// Check runtime availability string version = CoreWebView2Environment.GetAvailableBrowserVersionString(); if (version == null)
The Evergreen WebView2 is Microsoft’s solution for embedding web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) into native desktop applications (WinForms, WPF, WinUI, C++). Unlike the fixed-version model, the "Evergreen" runtime automatically stays up-to-date on the user’s machine, similar to Chrome’s auto-update mechanism.
The implementation of Evergreen WebView2 involves several steps, including:
The "Evergreen WebView2" is not a niche feature; it is the default, recommended, and future-proof way to embed web content in Windows applications. Microsoft’s own guidance is clear: Unless you have a specific compliance or offline requirement, use the Evergreen distribution model. evergreen webview2
Critical vulnerabilities in Chromium (e.g., CVE-2023-xxxx) are patched by Microsoft and applied to the Evergreen runtime within days. Users do not wait for each individual app vendor to repackage and deploy an update.
: On compatible systems, binaries for Microsoft Edge and the Evergreen Runtime are hard-linked, optimizing memory and disk usage. Deployment Best Practices
In the modern landscape of Windows software development, building native applications that leverage web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) is no longer just a trend—it's a necessity. has emerged as the premier control for this purpose, allowing developers to embed web content seamlessly into native desktop apps. Microsoft’s own guidance is clear: Unless you have
To appreciate the Evergreen model, it helps to understand the two ways Microsoft allows you to distribute the WebView2 runtime with your app: Fixed Version Mode
To address this, Microsoft recommends implementing the NewBrowserVersionAvailable event handler in your WebView2 applications. This event is triggered when a new version of the Evergreen runtime has been installed on the system but is not yet being used by the running application. The correct flow for this scenario is:
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 : On compatible systems, binaries for Microsoft Edge
For the vast majority of desktop developers, the is the clear and recommended choice. Its automatic updates, minimal disk footprint through hard-linking, and built-in Windows integration provide a modern, secure, and low-friction approach. It is the engine that powers the future of hybrid desktop applications.
Users always have the latest patches without developer intervention.