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Remove "Win32 Web View Host" / "Desktop App Web Viewer" app

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Impact: MediumSystem Functionality Loss Risk: Moderate
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    This action improves privacy with some impact when you run the recommended script.
  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • Fully reversible

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    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

Overview of default preinstallation​

This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows 1 2 3.

OSVersionExistence
Windows 1019H2✅
Windows 1020H2✅
Windows 1021H2✅
Windows 1022H2✅
Windows 1121H2✅
Windows 1122H2✅
Windows 1123H2✅
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This script can be fully reversed to restore changes if something goes wrong.

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How to apply or restore "Remove "Win32 Web View Host" / "Desktop App Web Viewer" app" using script​

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  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

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How to apply or restore "Remove "Win32 Web View Host" / "Desktop App Web Viewer" app" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

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    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  3. 3

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:: Soft delete files matching pattern: "%SYSTEMROOT%\SystemApps\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\*" with additional permissions 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""%SYSTEMROOT%\SystemApps\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\*"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $renamedCount   = 0; $skippedCount   = 0; $failedCount    = 0; Add-Type -TypeDefinition "^""using System;`r`nusing System.Runtime.InteropServices;`r`npublic class Privileges {`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n    internal static extern bool AdjustTokenPrivileges(IntPtr htok, bool disall,`r`n        ref TokPriv1Luid newst, int len, IntPtr prev, IntPtr relen);`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n    internal static extern bool OpenProcessToken(IntPtr h, int acc, ref IntPtr phtok);`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", SetLastError = true)]`r`n    internal static extern bool LookupPrivilegeValue(string host, string name, ref long pluid);`r`n    [StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential, Pack = 1)]`r`n    internal struct TokPriv1Luid {`r`n        public int Count;`r`n        public long Luid;`r`n        public int Attr;`r`n    }`r`n    internal const int SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED = 0x00000002;`r`n    internal const int TOKEN_QUERY = 0x00000008;`r`n    internal const int TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES = 0x00000020;`r`n    public static bool AddPrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n        try {`r`n            bool retVal;`r`n            TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n            IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n            IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n            retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n            tp.Count = 1;`r`n            tp.Luid = 0;`r`n            tp.Attr = SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED;`r`n            retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n            retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n            return retVal;`r`n        } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n            throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n        }`r`n    }`r`n    public static bool RemovePrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n        try {`r`n            bool retVal;`r`n            TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n            IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n            IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n            retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n            tp.Count = 1;`r`n            tp.Luid = 0;`r`n            tp.Attr = 0;  // This line is changed to revoke the privilege`r`n            retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n            retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n            return retVal;`r`n        } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n            throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n        }`r`n    }`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""kernel32.dll`"^"", CharSet = CharSet.Auto)]`r`n    public static extern IntPtr GetCurrentProcess();`r`n}"^""; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null; $adminSid = New-Object System.Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier 'S-1-5-32-544'; $adminAccount = $adminSid.Translate([System.Security.Principal.NTAccount]); $adminFullControlAccessRule = New-Object System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemAccessRule( $adminAccount, [System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemRights]::FullControl, [System.Security.AccessControl.AccessControlType]::Allow ); $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { if (Test-Path -Path $path -PathType Container) { Write-Host "^""Skipping folder (not its contents): `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; if($revert -eq $true) { if (-not $path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping non-backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; } else { if ($path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; }; $originalFilePath = $path; Write-Host "^""Processing file: `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path $originalFilePath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, file `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" not found."