You Remove:
- Many apps — especially those from Microsoft (like Office, Outlook, Teams) or third-party tools — embed WebView2 for web-based features. Removing it may cause those features to stop working properly.
- If you’re unsure whether any installed app relies on WebView2, consider renaming the executable instead of full removal — this often disables auto-reinstalls without full deletion.
Our Take: If you don’t rely on apps that embed web content internally and want to declutter or resolve resource issues — go ahead with the removal tool. But if you rely on apps like Outlook, Teams, or any software that might call upon WebView2, it’s safer to leave it or disable it carefully.
FAQ: Common WebView2 Uninstall Questions Answered
Can I uninstall WebView2 without harming Windows?
Yes — removing Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime does not damage the Windows OS, because it isn’t part of the system’s core components.
Will removing WebView2 break my apps?
It might. Many modern programs, including Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook and Teams, rely on the WebView2 engine to load embedded web content. Without it, certain features may stop working.
Why does WebView2 keep reinstalling even after I uninstall it?
Because WebView2 acts as a shared web rendering engine, Windows or dependent apps may reinstall it automatically when they detect it’s missing.
How can I prevent WebView2 from coming back?
Renaming the main executable msedgewebview2.exe or removing leftover folders can help block automatic reinstall attempts.
Is there a safer option than full removal?
Yes — instead of uninstalling completely, you can disable or rename the runtime to reduce background usage without risking app failures.
Can I downgrade WebView2 to an older version?
Absolutely. Older builds of WebView2 Runtime can be installed manually if a newer version causes compatibility issues.
Conclusion: Your Smooth Path to Removing Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime
Removing Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime doesn’t have to feel complicated. With the right approach, you can handle it confidently while keeping your Windows apps running smoothly. The key is choosing the method that fits your needs — whether that’s using the official removal tool, running a force uninstall, or simply renaming the executable to stop unwanted reinstalls.
If your apps don’t rely on it, uninstalling WebView2 can help free up system resources and reduce unnecessary background activity. But if you use software that depends on embedded web features, taking a more careful, measured approach is the safest option.
In the end, your goal should be a setup that feels clean, stable, and fully within your control. With these methods in hand, you now have a clear and reliable path to manage WebView2 the way you prefer — without surprises or app-related issues.
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