Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime is a system component that allows desktop applications to display web-based content using the Microsoft Edge (Chromium) rendering engine. Many popular Windows applications, including Microsoft 365 apps, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Power BI, Widgets, and numerous third-party programs, rely on WebView2 to function correctly. If the runtime fails to install, applications that depend on it may refuse to launch, display blank windows, or repeatedly prompt you to install WebView2.
The “Installation Failed” error usually occurs because of corrupted installer files, insufficient administrator permissions, damaged Microsoft Edge components, Windows Installer issues, antivirus interference, network connectivity problems, or remnants of a previous WebView2 installation. In some cases, outdated Windows builds, corrupted system files, or enterprise policies can also prevent the runtime from installing successfully.
Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting methods that can resolve the issue. In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix the WebView2 Runtime “Installation Failed” error on Windows 11.
How to Fix the WebView2 Runtime “Installation Failed” Error
Work through the following solutions in order. After each method, try installing the WebView2 Runtime again.
1. Restart Your Computer
Temporary Windows Installer or system processes may interfere with the installation.
To restart your PC:
- Save any open work.
- Click Start > Power > Restart.
- Wait for Windows to boot normally.
- Run the WebView2 Runtime installer again.
A restart clears temporary installation locks and refreshes Windows services.
2. Run the Installer as Administrator
The installer may not have sufficient permissions to copy files or modify system components.
To do this:
- Locate the WebView2 Runtime installer.
- Right-click the installer.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Approve the User Account Control prompt.
- Complete the installation.
Administrator privileges often resolve permission-related installation failures.
3. Download the Latest WebView2 Runtime Installer
A damaged or outdated installer can cause installation errors.
To install the latest version:
- Download the newest Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime installer from Microsoft’s official website.
- Delete any older installer you previously downloaded.
- Run the newly downloaded installer.
- Complete the installation.
Using the latest installer ensures you receive the most recent fixes and compatibility improvements.
4. Check Your Internet Connection
The online installer requires access to Microsoft’s servers.
To verify your connection:
- Open a web browser.
- Confirm that websites load normally.
- Restart your router if necessary.
- Disconnect from VPNs or unstable public Wi-Fi.
- Retry the installation.
A stable internet connection allows the installer to download the required files.
5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software
Security software may block WebView2 installation files.
To test this:
- Temporarily disable your third-party antivirus.
- If necessary, disable real-time protection briefly.
- Run the installer.
- Complete the installation.
- Re-enable your antivirus immediately afterward.
If the installation succeeds, add the installer to your antivirus exclusions.
6. Verify That the Windows Installer Service Is Running
The Windows Installer service is required for many software installations.
To check it:
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Locate Windows Installer.
- Ensure the service is not disabled.
- Start or restart the service if necessary.
- Run the WebView2 installer again.
A functioning Windows Installer service is essential for successful installations.
7. Repair Microsoft Edge
Because WebView2 shares components with Microsoft Edge, repairing the browser may resolve installation issues.
To repair Edge:
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Locate Microsoft Edge.
- Select Modify or Repair.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer.
- Retry the WebView2 installation.
Repairing Edge restores shared runtime components used by WebView2.
8. Remove Existing WebView2 Runtime
A corrupted WebView2 installation may prevent a newer version from installing.
To remove it:
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Locate Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime.
- Select Uninstall.
- Restart your computer.
- Install the latest version again.
A clean installation replaces damaged files and registry entries.
9. Install the Latest Windows Updates
Outdated Windows components can cause compatibility problems during installation.
To update Windows:
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install all available updates.
- Restart your computer.
- Run the WebView2 installer again.
Windows updates include fixes for installer components and application compatibility.
10. Perform a Clean Boot
Background applications may interfere with the installation process.
To perform a clean boot:
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Open the Services tab.
- Select Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all.
- Restart your computer.
- Run the WebView2 installer.
If the installation succeeds, re-enable services one at a time to identify the conflicting application.
11. Repair Windows System Files
Corrupted system files can prevent software installations from completing.
To repair them:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run the System File Checker (SFC) scan.
- After it completes, run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) repair commands.
- Restart your computer.
- Retry the installation.
Repairing Windows system files resolves underlying operating system corruption.
12. Use the Evergreen Standalone Installer
If the online installer repeatedly fails, use the offline installer instead.
To do this:
- Download the Evergreen Standalone Installer for your system architecture (x64, x86, or ARM64).
- Disconnect from unnecessary network restrictions if applicable.
- Run the installer as an administrator.
- Complete the installation.
- Restart your computer if prompted.
The standalone installer includes the required installation files and doesn’t depend on downloading components during setup.
Conclusion
The WebView2 Runtime “Installation Failed” error is usually caused by corrupted installer files, insufficient permissions, damaged Edge components, Windows Installer issues, or interference from antivirus software. In many cases, running the installer as an administrator, downloading the latest installer, repairing Microsoft Edge, or reinstalling the WebView2 Runtime resolves the problem.
If the error persists, verify that the Windows Installer service is running, install the latest Windows updates, perform a clean boot, use the Evergreen Standalone Installer, and repair Windows system files using SFC and DISM. By following the troubleshooting methods in this guide, you should be able to successfully install the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime and restore the functionality of applications that depend on it.
