If the runtime isn't found, you can trigger a "Bootstrapper" during your app's installation. This is a tiny file that downloads and installs the correct runtime for the user’s architecture (x64, ARM, etc.) automatically. Evergreen vs. Fixed Version: Which is right for you?
You want the best security, smallest file size, and the latest web features. Choose Fixed Version if: You are in a highly regulated environment (like a hospital or flight control system) where every single byte of code must be "frozen" and validated for months. Best Practices for Developers
On Windows 10 and 11, the Evergreen WebView2 Runtime is often already installed as part of the OS or alongside Microsoft Edge. evergreen webview2
Always include a check in your app startup code to see if the WebView2 runtime is present. If it’s missing, direct the user to the download page or trigger the bootstrapper.
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 If the runtime isn't found, you can trigger
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.
Since the runtime can update while your app is running, listen for the NewBrowserVersionAvailable event to prompt a restart if a critical update occurs. Fixed Version: Which is right for you
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.
When you use Evergreen WebView2, your application uses a small DLL. When the app starts, the Loader looks for the WebView2 Runtime on the user's machine.
Instead of checking version numbers, use JavaScript feature detection to ensure the environment supports the APIs you need. Conclusion