How to Disable Microsoft Edge WebView2: A Step-by-Step Guide

Microsoft Edge WebView2 is a runtime environment that allows developers to build web applications that run within the Microsoft Edge browser. While it's designed to provide a seamless experience for users, some may find it taking up unnecessary space on their devices or slowing down performance. In this article, we'll explore how to disable Microsoft Edge WebView2 and free up valuable resources.

Why Disable Microsoft Edge WebView2?

Disabling Microsoft Edge WebView2 can have several benefits, including:

* Freeing up disk space: Uninstalling WebView2 will release over 475MB of disk space.

* Reducing RAM usage: Disabling WebView2 can reclaim around 50-60MB of RAM, which can be especially beneficial for devices with limited memory.

How to Disable Microsoft Edge WebView2

Disabling Microsoft Edge WebView2 is a relatively straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Start menu and search for 'Microsoft Edge'.

2. Right-click on Microsoft Edge and select 'More' from the dropdown menu.

3. Click on 'Advanced options'.

4. Scroll down to the 'Reset and clean up Google Chrome' section.

5. Toggle off the switch next to 'Enable WebView2'.

Alternatively, you can also disable Microsoft Edge WebView2 by using the Group Policy Editor:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type 'gpedit.msc' and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

3. Navigate to 'Computer Configuration' > 'Administrative Templates' > 'Microsoft Edge'.

4. Double-click on 'WebView2 Runtime' and toggle off the switch next to 'Enabled'.

Why You May Need Microsoft Edge WebView2

While disabling Microsoft Edge WebView2 can be beneficial, it's essential to note that this runtime environment is used by Microsoft for providing consistent Outlook functionality across all supported platforms. If you rely heavily on Outlook or other web applications that require WebView2, disabling it may cause issues with their performance.

In conclusion, disabling Microsoft Edge WebView2 can be an effective way to free up disk space and reduce RAM usage. However, before doing so, ensure that you're not relying on any critical web applications that require this runtime environment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable Microsoft Edge WebView2 and enjoy a more streamlined browsing experience.

Microsoft edge webview2 disable