Evergreen Webview2 ((free)) -
Evergreen WebView2 Runtime is a distribution model for the Microsoft Edge WebView2
The WebView2 Evergreen distribution model delivers the optimal balance between application agility and desktop stability. By shifting the burden of security compliance, performance tuning, and web standard updates to Microsoft, engineering teams can focus entirely on building stellar user experiences.
catch (Exception ex) when (ex.Message.Contains("Runtime missing"))
Shipping the Fixed Version runtime adds ~150-180 MB to your installer. The Evergreen model keeps your app lightweight—sometimes as small as 100 KB for the bootstrapper. evergreen webview2
Web browsers are frequent targets for security exploits. In the Evergreen model, Microsoft pushes security updates directly to the runtime. Your application receives these critical patches immediately without requiring you to issue an app update. Reduced Disk Space and Memory
Microsoft ensures that new updates do not break backward compatibility with older WebView2 APIs. Best Practices for Developers
The runtime fetches updates independently of the application, ensuring security and compatibility with modern web standards. Evergreen WebView2 Runtime is a distribution model for
Apps automatically inherit modern web capabilities, such as the latest ECMAScript features, CSS layouts, and security protocols. Key Benefits of the Evergreen Model
Microsoft Edge WebView2 is a control that allows developers to embed web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) into native applications (WinUI 2, WinUI 3, WinForms, WPF, Win32). Unlike the old EdgeHTML-based WebView (Edge Legacy), WebView2 relies on the Chromium-based Edge browser engine.
Developers typically ensure the runtime is present on client machines through several methods: Plan for Forward Compatibility
While Evergreen is recommended, it is important to understand the alternative: . Evergreen WebView2 Fixed Version WebView2 Updates Automatic, silent updates Manual, controlled by developer Size Small app size, shared runtime Larger app size (bundled) Security Always up-to-date Requires manual patching Compatibility Best for modern apps Best for locked-down or offline apps
While Windows 10/11 comes with Edge, it is best practice to check if the WebView2 Runtime is installed. If not, use the bootstrapper to install it.
By understanding the deployment options (bootstrapper vs. standalone installer), implementing proper update handling logic, and following Microsoft's official best practices, you can harness the full potential of WebView2 to build powerful, modern, and future-ready Windows applications that seamlessly integrate the best of the web and the native desktop.
// Example using C# (WPF/WinForms) try var version = CoreWebView2Environment.GetAvailableBrowserVersionString(); // Proceed with initialization catch (WebView2RuntimeNotFoundException) // Trigger bootstrapper or alert user Use code with caution. Plan for Forward Compatibility
