[Feature]: Deduplication of runtime files in WebView2 (up against Edge) #5331
Description
Describe the feature/enhancement you need
I would like to request deduplication of files common between WebView2 and the Microsoft Edge browser front-end. Without it, it increases the overall end-system deployment footprint by up to 200%.
The scenario/use case where you would use this feature
In all runtime installations; saving approximately 1.5GB* of system disk space.
Estimation based on current versions, approx 750MB per file set within Edge, EdgeCore and EdgeWebView, assuming that only one set of files in each; though this may be more when phasing out an older version.
How important is this request to you?
Nice to have. There are other ways to tackle this, but having official API support would be beneficial.
Suggested implementation
The Edge/WebView2 ecosystem should be done in three parts:
- Common Files:
Libraries and helpers that neither of the two would work properly without (msedge.dll,msedge_elf.dll,libEGL.dll, and so-on) - WebView2-exclusive:
Files that are not used by the Edge frontend, but embedded in other apps (msedgewebview2.exe) - Edge-exclusive:
Files that are used by the Edge frontend, but not by WebView2 embedded in apps
The following paths should be deprecated and then into retirement:
%ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft\EdgeCore%ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft\EdgeWebView
For further simplification and ease of management, the main installation path should be brought forward by one level, so that...
%ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft\Edge\Application\{version}
...becomes...%ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft\Edge\{version}
Following this paradigm will maintain the possibility of having multiple versions present where there is a deployment scenario that requires it whilst at the same time drastically reduce the count of 100%-identical files appearing in multiple places. In the event that a specific set of files are in-use, such as by SearchHost.exe in the Windows 11 shell, removal can be deferred until other apps using WebView2 detect and begin using newer versions, such as after a system restart or at the end of a user session.
One additional benefit is that it reduces update download size.
Note: %ProgramFiles(x86)% has been used in this request, as that is usually where Edge and WebView2 files are installed, despite them being 64-bit.
What does your app do? Is there a pending deadline for this request?
No response