
Microsoft Edge WebView2 is a powerful tool that allows developers to embed the Microsoft Edge browser in their applications. It's a great way to bring the Edge browsing experience to your desktop and mobile apps.
WebView2 is based on the Chromium project, which is the same open-source project that powers Google Chrome. This means that WebView2 shares many of the same features and capabilities as Chrome.
To get started with WebView2, you'll need to install it on your system. The installation process is straightforward, but it does require administrative privileges.
Microsoft Edge WebView2 is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
What Is Edge WebView
Edge WebView is a built-in viewer for web content. It's built on the new Chromium-based Edge Microsoft introduced in 2020.
Edge WebView is used to display login windows for SSO (AzureAD) as well as other system services. This includes the map drive client and the administration features on the server.
The built-in IE mini browser on the client, which has been used since Windows XP, is being replaced by Edge WebView. This is because the IE mini browser is now end of life by Microsoft.
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Installation
Microsoft Edge WebView2 is a powerful tool that can be downloaded and installed using the Microsoft Evergreen Bootstrapper by MyWorkDrive during install.
No additional action is required to use Edge WebView under normal circumstances, but if you're experiencing installation issues, you'll need to take extra steps.
The installation of the Map Drive client will be incomplete if the Edge WebView component is not installed, impacting usability, especially if you use an SSO for login or Duo as part of your sign-in process.
Security settings, firewall rules, lack of an internet connection, or installed security products may prevent the installation or running of the Edge WebView component.
If the Edge WebView installation fails, you can manually install it or use the Open in Browser link to use a browser on the server.
Here are some common issues and their solutions:
To check if you already have the driver installed, simply look for Microsoft Edge WebView2 in your installed apps.
If you need to install it manually, you can find the download link for your version of Windows (x86, x64) and run the installation package.
Using Edge WebView
To create a simple WPF application with WebView2, you'll need to start by creating a new WPF App project in Visual Studio. This can be done by opening Visual Studio and selecting File > New > Project, then choosing the WPF App (.NET Framework) project template.
You'll also need to install the WebView2 SDK, which can be done by right-clicking on your project in the Solution Explorer and selecting Manage NuGet Packages. Search for and install the Microsoft.Web.WebView2 package.
To add a WebView2 control to your application's user interface, you can simply drag and drop it from the toolbox window onto the design surface of your main form. This will give you a basic window with a WebView2 control that can be used to display web content.
To navigate to a website within the WebView2 control, you can set its Source property to the URL of the website you want to display. For example, you can set it to "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/" to display the Microsoft website.
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When to Use in Edge
Using Edge WebView can be a game-changer for your development projects. You can develop hybrid applications that combine the best of web and native features, providing a more flexible and satisfying user experience.
Hybrid applications are perfect for projects that require a mix of web and native functionality. By using Edge WebView, you can create apps that seamlessly integrate web content with native features.
Modern UI development often requires dynamic web content, and Edge WebView is well-suited for this task. It can integrate web content seamlessly into your modern user interface.
Outdated applications can also benefit from Edge WebView. It can revitalize these applications by incorporating cutting-edge web technologies without requiring a complete rewrite.
If you're working on a progressive web app (PWA), Edge WebView is a great option. You can host your PWA within your native app, enabling offline access and a more integrated user experience.
Here are some specific use cases for Edge WebView:
- Hybrid applications
- Modern UI
- Old Application Modernization
- Progressive web apps (PWAs)
Using Microsoft Edge Browser
You can use Microsoft Edge browser in your application by incorporating the WebView2 control, which allows you to host web content seamlessly within your native app.
The WebView2 control can be used to develop hybrid applications that combine the advantages of web and native features, providing improved flexibility and user satisfaction.
To get started, you'll need to create a WPF App and install the WebView2 SDK, which can be done by right-clicking on your project in the Solution Explorer and selecting Manage NuGet Packages.
The WebView2 control can be easily incorporated into your application's user interface by dragging and dropping it from the toolbox window in Visual Studio.
To show a website in the WebView2 control, you'll need to use its navigation techniques in your code, which can be done by setting the Source property to the URL of the website you want to display.
Here are some scenarios where you can use the WebView2 control:
- Hybrid applications
- Modern UI
- Old Application Modernization
- Progressive web apps (PWAs)
To build and run your application, simply save your project and press F5, and the WebView2 control will appear blank initially, displaying the website you've specified.
Requirements and Setup
To get started with Microsoft Edge WebView2, you'll need to meet a few necessary requirements. You should have installed Visual Studio, if not, you can download it from https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/downloads/.
For your project, ensure you have the appropriate version of .NET Framework or .NET Core installed, depending on your project type.
Before you can start implementing WebView2, you'll need to manage your NuGet packages. In the Solution Explorer, right-click on your project and choose Manage NuGet Packages.
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Requirements Before Implementation
Before you start implementing, make sure you have the right tools in place. You'll need to have Visual Studio installed, which you can download from the official website: https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/downloads/.
Visual Studio supports both .NET Framework and .NET Core projects, so ensure you have the correct version installed for your project type.
To manage your project's dependencies, navigate to the Solution Explorer and right-click on your project. From the context menu, choose Manage NuGet Packages.
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Windows Server

