How to Fix Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime Failed to Start

Microsoft Edge WebView2 is a runtime installation that provides web-based functionality in Microsoft 365 desktop applications. In Windows 11, this component is installed on the system by default. In earlier versions of Windows, it is automatically installed for users of modern versions of Microsoft Office and is used to run Office applications built on the Web Framework and components embedded in the applications.

However, some users report that they meet the “Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime failed to start” issue on Windows 11/10. This issue can happen for a variety of reasons, including corrupt installation files, incompatible software, or insufficient permissions. When this error occurs, the user cannot proceed with the installation or update of the WebView2 runtime.

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How to Fix Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime Failed to Start

Fix 1: Run Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime as Administrator

1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows + E keys together.

2. Find Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime installer and right-click it to choose Run as administrator.

Fix 2: Disable Third-party Antivirus Software

If you encounter the “Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime failed to start” issue on Windows 11/10, the culprit might be third-party antivirus software. So if you have installed one on your computer, it is recommended to disable it to fix the error.

Fix 3: Clear Windows Temporary Files

1. Type disk cleanup in the Search box.

2. Select a drive that you want to clean up and click OK to continue.

3. After finishing the scan, this program lists the files that can be deleted. Check the files that you want to delete and click OK.

Fix 4: Repair Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime Installer

1. Open Control Panel and click Uninstall a program.

2. Find Microsoft WebView2 Runtime and right-click it to choose Change.

3. Then, will the following window appear and you need to click Repair.

Fix 5: Install Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime in Safe Mode

If the above solutions are not working for the “Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime failed to start” issue, you can install Microsoft WebView2 Runtime in Safe Mode.

1. Restart your computer. Press F8 repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.

2. Select Safe Mode from the menu and press Enter.

3. Once your computer has booted into Safe Mode, locate the Microsoft Edge WebView2 runtime installer.

4. Right-click the Microsoft Edge WebView2 runtime installer and select Run as administrator.

5. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the installation of the WebView2 runtime.

Final Words

How to fix Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime failed to start? This post provides 5 ways for you and you can try them one by one until you fix the issue.