^""; $skippedCount++; exit 0; }; $originalAcl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $accessGranted = $false; try { $acl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $acl.SetOwner($adminAccount) <# Take Ownership (because file is owned by TrustedInstaller) #>; $acl.AddAccessRule($adminFullControlAccessRule) <# Grant rights to be able to move the file #>; Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $acl -ErrorAction Stop; $accessGranted = $true; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to grant access to `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; if ($revert -eq $true) { $newFilePath = $originalFilePath.Substring(0, $originalFilePath.Length - 4); } else { $newFilePath = "^""$($originalFilePath).OLD"^""; }; try { Move-Item -LiteralPath "^""$($originalFilePath)"^"" -Destination "^""$newFilePath"^"" -Force -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully processed `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; $renamedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $newFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to rename `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" to `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $failedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; }; }; if (($renamedCount -gt 0) -or ($skippedCount -gt 0)) { Write-Host "^""Successfully processed $renamedCount items and skipped $skippedCount items."^""; }; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to process $($failedCount) items."^""; }; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null"
:: Soft delete files matching pattern: "%SYSTEMROOT%\$(("Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost" -Split '\.')[-1])\*" with additional permissions 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""%SYSTEMROOT%\$(("^""Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost"^"" -Split '\.')[-1])\*"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $renamedCount   = 0; $skippedCount   = 0; $failedCount    = 0; Add-Type -TypeDefinition "^""using System;`r`nusing System.Runtime.InteropServices;`r`npublic class Privileges {`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n    internal static extern bool AdjustTokenPrivileges(IntPtr htok, bool disall,`r`n        ref TokPriv1Luid newst, int len, IntPtr prev, IntPtr relen);`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n    internal static extern bool OpenProcessToken(IntPtr h, int acc, ref IntPtr phtok);`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", SetLastError = true)]`r`n    internal static extern bool LookupPrivilegeValue(string host, string name, ref long pluid);`r`n    [StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential, Pack = 1)]`r`n    internal struct TokPriv1Luid {`r`n        public int Count;`r`n        public long Luid;`r`n        public int Attr;`r`n    }`r`n    internal const int SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED = 0x00000002;`r`n    internal const int TOKEN_QUERY = 0x00000008;`r`n    internal const int TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES = 0x00000020;`r`n    public static bool AddPrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n        try {`r`n            bool retVal;`r`n            TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n            IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n            IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n            retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n            tp.Count = 1;`r`n            tp.Luid = 0;`r`n            tp.Attr = SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED;`r`n            retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n            retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n            return retVal;`r`n        } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n            throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n        }`r`n    }`r`n    public static bool RemovePrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n        try {`r`n            bool retVal;`r`n            TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n            IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n            IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n            retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n            tp.Count = 1;`r`n            tp.Luid = 0;`r`n            tp.Attr = 0;  // This line is changed to revoke the privilege`r`n            retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n            retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n            return retVal;`r`n        } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n            throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n        }`r`n    }`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""kernel32.dll`"^"", CharSet = CharSet.Auto)]`r`n    public static extern IntPtr GetCurrentProcess();`r`n}"^""; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null; $adminSid = New-Object System.Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier 'S-1-5-32-544'; $adminAccount = $adminSid.Translate([System.Security.Principal.NTAccount]); $adminFullControlAccessRule = New-Object System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemAccessRule( $adminAccount, [System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemRights]::FullControl, [System.Security.AccessControl.AccessControlType]::Allow ); $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { if (Test-Path -Path $path -PathType Container) { Write-Host "^""Skipping folder (not its contents): `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; if($revert -eq $true) { if (-not $path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping non-backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; } else { if ($path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; }; $originalFilePath = $path; Write-Host "^""Processing file: `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path $originalFilePath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, file `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" not found."