Windows Embedded OSs and Platforms

Life-cycle support dates determine what support Microsoft provides to device makers and end users. Shown here are recent versions of embedded OSs and device platforms and the life-cycle support dates for each.

Microsoft supports some embedded products for device makers as well as end users and others only for device makers. In addition, new releases are often accompanied by the removal of documentation and information about the previous version. The Mainstream support phase offers the most support options and generally lasts five years. Extended Support, during which only critical security fixes and paid hotfixes are offered, and only to customers on support contracts. It typically lasts for an additional five years.

In general, Windows Embedded Standard and platforms built on it, as well as full versions of Windows licensed for embedded use, are supported in a manner similar to the version of Windows on which they are based. This means that Microsoft supports both device makers and end users that purchase the device. These products are supported for approximately 10 years from the date of general availability (five years Mainstream and five years Extended). When a device is built on Windows Embedded Standard, end users can update it via Microsoft Update without any intervention by the company that built the device or a communications carrier, provided that the device includes the Microsoft Update components.