Optimizing App Performance with Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime

How to Install and Update Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime (Step-by-Step)

Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime lets Windows apps host web content using the Microsoft Edge (Chromium) engine. This guide shows how to install WebView2 Runtime and keep it updated, with clear steps for both end users and IT admins.

What you’ll need

• Windows 10 or later (supported versions)
• Admin privileges for system-wide installation (recommended)

1. Choose the right distribution

• Evergreen — Microsoft maintains and auto-updates the runtime. Best for most apps and end users.
• Fixed Version — App bundles a specific runtime version; useful for strict compatibility in controlled environments.

2. Download the runtime

1. Evergreen (recommended):
   • Visit Microsoft’s WebView2 download page and download the Evergreen Standalone Installer (bootstrapper or offline installer).
2. Fixed Version (if required):
   • Download the specific Fixed Version package matching your app from Microsoft’s download site.

(If you prefer direct links, use Microsoft’s official WebView2 page to ensure you get the latest installers.)

3. Install WebView2 Runtime (Evergreen)

1. Run the downloaded installer as an administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
2. Follow the installer prompts; accept the license terms.
3. Wait for installation to complete; the runtime will register with the system.

For enterprise deployment, use the offline installer and your software deployment tool (SCCM, Intune, Group Policy scripts).

4. Install WebView2 Runtime (Fixed Version)

1. Extract the fixed-version package to a deployment folder.
2. Run the appropriate installer (x86/x64) with admin rights.
3. Configure your deployment tool to distribute the fixed version across devices.

5. Verify installation

• Open Command Prompt (cmd) and run:

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  reg query “HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate\Clients” /s 

  Look for a WebView2 or Edge WebView2 Runtime entry.

• Alternatively, check installed programs in Settings → Apps → Installed apps for “Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime.”

6. Update WebView2 Runtime

• Evergreen distribution: updates are automatic via Microsoft Edge update mechanisms (EdgeUpdate). No user action required for most setups.
• Fixed Version: update by downloading and deploying the newer fixed-version package; coordinate with your release and QA process.

Manual update steps (Evergreen)

1. Re-download the latest Evergreen installer from Microsoft.
2. Run it with admin rights; it will update the existing runtime.
3. Verify version via registry or installed apps.

7. Check runtime version programmatically

• From your app, call the WebView2 API to query the runtime version:

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  environment->GetBrowserVersionString(&version); 

• Or use a script to read registry keys under:

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  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate\Clients{F1A9…} 

  (Refer to Microsoft docs for the exact key name for your setup.)

8. Troubleshooting common issues

• Installation fails: run installer as admin, disable antivirus temporarily, check disk space.
• App still uses old engine: ensure your app targets the WebView2 SDK and not legacy components.
• Updates not applied (Evergreen): verify EdgeUpdate service is running and not blocked by firewall or group policy.

9. Enterprise considerations

• Use the Evergreen Standalone Offline Installer for large deployments.
• For strict compatibility, use Fixed Version and schedule updates through your release cycle.
• Configure telemetry and update policies via Group Policy or registry per Microsoft guidance.

10. Resources

• Microsoft WebView2 official documentation and download page (use Microsoft’s site for latest installers and detailed API references).