^""; $skippedCount++; exit 0; }; $originalAcl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $accessGranted = $false; try { $acl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $acl.SetOwner($adminAccount) <# Take Ownership (because file is owned by TrustedInstaller) #>; $acl.AddAccessRule($adminFullControlAccessRule) <# Grant rights to be able to move the file #>; Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $acl -ErrorAction Stop; $accessGranted = $true; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to grant access to `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; if ($revert -eq $true) { $newFilePath = $originalFilePath.Substring(0, $originalFilePath.Length - 4); } else { $newFilePath = "^""$($originalFilePath).OLD"^""; }; try { Move-Item -LiteralPath "^""$($originalFilePath)"^"" -Destination "^""$newFilePath"^"" -Force -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully processed `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; $renamedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $newFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to rename `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" to `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $failedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; }; }; if (($renamedCount -gt 0) -or ($skippedCount -gt 0)) { Write-Host "^""Successfully processed $renamedCount items and skipped $skippedCount items."^""; }; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to process $($failedCount) items."^""; }; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null"
:: Soft delete files matching pattern: "%SYSTEMDRIVE%\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_*_cw5n1h2txyewy\*" with additional permissions 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""%SYSTEMDRIVE%\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_*_cw5n1h2txyewy\*"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $renamedCount   = 0; $skippedCount   = 0; $failedCount    = 0; Add-Type -TypeDefinition "^""using System;`r`nusing System.Runtime.InteropServices;`r`npublic class Privileges {`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n    internal static extern bool AdjustTokenPrivileges(IntPtr htok, bool disall,`r`n        ref TokPriv1Luid newst, int len, IntPtr prev, IntPtr relen);`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n    internal static extern bool OpenProcessToken(IntPtr h, int acc, ref IntPtr phtok);`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", SetLastError = true)]`r`n    internal static extern bool LookupPrivilegeValue(string host, string name, ref long pluid);`r`n    [StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential, Pack = 1)]`r`n    internal struct TokPriv1Luid {`r`n        public int Count;`r`n        public long Luid;`r`n        public int Attr;`r`n    }`r`n    internal const int SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED = 0x00000002;`r`n    internal const int TOKEN_QUERY = 0x00000008;`r`n    internal const int TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES = 0x00000020;`r`n    public static bool AddPrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n        try {`r`n            bool retVal;`r`n            TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n            IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n            IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n            retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n            tp.Count = 1;`r`n            tp.Luid = 0;`r`n            tp.Attr = SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED;`r`n            retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n            retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n            return retVal;`r`n        } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n            throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n        }`r`n    }`r`n    public static bool RemovePrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n        try {`r`n            bool retVal;`r`n            TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n            IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n            IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n            retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n            tp.Count = 1;`r`n            tp.Luid = 0;`r`n            tp.Attr = 0;  // This line is changed to revoke the privilege`r`n            retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n            retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n            return retVal;`r`n        } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n            throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n        }`r`n    }`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""kernel32.dll`"^"", CharSet = CharSet.Auto)]`r`n    public static extern IntPtr GetCurrentProcess();`r`n}"^""; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null; $adminSid = New-Object System.Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier 'S-1-5-32-544'; $adminAccount = $adminSid.Translate([System.Security.Principal.NTAccount]); $adminFullControlAccessRule = New-Object System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemAccessRule( $adminAccount, [System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemRights]::FullControl, [System.Security.AccessControl.AccessControlType]::Allow ); $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { if (Test-Path -Path $path -PathType Container) { Write-Host "^""Skipping folder (not its contents): `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; if($revert -eq $true) { if (-not $path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping non-backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; } else { if ($path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; }; $originalFilePath = $path; Write-Host "^""Processing file: `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path $originalFilePath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, file `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" not found."^""; $skippedCount++; exit 0; }; $originalAcl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $accessGranted = $false; try { $acl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $acl.SetOwner($adminAccount) <# Take Ownership (because file is owned by TrustedInstaller) #>; $acl.AddAccessRule($adminFullControlAccessRule) <# Grant rights to be able to move the file #>; Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $acl -ErrorAction Stop; $accessGranted = $true; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to grant access to `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; if ($revert -eq $true) { $newFilePath = $originalFilePath.Substring(0, $originalFilePath.Length - 4); } else { $newFilePath = "^""$($originalFilePath).OLD"^""; }; try { Move-Item -LiteralPath "^""$($originalFilePath)"^"" -Destination "^""$newFilePath"^"" -Force -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully processed `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; $renamedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $newFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to rename `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" to `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $failedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; }; }; if (($renamedCount -gt 0) -or ($skippedCount -gt 0)) { Write-Host "^""Successfully processed $renamedCount items and skipped $skippedCount items."^""; }; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to process $($failedCount) items."^""; }; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null"
