If it seems like this Runtime process appeared out of nowhere, it did. But there’s no need to be concerned.
You’re not currently using Microsoft Edge for anything on your computer. Better yet, you don’t even have Microsoft Edge on your computer at the moment. But even then, you keep finding the ‘Microsoft Edge Webview2’ process (or even multiple processes) running in your Task Manager.
Of course, you’re going to have a freak-out session. It can be confusing not knowing what this runtime process is, how is it related to Microsoft Edge or why is it taking up resources on your computer. So, let’s see exactly what it is and why there’s no need to freak out.
Why is WebView2 Runtime Installed on my Device?
Microsoft Edge WebView2 is a Runtime installation that Microsoft began installing on devices earlier this year. WebView2 is used to provide web-based features in Microsoft 365 desktop applications. And it uses Microsoft Edge as a rendering engine to do so.
Microsoft started automatically installing it on machines that have Version 2101 or later installed for Microsoft 365 apps. So, the fact that you didn’t install it should not worry you. Nor should you go about ending the tasks when you see them in your Task Manager next time. The process is absolutely necessary for important functions.
Microsoft uses WebView2 to provide users with Outlook features that are the same across all platforms. So, whether you’re using the Office apps on desktop or the web, it’ll be consistent everywhere. Office Add-ins will also rely on WebView2 in the future.
Consider this: thanks to WebView2, the Room Finder and Meeting Insights features in Outlook will be the same whether you’re using Outlook desktop application or Outlook web. It can be a nuisance to learn where to find the features on Web and desktop apps when they’re not in the same place.
WebView2 also doesn’t require anything on your part as Microsoft is installing it automatically on Windows machines. It also doesn’t require the Microsoft Edge browser to actually run. So, even if the browser isn’t installed on your PC, let alone running, the Runtime process can and will run.
Although Microsoft said that it’ll be installing WebView2 Runtime on systems running Microsoft 365 Apps Version 2010 or later, systems that have older versions of Microsoft Office might also have the Runtime installed.
There’s no need to pay any attention to it. It shouldn’t interfere with any apps on your system. But in the unlikely event that it does cause any problems for you, you can report it here.
Otherwise, finding it in your Task Manager is no cause for concern. WebView2 Runtime is doing exactly what it is supposed to be doing. Nor is it taking up any more resources than needed. The bottom line is, you don’t need to uninstall the WebView2 Runtime.
