| Feature | Evergreen Runtime | Fixed Version Runtime | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Automatic (Windows Update) | Manual (Dev must update app) | | App Size | Small (Runtime is separate) | Large (Runtime included in app) | | Disk Usage | Shared system-wide | Exclusive to the app | | Security | Always patched | Dev responsible for patches | | Version Control | Loose (App uses current) | Strict (Dev pins the version) | | Best For | General consumer apps | Specialized/Offline environments |
: In the context of software and web development, "evergreen" refers to a browser or a piece of software that automatically updates itself to the latest version, ensuring that users always have the most current and secure experience. This approach contrasts with traditional software updates that require manual intervention. evergreen webview2
By leveraging WebView2 in your applications, you can create "evergreen" experiences for your users. This means your application will: | Feature | Evergreen Runtime | Fixed Version
Because the runtime is external, there is a slim chance it could be missing. If a user is on a strictly offline machine or has a misconfigured system, the runtime might not be installed. Developers must handle the "Runtime Not Found" exception gracefully. Microsoft provides a link to the "Bootstrapper" (a tiny online installer) or the "Standalone Installer" (an offline-capable installer) to be bundled with the app to mitigate this. This means your application will: Because the runtime
Because the WebView2 engine is not bundled inside your application installer, your app's file size remains small. The WebView2 binaries are roughly 150 MB; excluding them from your package significantly reduces download times for users and storage space on their devices.
The web platform evolves constantly. By using the Evergreen Runtime, your application automatically benefits from the latest rendering optimizations and JavaScript engine upgrades (V8) as soon as they are rolled out to the Edge browser. This ensures your app gets faster and more capable over time.