Microsoft Silverlight was a browser-based framework used to run rich media applications and streaming content. Although it is no longer actively developed and most browsers no longer support it, some legacy enterprise applications still require Silverlight.
If you need to install Microsoft Silverlight on Windows 10 or Windows 11, follow this guide.
Important Note About Silverlight
Microsoft officially ended support for Silverlight on October 12, 2021. It is no longer supported in modern browsers like:
- Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
Silverlight only works in Internet Explorer 11, which is deprecated but still available in certain Windows configurations.
Step 1: Download Microsoft Silverlight
- Visit the official Microsoft Silverlight download page
- Click Download Now
- Save the installer file
Always download from Microsoft’s official website.
Step 2: Install Silverlight
- Open the downloaded installer file
- Click Install now
- Wait for installation to complete
- Restart your browser if required
Installation usually takes less than a minute.
Step 3: Use Silverlight in Internet Explorer 11
Since modern browsers do not support Silverlight, you must use Internet Explorer 11.
To open Internet Explorer:
- Press Windows + R
- Type:
iexplore
- Press Enter
Then open the website that requires Silverlight.
Enable Silverlight Add-on in Internet Explorer
If Silverlight does not load:
- Open Internet Explorer
- Click the Settings gear icon
- Select Manage add-ons
- Find Microsoft Silverlight
- Ensure it is enabled
Restart the browser if needed.
Using IE Mode in Microsoft Edge
On Windows 11 and newer Windows 10 versions, Internet Explorer is disabled. You may need to use IE Mode in Microsoft Edge.
To enable IE Mode:
- Open Microsoft Edge
- Go to Settings
- Select Default browser
- Enable Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode
- Restart Edge
Then reload the website in IE mode.
Note: Silverlight functionality may still be limited depending on system updates.
Troubleshooting Silverlight Installation Issues
If Silverlight fails to install:
- Run installer as administrator
- Disable antivirus temporarily
- Clear browser cache
- Ensure Windows is updated
If the installer says Silverlight is already installed, it may not require reinstallation.
Is Silverlight Still Safe
Silverlight is outdated and unsupported. It may contain security vulnerabilities. Only install it if required for trusted legacy applications.
Avoid using it for general web browsing.
Alternatives to Silverlight
Modern alternatives include:
- HTML5
- WebAssembly
- Modern web frameworks
- Updated enterprise web applications
Most services have migrated away from Silverlight.
Final Thoughts
Installing Microsoft Silverlight on Windows 10 or Windows 11 is still possible, but it only works with Internet Explorer 11 or IE Mode. Since Silverlight is no longer supported by Microsoft, it should only be used for legacy applications in controlled environments.
If possible, consider upgrading the application to a modern alternative.
FAQs
Is Microsoft Silverlight still supported
No, support ended in October 2021.
Does Silverlight work in Chrome or Edge
No, modern browsers do not support it.
Can I install Silverlight on Windows 11
Yes, but it only works with Internet Explorer 11 or IE Mode.
Is Silverlight safe to use
It is outdated and should only be used if absolutely necessary.
What replaced Silverlight
Most services have migrated to HTML5 and modern web technologies.
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