Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime

Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime is a free runtime from Microsoft that enables developers to add the Microsoft Edge (Chromium) web view to their Win32 C/C++, WPF, Windows Forms and WinUI applications. This engine allows developers to embed HTML, CSS and JavaScript content in native apps, or to build a whole app inside a single WebView2 control, with support for current web standards. The Evergreen Runtime is preinstalled on Windows 11 and is otherwise installed with a small bootstrapper or a standalone installer for x86, x64 and ARM64.

Features

• Windows Compatibility: Edge WebView2 runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 as well as Windows Server 2016, 2019 and 2022; support for Windows 7 and 8.1 has ended.

The Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime enables developers to build Windows applications with the latest web technologies.

• Chromium Engine: Edge WebView2 uses Microsoft Edge as its rendering engine, so web content looks and behaves as it does in the Edge browser. It also supports the latest web standards, including HTML5 and CSS3.

• Evergreen Updates: the Evergreen Runtime updates itself automatically, so apps that use it receive the latest security patches and platform features.

• Accessibility: Edge WebView2 supports accessibility features such as screen readers, high contrast mode, zoom, and more.

• JavaScript Support: Edge WebView2 offers full support for modern JavaScript libraries, allowing for more complex web applications.

• WebRTC Support: Edge WebView2 supports the WebRTC protocol for real-time communication between web browsers and applications.

• Debugging Tools: developers can open Microsoft Edge DevTools on WebView2 content to troubleshoot and optimize their applications.

• Extensions Support: Edge WebView2 can load browser extensions through its API, allowing developers to customize their applications with additional functionality.

• Internationalization: Edge WebView2 supports multiple languages and character sets, making it easier to create global applications.

• Media Support: Edge WebView2 includes support for media playback, including audio and video.

• Fixed Version Option: instead of the Evergreen Runtime, developers can package a specific runtime version with their app when strict compatibility is required.

• Web Sockets: Edge WebView2 supports web sockets, allowing applications to communicate with web services in real-time.

• Web Workers: Edge WebView2 supports web workers, allowing applications to run background tasks without affecting performance.

• WebGL Support: Edge WebView2 supports the WebGL graphics library, allowing developers to create rich, interactive 3D graphics.

• Flexible Configuration Options: Edge WebView2 allows for a variety of configuration options, including customizing the user agent string and disabling certain features.