Systems and methods for zero-footprint email and browser lifecycle, dependency, and configuration management are disclosed. In one embodiment, in an information processing apparatus comprising at least one computer processor, a method for implementing zero-footprint email and browser lifecycle management may include: (1) launching a restricted sandbox with no dependencies installed; (2) executing an email client or browser session with no dependencies in the restricted sandbox; (3) receiving a request for a dependency from the email client or browser; (4) halting initialization of the request; (5) validating the request; (6) retrieving an approved configuration for the dependency; (7) resuming initialization of the request; and (8) destroying contents of the restricted sandbox when the email client or browser session is complete.