Windows Embedded Timeline

Traditionally, Microsoft has offered a variety of technologies in an attempt to make the Windows OS into an embeddable platform and to create specialized, power-efficient, and often portable devices. Some of these technologies were based on a specialized OS called Windows CE OS; others from versions of the Windows client OS.

Organizations that need an embedded OS supported by Microsoft have two alternatives:

• Azure Sphere, which is intended for building connected microcontroller units (MCUs). This Azure service is subscription based and described in the Azure Roadmap.
• Windows IoT Enterprise is a specialized version of Windows Enterprise edition, licensed and supported for use on IoT devices. It is built on the same foundation as Windows Enterprise, so the investments in tools for update and device management are carried forward. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise was delivered as an upgrade to eligible devices running Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, beginning in Oct. 2021. The licensing requirements