We’re thrilled to announce the release of ExeOutput for PHP 2025.0, a major update to our PHP-to-EXE compiler. This version introduces the long-awaited WebView2 rendering engine for dramatically smaller executables, a ZStandard (ZSTD) compression pipeline for faster builds, refreshed PHP runtimes (including early PHP 8.5), and a completely overhauled documentation set with a full PDF guide.

What’s New in ExeOutput for PHP 2025.0

➡️ WebView2 Support (Microsoft Edge)

Build your apps with the native Microsoft Edge WebView2 runtime as an alternative to CEF:

• Much smaller EXEs: around ~20 MB (without UPX) vs. ~150 MB with CEF.
• Windows-native: WebView2 is included on modern Windows 10/11; an installer for older systems is provided in the Redist folder (MicrosoftEdgeWebview2Setup.exe).
• Configurable: Tune WebView2 behavior directly in ExeOutput for PHP.

➡️ One-Click Engine Choice

Switch between WebView2 and the latest CEF with no code changes:

Application Settings → Rendering Engine → Use Engine.

➡️ Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) Update

• CEF upgraded to 139.0.38 for improved compatibility, performance, and security.
• Requirement: apps using CEF 139+ need the Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 Redistributable (bundled in Redist or available from Microsoft: x86 installer).

➡️ Updated PHP Runtimes

Initial support for PHP 8.5 (beta 3) plus refreshed builds for PHP 8.4.12, 8.3.25, 8.2.29, 8.1.33. Legacy maintenance? PHP 5 support is restored too. You can get PHP 5.6 via the Web Update tool.

➡️ Faster Builds with ZStandard

• New multi-threaded ZSTD compression replaces Brotli for significantly faster compilation.
• Redesigned pipeline for improved responsiveness in compiled apps.

➡️ Security, Stability & UX Improvements

• Security: CTRL+U (view source) disabled; blocked external file drag into popups.
• Stability: fixed multi-instance conflicts (CEF), popup-from-popup crash, UPX startup issues, and about:blank#blocked redirects; improved heexternal:// and WhatsApp protocol handling.
• Auth & Updates: option to save HTTP Basic (.htaccess) credentials (SRememberCredentials); Live Update now skips hidden files.
• UI tweaks: new “Explore Storage Folder” button (Deployment), refined English.exol strings, and full-screen support (F11) extended to popup windows.
• Tools & Docs: Adminer upgraded to AdminNeo; documentation fully reworked and also available as a comprehensive PDF guide.

👉 Read the Full Changelog

👉 Download ExeOutput for PHP 2025.0

If your maintenance plan is active, you can upgrade at no additional cost. If it has expired, you can renew at a discounted rate.