WebView2 problem

Question

WebView2 problem

Simon Hayes 0

Trying to open WhatsApp and get the message "Install WebView2". Why I try to install WebView2 I get the message that it's already installed. WTD?

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Answer 1

Vikki-T 11,245 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi Simon Hayes,

This usually means that WebView2 is already installed, but WhatsApp is unable to detect or load it correctly.

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > WhatsApp > Advanced options, select Repair, and then try opening WhatsApp again. If that does not help, select Reset and restart your PC.

You can also close all open apps and run the official WebView2 Evergreen Standalone Installer as administrator.

Please note that WhatsApp is a third-party application. If WebView2 works normally with other apps and only WhatsApp shows this message, the issue is likely specific to WhatsApp. In that case, reinstall WhatsApp from the Microsoft Store or contact WhatsApp Support for further assistance.

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Simon Hayes 0 Reputation points

2026-10-01T18:10:24.7133333+00:00

Unfortunately this did not work. Closing all apps, rebooting and running the Runtime Installer as Administrator meant that the installer detected that WebView2 is not installed and progressed to 100% of installation before announcing that the installation had failed "due to an unspecified error".
Vikki-T 11,245 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-02T10:51:41.1666667+00:00

Hi Simon Hayes,

Thank you for trying those steps and for reporting back. The fact that the installer now detects WebView2 as missing, reaches 100%, and then fails is useful information, as it suggests that we should focus on the WebView2 installation itself rather than WhatsApp for the moment.

Please first check Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, install any available updates, and restart the PC.

If you have any third-party antivirus or security software installed, it may also be worth temporarily disabling it before retrying the WebView2 installation, provided it is safe for you to do so. Please re-enable it immediately afterward.

Could you also let me know whether the installer shows an error code along with “due to an unspecified error”? If possible, please share a screenshot of the complete error message, making sure to hide any personal information. The exact code can help narrow down whether the installation is failing because of permissions, the update service, connectivity, or another installation issue.

Since WhatsApp is a third-party application, I would leave WhatsApp troubleshooting aside until WebView2 can be installed successfully.
Simon Hayes 0 Reputation points

2026-10-02T12:25:29.59+00:00

Hi Vikki, As requested. Edge was not running btw. I have no third party antivirus. rgds Simon
Vikki-T 11,245 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-02T13:54:59.2+00:00

Hi Simon Hayes,

Thank you for the screenshot and for confirming that Microsoft Edge was not running and that you do not have any third-party antivirus installed. That helps rule out two of the more straightforward possibilities.

The screenshot unfortunately does not provide a specific error code, only “Installation failed due to unspecified error.” Since the WebView2 installation itself is now failing even after a restart and when run as administrator, I would avoid repeatedly running the same installer.

If you have not already done so, please check Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install any available updates, including any pending updates that require another restart. Then try the WebView2 installer once more.

If Windows is already fully updated and the same unspecified error continues, I would recommend contacting Microsoft Support so the WebView2 installation logs can be reviewed, as the error shown here does not provide enough information to identify the underlying cause.

You can contact Microsoft Support through Microsoft Contact Us.

Since WhatsApp is a third-party application, I would still focus on getting WebView2 installed correctly first before returning to WhatsApp-specific troubleshooting. Thank you so much for your cooperation.
Simon Hayes 0 Reputation points

2026-10-02T14:07:53.3166667+00:00

Thanks Vikki. I'll try Microsoft directly.
Vikki-T 11,245 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-10-03T09:49:13.48+00:00

Hi Simon Hayes,

You're very welcome, and thank you for your patience while working through the troubleshooting with me.

I hope Microsoft Support can identify what is preventing WebView2 from installing and get everything working again soon.

Wishing you the best!