Silverlight (64-bit)

Microsoft Silverlight 64-bit is a powerful development tool for creating engaging, interactive user experiences for Web and mobile applications.

Silverlight is a free plug-in, powered by the .NET framework and compatible with multiple browsers, devices, and operating systems, bringing a new level of interactivity wherever the Webworks.

Microsoft has made the Silverlight browser plug-in freely available for all supported platforms and internet browsers.



It will reach the end of support on October 12, 2021.

Silverlight development framework is currently only supported on Internet Explorer 10 and Internet Explorer 11, with support for Internet Explorer 10 ending on January 31, 2020.

Key Features

IIS Smooth Streaming
IIS Smooth Streaming enables you to deliver high-definition streams that playback smoothly on any device running this program.

PivotViewer
PivotViewer makes it easier to interact with massive amounts of data on the web in ways that are powerful, informative, and fun. By visualizing thousands of related items at once...

SketchFlow
SketchFlow, part of Expression Studio Ultimate, revolutionizes the speed and efficiency with which you can demonstrate a vision for an application. SketchFlow provides an...

Deep Zoom
The tool Deep Zoom is the fastest, smoothest, zooming technology on the Web, bringing the highest resolution images and frame rates...

Pixel Shader
These software-based effects include blur and drop shadow that can be applied to any graphical content and animated. You can also write your own effect.

New Controls
The program is packed with over 60 high-quality, fully skinnable, and customizable out-of-the-box controls such as charting and media, new layout containers...

Media Format Extensibility
With the new Raw AV pipeline, the tool can easily support a wide variety of third-party codecs. Audio and video can be decoded outside the runtime and rendered...

Perspective 3D Graphics
It allows developers and designers to apply content to a 3D plane. Users can rotate or scale live content in space without writing any additional code. Other effects...

Skinning and Styling
It makes it easy to create graphics and then uses them to customize controls, such as the look of a scrollbar. Silver light provides XAML-based templates for each...

How to Use

• Development: Developers could use Microsoft Visual Studio or other compatible development environments to create the applications using .NET languages like C#.
• Deployment: Once an application was developed, it could be hosted on a web server and accessed by users through their web browsers.
• User Interaction: End-users could interact with the applications by simply visiting a website that hosted the application. They would need to have the runtime installed on their computers.

FAQ

Is Silverlight still supported by Microsoft?
No, Silverlight is no longer actively supported or developed by Microsoft since October 2021.

Can I still use Silverlight in my web applications?
While it may still function in some older web browsers, it is not recommended to use the app for new projects due to its deprecated status.

Are there any alternatives to Silverlight for creating rich internet applications?
Yes, alternatives like HTML5, JavaScript frameworks (e.g., Angular, React), and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have largely replaced Silverlight for modern web development.

Can I migrate my existing Silverlight applications to a different platform?
Yes, it is advisable to migrate your applications to a more modern and sustainable technology stack to ensure future compatibility and support.

Where can I find resources for migrating away from Silverlight?
Microsoft and other online resources guide migrating the applications to alternative technologies.

What level of support can Microsoft offer for Silverlight at present?
Microsoft offers technical assistance exclusively for users of Silverlight 5 versions. Paid technical support is accessible for customers encountering issues that go beyond installation and upgrades. Additionally, Microsoft will continue to release updates for the Silverlight 5 Developer Runtime, provided that the supported browser versions maintain compatibility with plug-ins. These updates include patches for security vulnerabilities as determined by the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC).

What happened on October 12, 2021? Will existing applications stop working?
Microsoft does not have any intended actions to deliberately disable applications. Nonetheless, following this date, it will be unsupported, and there will be no forthcoming updates for quality improvements or security enhancements.

Alternatives

HTML5 and JavaScript: These technologies have become the standard for web development, offering rich interactivity and multimedia support without the need for plugins like Silverlight.

Angular, React, and Vue.js: Modern JavaScript frameworks provide powerful tools for building complex web applications with a focus on user experience.

System Requirements

The system requirements for Silverlight varied depending on the version, but generally, it was compatible with Windows and macOS operating systems and worked in multiple web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari.

PROS

• Rich multimedia capabilities.
• Cross-browser compatibility.
• Integration with .NET technologies.
• Seamless user experience.

CONS

• Deprecated and unsupported.
• Limited mobile device support.
• Incompatibility with modern web standards.
• Limited third-party plugin support.

Conclusion

It was once a promising platform for developing rich internet applications, offering impressive multimedia capabilities and cross-browser compatibility.

However, its downfall began with the rise of HTML5, JavaScript, and other modern web technologies, coupled with a decline in browser support and Microsoft's decision to deprecate the framework.

Silverlight is no longer a recommended choice for web development due to its obsolete status and lack of ongoing support. If you have existing Silverlight applications, it's advisable to plan for migration to more modern and sustainable technologies to ensure the longevity and compatibility of your web applications.

Also Available: Silverlight (32-bit) and Silverlight for Mac