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Microsoft Silverlight (64-bit) logo

Microsoft Silverlight (64-bit)

By Microsoft Free

Key Details of Microsoft Silverlight (64-bit)

  • Rich Multimedia Experiences
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
  • Powerful Development Tools
  • Hardware Acceleration

Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Jan 17, 2024

Microsoft Silverlight (64-bit) was developed by Microsoft in the late 2000s with the goal of revolutionizing online experiences. This web plugin aimed to offer features that went beyond traditional HTML and Flash, such as rich multimedia capabilities, interactive applications, and cross-platform compatibility.

Some of Silverlight's strengths include enhanced multimedia capabilities, such as smoother video playback, higher-quality audio, and more advanced animation capabilities compared to Flash. It also offers a familiar development environment for developers already familiar with the Microsoft ecosystem, using .NET languages and tools. Additionally, Silverlight supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and mobile platforms like Windows Phone and Nokia S60.

However, Silverlight has its weaknesses. Despite Microsoft's efforts, it never achieved widespread adoption outside of Windows. Browser vendors like Chrome and Firefox refuse to support it, citing security concerns and competition with their own web technologies. Additionally, Silverlight requires users to install a plugin, creating an extra barrier to entry compared to native web technologies. Silverlight also has security vulnerabilities, further eroding trust and hindering adoption.

In conclusion, Microsoft Silverlight (64-bit) is a well-intentioned attempt to push the boundaries of web experiences. However, its limited platform support, plugin dependency, and security issues ultimately doomed its success. While it offers some advantages, especially for multimedia applications, the rise of HTML5 and other open web standards renders Silverlight obsolete.

Silverlight's inability to achieve widespread adoption outside of Windows is a major factor in its limited success. Browser vendors' refusal to support it due to security concerns and competition with their own web technologies further hindered its adoption. Additionally, the requirement for users to install a plugin creates an extra barrier to entry, making it less appealing to users who are already familiar with native web technologies.

Furthermore, Silverlight's security vulnerabilities have also contributed to its decline. Security is a major concern for web developers and users, and Silverlight's vulnerabilities have made it a less appealing option. This has led to a decline in usage and a shift towards more secure and open web standards like HTML5.

Despite its decline, Silverlight still has its advantages, especially for multimedia applications. Its ability to handle high-quality video, audio, and animation made it a popular choice for developers creating multimedia content. However, the rise of HTML5 and other open web standards has made it less necessary for developers to rely on proprietary technologies like Silverlight.

In summary, Microsoft Silverlight (64-bit) was a well-intentioned attempt to revolutionize online experiences, but its limited platform support, plugin dependency, and security issues ultimately doomed its success. While it offers some advantages, especially for multimedia applications, the rise of HTML5

Full Specifications

What's new in version 5.1.50907.0

Version 5.1.50907.0 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

General

Release December 14, 2018
Date Added December 14, 2018
Version 5.1.50907.0

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Windows 10, Windows 2003, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, Windows 11, Windows, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows XP
Additional Requirements None

Popularity

Total Downloads 154,030
Downloads Last Week 101
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User Reviews

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Developer's Description

Microsoft Silverlight (64-bit) is a cross-platform, cross-browser, and cross-device plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web.
Now with new mobile device focused implementations of Silverlight, developers and designers can easily take existing code, assets, skills, and tools and deliver superior user experiences on mobile devices. With initial support for Windows Mobile and Nokia S60 (including any S60 based handset) mobile operating systems Silverlight provides broad reach into the mobile space. Microsoft Silverlight is in the Other Browser Add-ons & Plug-ins category of the Browsers section.
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