Microsoft embarks on enhancing the Web app experience on Windows 10

The idea here is to improve the quality of web applications. But web apps aren't entirely new on Windows, so what's new about 'WebView2 Runtime'? According to Microsoft, WebView2 is a new component built on Chromium Edge and it's the successor to EdgeHTML-based WebView, enabling apps to access the latest web technologies. This means you'll have a better web experience and performance.

Microsoft Edge WebView2 serves as a rendering tool to display web-related content within your Windows applications and the next-generation Microsoft 365 services will also rely on it. For instance, WebView2 is mandatory for the Meeting Insights feature in Outlook and it's also essential for Microsoft Teams 'Alpha,' a new PC app expected to launch later this year.

According to Microsoft's official roadmap, this tool is only installed on PCs using Microsoft 365 services. However, tests have shown that Microsoft has installed 'Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime' on computers with Office 2016 Student Edition installed, which is not part of Microsoft 365.

So why the need for WebView2 Runtime on Windows 10? By deploying WebView2 runtime on Windows 10, Microsoft will be able to provide users with Office features that offer consistency in look and feel across all form factors. According to Microsoft, Edge WebView2 runtime will also ensure 'consistent experience' for web-based content/features within Windows 10 apps.

It's worth noting that WebView2 plays a crucial role in certain Microsoft 365 features and apps, but it doesn't require the installation of Microsoft Edge and won't alter your app settings, browser, or search engine. If WebView2 isn't operational on your PC, you won't be able to fully utilize all Microsoft products.

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This is why Microsoft is compelled to deploy WebView2 runtime and there's no way to halt the deployment unless you access the advanced Group Policy editor. Remember that only computers using the latest Microsoft Office products are affected, at least for now.