The Microsoft Edge WebView2 runtime? control allows embedding web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) in native applications. The WebView2 control uses Microsoft Edge as the drawing engine to display web content in native apps.

In Windows 11, this component is installed on the system by default. In Windows 10, 8.1, and Windows 7, it is automatically installed for users of modern versions of Microsoft Office and is designed to run office applications and integrated web-based components.

Advantages of WebView2:

1. Web ecosystem and skill set: Take advantage of the entire web platform, libraries, tools and talents that exist in the web ecosystem.

2. Rapid innovation: Web development allows rapid deployment and iteration.

3. Windows 7, 8 and 10 support: Supports a consistent user experience across Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.

4. Native functionality: Access the complete set of native APIs.

5. Code sharing: Adding web code to the code base can increase reuse across multiple platforms.

6. Microsoft support: When WebView2 is released to a generally available version (GA), Microsoft will provide support and add new feature requests.

Evergreen distribution. Rely on the latest version of Chromium with regular platform updates and security patches.

Fixed version distribution. It's also possible to package a specific version of Chromium bits in your app.

Incremental adoption. Step by step adding web components to your app.