:: Enable removal of system app 'Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost' by marking it as "EndOfLife"
:: Create "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_cw5n1h2txyewy" registry key
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_cw5n1h2txyewy'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; $userSid = (New-Object System.Security.Principal.NTAccount($env:USERNAME)).Translate([Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier]).Value; $registryPath = $registryPath.Replace('$CURRENT_USER_SID', $userSid); if (Test-Path $registryPath) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry path `"^""$registryPath`"^"" already exists."^""; exit 0; }; try { New-Item -Path $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully created the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to create the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Uninstall 'Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost' Store app
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "Get-AppxPackage 'Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost' | Remove-AppxPackage"
:: Mark 'Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost' as deprovisioned to block reinstall during Windows updates.
:: Create "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\Deprovisioned\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_cw5n1h2txyewy" registry key
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\Deprovisioned\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_cw5n1h2txyewy'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; if (Test-Path $registryPath) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry path `"^""$registryPath`"^"" already exists."^""; exit 0; }; try { New-Item -Path $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully created the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to create the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Remove the registry key "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_cw5n1h2txyewy" (Revert 'Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost' to its default, non-removable state.)
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_cw5n1h2txyewy'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; $userSid = (New-Object System.Security.Principal.NTAccount($env:USERNAME)).Translate([Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier]).Value; $registryPath = $registryPath.Replace('$CURRENT_USER_SID', $userSid); Write-Host "^""Removing registry key at `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; if (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $registryPath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry key `"^""$registryPath`"^"" does not exist."^""; exit 0; }; try { Remove-Item -LiteralPath $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully removed the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Soft delete files matching pattern: "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\*"  
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\*"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $renamedCount   = 0; $skippedCount   = 0; $failedCount    = 0; $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { if (Test-Path -Path $path -PathType Container) { Write-Host "^""Skipping folder (not its contents): `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; if($revert -eq $true) { if (-not $path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping non-backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; } else { if ($path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; }; $originalFilePath = $path; Write-Host "^""Processing file: `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path $originalFilePath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, file `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" not found."^""; $skippedCount++; exit 0; }; if ($revert -eq $true) { $newFilePath = $originalFilePath.Substring(0, $originalFilePath.Length - 4); } else { $newFilePath = "^""$($originalFilePath).OLD"^""; }; try { Move-Item -LiteralPath "^""$($originalFilePath)"^"" -Destination "^""$newFilePath"^"" -Force -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully processed `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; $renamedCount++; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to rename `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" to `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $failedCount++; }; }; if (($renamedCount -gt 0) -or ($skippedCount -gt 0)) { Write-Host "^""Successfully processed $renamedCount items and skipped $skippedCount items."^""; }; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to process $($failedCount) items."^""; }"
:: Soft delete files matching pattern: "%PROGRAMDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\AppRepository\Packages\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_*_cw5n1h2txyewy\*" with additional permissions 
