Microsoft has introduced a significant update to the Entra ID application sign-in experience through the Web Account Manager (WAM). Starting with KB5072033 (OS Builds 26200.7462 and 26100.7462) or later, users can now enable WebView2, a Chromium-based web control, to authenticate within applications.
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WebView2 serves as a user interface component that renders web content, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, directly within a native application. Rather than launching an external browser, this embedded browser engine runs web-based interfaces right in the application window. Windows 11 frequently includes WebViews to mix web-sourced information with a native appearance, particularly during authentication processes where users enter credentials. Moreover, the updated Calendar Agenda is also a WebView2 thing.
Key Advantages of WebView2 Integration with Entra ID
- Modern Standards: Built on Chromium, WebView2 supports current web technologies, enabling more responsive and visually consistent sign-in interfaces compatible with frameworks such as React and Fluent UI.
- Future-Ready Capabilities: Facilitates advanced authentication methods including passwordless sign-in, passkeys, and seamless enforcement of Conditional Access policies with reduced redirects and user friction.
- Enhanced Compatibility: Strengthens support for third-party identity providers and enterprise applications that depend on modern web frameworks, ensuring uniform user experiences across varied deployments.
Enabling WebView2 for Entra ID
Administrators may activate WebView2 support by setting a registry value after installing the mentioned update. The configuration involves the following steps:
- Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AAD.- If the
AADkey does not exist, create it under theWindowskey.
- If the
- Create a new DWORD value named
WebView2Integrationand assign it a value of1.
Following this change, authentication in applications such as Teams, Feedback Hub, Office, and Edge will utilize WebView2. Note that the Microsoft.AAD.Brokerplugin process must be restarted for the update to take effect if it is already running or suspended.
Disabling WebView2 Integration
To revert to the previous sign-in method, set the same registry value WebView2Integration to 0. This action immediately disables WebView2 usage for Entra ID authentication flows.
The official announcement is here. Thanks to thecommunity for the heads-up.
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