Microsoft Edge can't read and write to its data directory

If you see the Microsoft Edge can’t read and write to its data directory error while installing or running a program on your Windows 11/10 computer, the solutions provided in this article will help you. This error is related to the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime application. It is an application that provides web-based features to some Microsoft and other third-party applications.

Microsoft Edge can’t read and write to its data directory

The error Microsoft Edge can’t read and write to its data directory is associated with Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime. Hence, it occurs with the applications that use Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime. You may see this error while launching or installing such applications. Some users also experienced this error with games, such as Roblox. Use the following suggestions to fix this error:

Run the required program as an administrator
Repair Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime
Log out from all other user accounts (if applicable)
Check the permissions of the required folder
Reinstall Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime
Disable your antivirus

I have explained all these fixes in detail below.

1] Run the required program as an administrator

One possible cause of this error is the lack of administrator rights. Run the required program as an administrator. Right-click on the exe file of the program and select Run as administrator. Now, see if the error occurs.

If the error occurs while installing a program on your Windows computer, run the installer file with administrator privileges. Right-click on the file and select the Run as administrator option.

2] Repair Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime

Because the error is associated with Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime, repairing it can help fix it. To repair Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime, follow the steps provided below:

Open Windows 11 Settings.
Go to Apps > Installed apps.
Search for Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime.
Click on the three dots next to the application and select Repair. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Click Repair.

After performing the above steps, check if the error is fixed.

3] Log out from all other user accounts (if applicable)

If multiple user accounts exist on your system and more than one user account is active, sign out of all other user accounts. You can check this via the Task Manager. Open the Task Manager and select the Users tab. If multiple user accounts are active, you will see all of them there. In this case, right-click on all other user accounts and select Sign off. This will log out all other user accounts.

4] Check the permissions of the required folder

The next fix requires you to check the permissions of the required folder. The error message indicates that the application you want to install or run does not have access to the folder displayed in the path in the error message.

For example, in the above image, the error occurs while running or installing an AutoDesk program. According to the error message, the program does not have access to the Autodesk folder. Therefore, you need to check the permissions for your username for the Autodesk folder.

Locate the Autodesk folder on your PC as mentioned in the path displayed by the error message and follow the steps provided below:

Right-click on the Autodesk folder and select Properties.
Go to the Security tab.
Click Edit.
Now, select your user name and select the Full Control checkbox under the Allow column.
Click Apply and then click OK.

If this does not work, create Everyone as a new user and grant Full Control to the Everyone user.

5] Reinstall Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime

You can also try reinstalling the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime. This can help fix this error. The latest version of Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime is available on the official website of Microsoft. Visit here to download and install it.

6] Disable your antivirus

Sometimes, antivirus software prevents genuine applications or installer files from running on a Windows computer. This is a false positive flag from the antivirus, which can be avoided. Your antivirus might interfere with the application you want to run or install on your system. I suggest you disable your antivirus and then run or install the application. If the error does not occur while running the application this time, you need to whitelist that application in your antivirus.

That’s it. I hope this helps.

How to fix 403 forbidden error on Microsoft Edge?

The 403 Forbidden error is not limited to Microsoft Edge. It can occur on any web browser. This error occurs in some circumstances, like when the website administrator removes a web page, you type the incorrect website URL, you try to access a web page you do not have permission for, the SSL certificate of the website has expired, etc. To fix this error, you need to contact the website administrator.

How do I disable 403 Forbidden?

You cannot disable the 403 Forbidden error as a user. You need to contact the website administrator and inform him about the error. Only the website administrator can fix this error.