Windows Server supports the latest WebView2 apps, and you can run these apps on the following versions:
- Windows Server 2016 (LTSC)
- Windows Server 2019 (LTSC)
- Windows Server 2022 (LTSC)
- Windows Server (SAC)
You can find more information on supported operating systems at Windows Server in Microsoft Edge supported Operating Systems.
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Troubleshooting
If the Edge WebView installation fails, don't panic. You can try manually installing it, or use the Open in Browser link to access MyWorkDrive through a browser like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
To troubleshoot Edge WebView installation issues, consider the following scenarios:
- If you're an end user with a managed workstation, contact your corporate IT department for assistance.
- If you're an end user with personal equipment, ensure you have an internet connection and try manually installing Edge WebView with the download link.
- If you're an administrator, review the information about Edge WebView usage and installation.
In some cases, security settings, firewall rules, or installed security products may prevent the installation or running of the Edge WebView component.
Installation Issues
Installation Issues can be frustrating, but don't worry, I've got some help for you. If the Edge WebView component is not installed, the Map Drive client installation will be incomplete, and you might experience usability issues, especially if you use SSO or Duo for login.
Security settings, firewall rules, or lack of an internet connection can prevent the installation or running of the Edge WebView component. You might need to manually install it or adjust local security products.

Manually installing Edge WebView can be a solution if the installer fails. You can download the correct version for your Windows version (x86 or x64) and run it.
If you're an end user installing on your personal equipment, an internet connection is required during the installation of MyWorkDrive. If you're unable to complete the download and install, you can try using the Web Client to access MyWorkDrive until you get assistance from an IT service.
If you're an Administrator responsible for MyWorkDrive, review the information about the usage and installation of Edge WebView.
If the Edge WebView installation fails, you can choose to manually install it or use the Open in Browser link to access MyWorkDrive in a browser (just make sure it's not Internet Explorer, but Chrome, Edge, or Firefox are okay).
Check Installed Driver
Before you start troubleshooting, it's essential to check if the driver you're looking for is already installed.

Microsoft Edge WebView2 is a component that might have been automatically installed on your computer by Microsoft.
If you have one of the latest versions of Windows, it's highly unlikely that you'll need to perform any manual actions.
Just check your installed apps to see if this component is already on your PC.
Benefits and Features
Microsoft Edge WebView2 offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive choice for developers. You can utilize the entire web platform, libraries, tooling, and talent that exists within the web ecosystem.
With WebView2, you can rapidly innovate and deploy new features, allowing for faster iteration and a more dynamic user experience. This is especially useful for developers who need to keep up with changing user needs and preferences.
One of the key advantages of WebView2 is its support for Windows 10 and 11, ensuring a consistent user experience across different platforms. This is a major plus for developers who need to support a wide range of users.
Here are some of the key benefits of WebView2:
- Accelerated progress: Utilize the extensive array of web technologies (libraries, frameworks, and tools) to speed up development timelines and minimize coding workload.
- Flexibility: Merge web components with native apps, empowering the development of interactive and advanced applications.
- Enhanced user satisfaction: Blend the top features of web and native app experiences, providing users with a recognizable and visually pleasing interface.
- Budget-friendly solutions: Cut down on development and upkeep expenses by making use of established web technologies and expertise.
WebView2 also offers the option to package a specific version of the Chromium bits in your app, giving you more control over the development process. This can be especially useful for developers who need to support legacy systems or users with specific requirements.
Overall, Microsoft Edge WebView2 is a powerful tool that can help developers create more robust, functional, and user-friendly applications. By leveraging the web ecosystem and native capabilities, you can create applications that are both innovative and cost-effective.
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Platforms and Environments
Microsoft Edge WebView2 is a powerful tool for integrating web content into your desktop applications. It supports a wide range of programming environments and devices.
WebView2 is supported on Win32 C/C++, .NET Framework 4.6.2 or later, .NET Core 3.1 or later, .NET 5 or later, WinUI 2.0, and WinUI 3.0.
If you're looking to develop your app, it's recommended to start with a set-up of your environment and ensure the samples build and run on your machine. This will give you a solid foundation to build upon.
WebView2 is compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11, providing an excellent user experience across both versions of Microsoft's operating system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Microsoft Edge WebView2 on my computer?
To use Office features that rely on WebView2, you need Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime installed on your device. This ensures seamless access to these features.
Is it okay to uninstall Microsoft Edge WebView2?
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge WebView2 is not recommended due to its frequent updates and potential disruption to apps that rely on it. Consider the impact on your apps before proceeding with uninstallation.
What is the difference between Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime?
Microsoft Edge is a full-featured browser, while Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime is a component that allows developers to embed browser functionality into their apps, with some features modified or removed for non-browser use. This distinction enables a range of innovative applications, but also requires careful consideration of the trade-offs involved.
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