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Will the new WebView2 updates finally stop Windows 11 apps from lagging?
Microsoft’s Strategy for Optimizing Windows 11 Web Architecture
You may have observed a distinct transition in the Windows 11 interface. Microsoft increasingly relies on web-based frameworks to power core system elements. Notable features, such as the Notification Center’s Agenda view, now operate on WebView2. While this architecture allows for rapid development, it often results in a user experience plagued by latency—a phenomenon frequently critiqued as “web-enshittification.” Despite these performance concerns, Microsoft maintains its commitment to this architecture. Rather than reverting to native code, the company focuses on optimizing these complex web applications, with a specific emphasis on heavy utilities like Outlook.
Diagnosing Latency with “Delayed Message Timing”
To address sluggish performance, Microsoft is introducing a new API known as “Delayed Message Timing.” It is crucial to understand that this API acts as a diagnostic instrument rather than an immediate performance patch. It does not automatically speed up applications; instead, it provides developers with the data necessary to locate bottlenecks.
Complex web applications utilize intricate architectures involving multiple windows, iframes, and worker threads. These components communicate via postMessage(). When these messages delay, the interface lags. The new API enables developers to measure exactly where time is lost during these interactions by reporting timings through the Performance APIs.
The Chromium Connection and Future Optimization
The underlying issue stems from the rendering engine. Applications like the new Outlook and WhatsApp for Windows leverage WebView2, which embeds web content using the Microsoft Edge (Chromium) engine. Similarly, apps built on Electron rely on Chromium. This shared dependency explains the generalized heaviness felt across the OS.
By utilizing the “Delayed Message Timing” API, Microsoft aims to pinpoint specific delay causes within the web layer of Outlook. For example, if the application launches but the interface freezes, the API identifies if a delayed postMessage() handling is the culprit. This granular visibility allows engineering teams to refine code efficiency. While this will not instantly transform the Windows 11 experience, it establishes the technical foundation required to make complex WebView2 applications significantly more responsive in future updates.