Microsoft offers two distinct distributions of WebView2. The "Evergreen" distinction separates them from the "Fixed Version."
Before your application attempts to create a WebView2 control, your code should programmatically check if the Evergreen WebView2 Runtime is already installed on the client system. This proactive check prevents runtime failures and allows you to gracefully handle cases where the runtime is missing.
is the future of hybrid desktop applications. By bridging the gap between native application capability and modern web standards, it allows developers to build fast, secure, and modern applications with a tiny footprint. If you are building new applications or maintaining old ones, migrating to the Evergreen WebView2 runtime is the most effective way to ensure longevity and security. evergreen webview2
Your app assumes the latest runtime. If Microsoft pushes a breaking change (e.g., deprecating a Web API), your app might break before you can update. However, this is extremely rare in practice.
The runtime is shared across all applications, and on compatible systems, its binaries are hard-linked to the main Microsoft Edge browser, improving memory usage and reducing disk storage requirements. How It Works: Distribution and Updates Microsoft offers two distinct distributions of WebView2
This comparison is vital for understanding when Evergreen is the appropriate choice.
Let’s get practical. Here is how you set up an Evergreen WebView2 in a common scenario: a .NET 8 WPF application. is the future of hybrid desktop applications
Because Evergreen WebView2 aligns with the Microsoft Edge update cadence, it receives rapid security patches. When a new vulnerability is found in the Chromium engine, your app is protected shortly after Edge updates, without requiring you to recompile or update your application. 2. Modern Web Standards
The "Evergreen" part of the name refers to the fact that WebView2 is designed to automatically update itself, ensuring that the latest security patches, features, and performance enhancements are always available, without requiring manual intervention. This approach eliminates the need for traditional browser updates, plugin management, and compatibility issues, providing a seamless and efficient experience for developers and users alike.
(Beta, Dev, or Canary) to ensure upcoming updates don't break your site's functionality Microsoft Learn Comparison: Evergreen vs. Fixed Version Enterprise management of WebView2 Runtimes