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""%PROGRAMDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\AppRepository\Packages\Microsoft.Win32WebViewHost_*_cw5n1h2txyewy\*"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $renamedCount   = 0; $skippedCount   = 0; $failedCount    = 0; Add-Type -TypeDefinition "^""using System;`r`nusing System.Runtime.InteropServices;`r`npublic class Privileges {`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n    internal static extern bool AdjustTokenPrivileges(IntPtr htok, bool disall,`r`n        ref TokPriv1Luid newst, int len, IntPtr prev, IntPtr relen);`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", ExactSpelling = true, SetLastError = true)]`r`n    internal static extern bool OpenProcessToken(IntPtr h, int acc, ref IntPtr phtok);`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""advapi32.dll`"^"", SetLastError = true)]`r`n    internal static extern bool LookupPrivilegeValue(string host, string name, ref long pluid);`r`n    [StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential, Pack = 1)]`r`n    internal struct TokPriv1Luid {`r`n        public int Count;`r`n        public long Luid;`r`n        public int Attr;`r`n    }`r`n    internal const int SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED = 0x00000002;`r`n    internal const int TOKEN_QUERY = 0x00000008;`r`n    internal const int TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES = 0x00000020;`r`n    public static bool AddPrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n        try {`r`n            bool retVal;`r`n            TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n            IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n            IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n            retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n            tp.Count = 1;`r`n            tp.Luid = 0;`r`n            tp.Attr = SE_PRIVILEGE_ENABLED;`r`n            retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n            retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n            return retVal;`r`n        } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n            throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n        }`r`n    }`r`n    public static bool RemovePrivilege(string privilege) {`r`n        try {`r`n            bool retVal;`r`n            TokPriv1Luid tp;`r`n            IntPtr hproc = GetCurrentProcess();`r`n            IntPtr htok = IntPtr.Zero;`r`n            retVal = OpenProcessToken(hproc, TOKEN_ADJUST_PRIVILEGES | TOKEN_QUERY, ref htok);`r`n            tp.Count = 1;`r`n            tp.Luid = 0;`r`n            tp.Attr = 0;  // This line is changed to revoke the privilege`r`n            retVal = LookupPrivilegeValue(null, privilege, ref tp.Luid);`r`n            retVal = AdjustTokenPrivileges(htok, false, ref tp, 0, IntPtr.Zero, IntPtr.Zero);`r`n            return retVal;`r`n        } catch (Exception ex) {`r`n            throw new Exception(`"^""Failed to adjust token privileges`"^"", ex);`r`n        }`r`n    }`r`n    [DllImport(`"^""kernel32.dll`"^"", CharSet = CharSet.Auto)]`r`n    public static extern IntPtr GetCurrentProcess();`r`n}"^""; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::AddPrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null; $adminSid = New-Object System.Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier 'S-1-5-32-544'; $adminAccount = $adminSid.Translate([System.Security.Principal.NTAccount]); $adminFullControlAccessRule = New-Object System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemAccessRule( $adminAccount, [System.Security.AccessControl.FileSystemRights]::FullControl, [System.Security.AccessControl.AccessControlType]::Allow ); $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { if (Test-Path -Path $path -PathType Container) { Write-Host "^""Skipping folder (not its contents): `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; if($revert -eq $true) { if (-not $path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping non-backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; } else { if ($path.EndsWith('.OLD')) { Write-Host "^""Skipping backup file: `"^""$path`"^""."^""; $skippedCount++; continue; }; }; $originalFilePath = $path; Write-Host "^""Processing file: `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; if (-Not (Test-Path $originalFilePath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, file `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" not found."^""; $skippedCount++; exit 0; }; $originalAcl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $accessGranted = $false; try { $acl = Get-Acl -Path "^""$originalFilePath"^""; $acl.SetOwner($adminAccount) <# Take Ownership (because file is owned by TrustedInstaller) #>; $acl.AddAccessRule($adminFullControlAccessRule) <# Grant rights to be able to move the file #>; Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $acl -ErrorAction Stop; $accessGranted = $true; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to grant access to `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; if ($revert -eq $true) { $newFilePath = $originalFilePath.Substring(0, $originalFilePath.Length - 4); } else { $newFilePath = "^""$($originalFilePath).OLD"^""; }; try { Move-Item -LiteralPath "^""$($originalFilePath)"^"" -Destination "^""$newFilePath"^"" -Force -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully processed `"^""$originalFilePath`"^""."^""; $renamedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $newFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to rename `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"" to `"^""$newFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $failedCount++; if ($accessGranted) { try { Set-Acl -Path $originalFilePath -AclObject $originalAcl -ErrorAction Stop; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to restore access on `"^""$originalFilePath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; }; }; if (($renamedCount -gt 0) -or ($skippedCount -gt 0)) { Write-Host "^""Successfully processed $renamedCount items and skipped $skippedCount items."^""; }; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to process $($failedCount) items."^""; }; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeRestorePrivilege') | Out-Null; [Privileges]::RemovePrivilege('SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege') | Out-Null"
Help

How to apply or restore "Remove "Win32 Web View Host" / "Desktop App Web Viewer" app" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Command Prompt
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
 View step-by-step guide with screenshots
  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

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This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

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