Evergreen | Webview2
For years, developers faced a major headache: how to embed web content into desktop apps without forcing users to download massive runtimes or dealing with outdated, insecure browser engines. Enter , and more specifically, its Evergreen distribution mode.
If ten different apps on a user’s machine use Evergreen WebView2, they all share the same set of binaries on the disk. This saves significant storage space compared to every app bringing its own "Fixed" version. How it Works: The Runtime and the Loader
The "Evergreen" model represents a shift toward a more secure, collaborative ecosystem. By leveraging , you stop being a "browser maintainer" and go back to being an "app developer." You get the power of Chromium with the ease of a system-managed service. evergreen webview2
On Windows 10 and 11, the Evergreen WebView2 Runtime is often already installed as part of the OS or alongside Microsoft Edge.
If you’re building for Windows, the Evergreen WebView2 control is likely the most efficient way to bring the power of the modern web into your native applications. Here is everything you need to know about what it is, why it matters, and how it works. What is Evergreen WebView2? For years, developers faced a major headache: how
Instead of checking version numbers, use JavaScript feature detection to ensure the environment supports the APIs you need. Conclusion
While Evergreen is the recommendation for 99% of use cases, there are times to consider the alternative: Evergreen WebView2 Fixed Version Automatic (Microsoft) Manual (Developer) Disk Space Low (Shared) High (Bundled) Stability Small risk of breaking changes Absolute version control Offline Use Requires initial sync Works fully offline This saves significant storage space compared to every
Since the runtime can update while your app is running, listen for the NewBrowserVersionAvailable event to prompt a restart if a critical update occurs.