Rich web application framework
Microsoft Silverlight (64-bit) is a web application framework enabling developers to create interactive and engaging online experiences. With robust multimedia support and cross-platform capabilities for Windows and macOS, it delivers compelling user interfaces. Designed to enhance media streaming, online games, and business applications, it remains an asset for organizations maintaining legacy systems while exploring transition paths to modern web standards.
Microsoft Silverlight offers hardware-accelerated graphics rendering for 2D content and introduces basic 3D capabilities in version 5 through an XNA-based API. Its built-in animation framework supports timeline-based animations, easing functions, and keyframes, allowing developers to design rich user interfaces and complex visual effects across application types.
Programming support and development workflow
Applications are primarily developed using managed languages like C# and VB.NET, while JavaScript serves as a bridge between Silverlight and web page DOMs for seamless integration. Development workflows benefit from integration with Visual Studio and Expression Blend, enabling efficient UI design, testing, and deployment. The ability to run applications outside the browser also expands usability, allowing access to system resources beyond the browser sandbox.
Interoperability with HTML and JavaScript
Microsoft Silverlight integrates with HTML and JavaScript using the HTML DOM Bridge, allowing embedded content to interact dynamically with surrounding web elements. This interoperability supports real-time data exchanges and dynamic updates, enhancing the functionality of existing web applications without extensive rewrites. Currently, this plugin-based technology remains operational within Internet Explorer and Edge IE Mode but is incompatible with modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari due to the widespread deprecation of NPAPI plugins.
Packaging, updates, and accessibility tools
Silverlight applications are deployed as compact XAP packages, enabling straightforward distribution and automatic updates for end users. The plugin architecture ensures consistent experiences across supported environments, though first-time installation is still required on new systems. This design reflects the era of plugin-based technologies, now largely replaced by open standards.
Accessibility features include support for keyboard navigation, screen readers, and closed captions for media playback. While the framework offers tools for inclusive application design, successful implementation depends on developers adhering to accessibility best practices during development.
Technical specifications and environment constraints
Microsoft Silverlight supports Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 in both 32-bit and 64-bit configurations, as well as macOS 10.5.8 or later for Intel-based systems. Although Linux support was never official, the now-discontinued Moonlight project once offered limited compatibility. For optimal performance, systems require modern processors and sufficient memory, especially when running high-definition media or resource-intensive applications.
Modern web standards and legacy transition
The Microsoft Silverlight 5.1.50907.0 release (June 2017) delivered stability and security improvements, preceding the final update, version 5.1.50918.0, in January 2019. While new development typically favors HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript frameworks, migration paths such as OpenSilver—built on WebAssembly—enable legacy applications to function in modern browser environments without relying on plugins.
Current use and migration opportunities
Today, Microsoft Silverlight operates primarily within Internet Explorer and Edge IE Mode, as plugin support is no longer present in other modern browsers. For organizations maintaining Silverlight-based solutions, it continues to provide a stable platform while migration plans progress. Its operational footprint remains significant in industries where complete transitions to open web standards are not yet feasible.
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