Evergreen Webview2 Jun 2026

| Feature | Evergreen Runtime | Fixed Version Runtime | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Not packaged with the app; system-wide component. | Packaged directly inside the app bundle. | | Runtime Updates | Automatically updated by Microsoft in the background. | Updates only occur when the developer releases a new app version. | | Disk Space | Shared across all apps using the runtime, minimizing disk footprint. | Each app contains its own copy of the runtime; space usage is multiplied per app. | | Network Dependency | An internet connection is typically required for the initial installation (unless using the offline installer) and for automatic updates. | Can be installed entirely offline; no network dependency after app is deployed. | | Version Control | The app cannot specify or enforce a particular version of the runtime to be used. | The app uses exactly the version it ships with, providing perfect predictability. | | Recommendation | Microsoft's recommended default for most WebView2 apps. | Recommended only for applications with strict compatibility requirements or for deployment on air-gapped systems. |

In software development, "evergreen" means the software automatically updates itself in the background without user intervention. You don't download version 2.0; you just wake up one day and you are on version 2.0.

While Evergreen is recommended, it is important to understand the alternative: . Evergreen WebView2 Fixed Version WebView2 Updates Automatic, silent updates Manual, controlled by developer Size Small app size, shared runtime Larger app size (bundled) Security Always up-to-date Requires manual patching Compatibility Best for modern apps Best for locked-down or offline apps evergreen webview2

Your application installer doesn't need to bundle the entire Edge engine, making the download much smaller 1.2.2. How Evergreen WebView2 Works

To fully leverage the power of the Evergreen model, follow these best practices: | Feature | Evergreen Runtime | Fixed Version

For most new Windows-only desktop applications, WebView2's Evergreen model is the recommended starting point due to its smaller footprint, automatic security updates, and native OS integration.

control that ensures your application always runs on the latest version of the Chromium-based web platform Microsoft Learn | Updates only occur when the developer releases

Are you deploying to a ?

Modern desktop development is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by the need to deliver rich, web-powered user interfaces without the bloat of bundling entire browser engines. At the heart of this shift is Microsoft Edge WebView2—a Chromium-based embedded web control that allows developers to host modern web content directly within native applications. But one question consistently emerges as a critical decision point for developers:

Because the runtime updates automatically (following the Microsoft Edge Stable Channel), it automatically receives security patches, ensuring that your app is protected against newly discovered vulnerabilities without any action required from you. 2. Reduced Application Size