Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime

Question

How to run the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime in order to activate the widget?

Answer 1

Widgets in Windows 11 depend on Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime to display content. The runtime is not something to open manually like a normal app. It must be installed and working correctly on the device.

To get it working for Widgets:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Search for Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime.
3. If it is installed, select the three-dot menu and choose Modify > Repair.
4. Restart the PC and test Widgets again.
5. If it is missing, install the Evergreen Runtime. For unattended installation, the documented command is:

      MicrosoftEdgeWebview2Setup.exe /silent /install
   

   or for the standalone installer:

      MicrosoftEdgeWebView2RuntimeInstallerX64.exe /silent /install
   

Additional checks for Widgets:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for Widgets.exe or Windows Widgets.
3. If it is running, end the task and relaunch Widgets with Windows + W.
4. In Taskbar settings, make sure Widgets is turned On.

If WebView2 is installed but Widgets still does not appear, reinstalling the Windows Web Experience Pack from Microsoft Store is also a documented troubleshooting step.

---

• WebView2 support on Validation OS
• Widgets Blank - Microsoft Q&A
• The Widgets icon on the Taskbar is missing / not working from my Windows 11 Taskbar computer. How do I get it active back on Windows 11 taskbar? - Microsoft Q&A