Microsoft Embedded and IoT Operating Systems

• Microsoft offers a wide variety of embedded and IoT operating systems targeting special-purpose devices, such as ATMs, handhelds, industrial devices, and microcontroller units (MCUs).
• Each offering targets specific use cases, and customers should choose carefully.
• Legacy embedded OSs, such as Windows Embedded and Windows CE, either have left or are leaving support soon; work will be required to migrate to more modern versions.

Microsoft offers a variety of technologies, including embedded OSs, to create specialized, power-efficient, and portable devices. Some of these are versions of or derived from Windows 10 or 11 (both client and server); others are based on Linux variants. Older technologies are derived from the legacy Windows CE OS. Services support the transition from technologies currently in Extended support to newer offerings or to allow ongoing support.

Windows

Window 10 IoT Enterprise and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, which are binary-compatible with Windows 10 and 11 Enterprise, are intended for PCs in locked-down or special-purpose scenarios, such as kiosks, ATMs, or digital signage. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is supported via either the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) or the Long-Term Service Channel (LTSC). Windows 11 IoT Enterprise (released in Oct. 2021) receives annual updates; support is provided for 36 months from the most recent release.