Google Drive Fails to Launch Due to WebView2 Conflict

This article provides a solution for when Google Drive for Desktop fails after sign-in due to a conflict with software that blocks Microsoft's Edge WebView2 component.

Issue Description

The Google Drive application (GoogleDriveFS.exe) closes or crashes immediately after a user signs in. The issue occurs for any user on the machine and can be difficult to diagnose as the application's own logs may be misleading.

Affected Systems

Windows 10/11 with Google Drive for Desktop and third-party software that interferes with Microsoft Edge components.

Resolution

Confirm the Cause
Google Drive requires a Microsoft component called Edge WebView2 to run. You can use a tool like Process Explorer to see this dependency. If the msedgewebview2.exe process is blocked by another application, Google Drive will fail to load.
You can still block Edge, just not WebView2
Run EdgeBlocker by Sordum (I typo'd this as "Sorbum" ha!)
^ requires local admin rights.
If you want to still block Edge, click "Block" then make sure "Block Webview2" is unchecked.
Verify the Fix
Launch Google Drive and sign in. The application should now load correctly and show your activity and files.

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