Windows 10 IoT Enterprise (Windows Embedded and Windows IoT Overview)
This post offers a concise overview of the history of Windows Embedded and its evolution into Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. We'll explain what Windows 10 IoT is and highlight the key benefits it brings for scaling IoT devices and managing infrastructure.
Before we start, let's go back to the basics:
What is Windows Embedded?
Windows Embedded is a highly customizable operating system created by Microsoft for use in embedded devices like kiosks, factory equipment, POS systems, and ATMs. It allowed system integrators to tailor the operating system by adding or removing features to optimize storage and enhance security, making it ideal for IoT applications. The last major versions of Windows Embedded were Windows Embedded 7 Standard (WES7) and Windows Embedded 8 Standard (WES8), with WES7 offering three versions and WES8 being a single, customizable version.
In 2015, Microsoft replaced Windows Embedded with Windows 10 IoT, introducing three versions: Windows IoT Core, Windows IoT Mobile Enterprise, and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise became the primary version used for industrial computers due to its enhanced manageability and security features tailored for enterprise IoT deployments.
What is Windows 10 IoT Enterprise?
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is a version of Windows 10 made for industrial and embedded devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). It offers strong security, management tools, and performance features designed for enterprise-level applications. As the successor to Windows Embedded, it helps organizations easily connect and manage IoT devices, making it ideal for modern IoT setups that need reliable and secure system performance. Learn more about Windows 10 IoT Enterprise here.
Explore Windows 11 IoT Enterprise
Should I upgrade to Windows 11 IoT Enterprise?
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise vs. Windows Embedded
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, like Windows Embedded, was developed for embedded computing systems used in devices such as kiosk machines, POS systems, and other industrial PCs. Many modern IoT applications run on a Windows platform in the backend, even though the end-users may not experience a typical Windows interface. IoT system builders must ensure smooth software performance, avoiding bugs and system downtime. Due to the specialized nature of IoT devices, Microsoft created a locked-down version of Windows 10 IoT that prevents automatic updates in the field. Known as the Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), this version provides full control over updates, ensuring reliable 24/7 operation and smooth automation control for IoT devices.
Windows 10 IoT LTSB vs. LTSC – What's the Difference?
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise was initially offered as LTSB (Long Term Servicing Branch), but the latest version, released in 2019, is called LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel). LTSC introduced new features not available in LTSB, such as advanced security features, the Windows Subsystem for Linux, .NET Framework 4.7 support, and Bluetooth Quick Pairing for faster Bluetooth device connections.
LTSB focused on reliability by including only extensively tested features, making systems more stable and less likely to crash due to updates. Though LTSB received security updates and bug fixes, the core OS remained unchanged for extended periods. With the 2019 update, LTSC continues the LTSB approach but adds key new features.
Microsoft understands that users of industrial computers do not want frequent updates, as they can cause system crashes and costly downtime. This is why they first introduced LTSB, and later the LTSC version, both designed to maintain system stability while keeping IoT solutions running smoothly and securely.
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise vs. Windows 10 Pro
When OEMs buy an industrial computer, they need to choose the right operating system (OS) for their device. If you're deciding between Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, it's important to understand the key differences to find the best OS for your specific workload.
| Features | Windows 10 IoT Enterprise | Windows 10 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Target Use | Designed for industrial devices and embedded systems | Designed for personal and commercial PCs |
| Customization | Highly customizable; allows control over system features, UI, and branding | Limited customization; cannot fully control UI or branding |
| Kiosk Mode | Yes, supports kiosk mode for locking down devices | No built-in kiosk mode for industrial-level security |
| Forced Updates | No forced updates; full control over updates via LTSC | Forces features updates; cannot avoid updating |
| App Locker | Allows organizations to control which apps and files can be accessed | Not available |
| Layout Control | Customizes Start Menu, taskbar layoutm and UI elements | Limited control over layout and UI |
| Shell Launcher | Replace default Windows shell with a custom shell | No custom shell feature |
| UEFI Secure Boot | Includes UEFI Secure Boot, BitLocker, and Device Guard for enhanced security | UEFI Secure Boot available, but fewer advanced security features |
| Unified Write Filter (UWF) | Protects system drives by redirecting writes to a virtual overlay | Not available |
| USB and Keyboard Filter | Filters USB devices and keyboard inputs to block unauthorized access | No USB or keyboard filtering options |
| Gesture Filter | Allows blocking of certain gestures, e.g. swipe actions | No gesture filtering options |
| Dialogue & Notification Filter | Hides system dialogs and controls which processes can run | No filtering of system dialogs |
| Branding | Custom booth screens and no Windows/Microsoft branding | Default Windows/Microsoft branding |
| Security | Full system lockdown, disk encryption, USB whitelisting | Standard Windows security features |
| Support Life Cycle | 10 years of support via Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) | 2-3 years lifecycle; support for 18-30 months per build |
| OS Updates | Only receives security updates, minimizing OS changes | Regular feature updates, along with security updates |
| Ideal for Industrial Use | Yes, due to stability, security, and long-term support | Not suitable for industrial use due to frequent updates |
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise vs. Windows 10 IoT Core
Windows 10 IoT Core is made for small, low-power devices in IoT networks, offering core Windows 10 features with lower system requirements, but it has limited capabilities and isn't suitable for high-performance tasks.
On the other hand, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is more like the full version of Windows, offering powerful features that let OEMs secure and customize the system as needed. It's typically used in applications like kiosks, ATMs, industrial automation, and retail systems that require higher performance and more flexibility.
What Devices Can Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Be Used For?
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise can be used in a wide range of devices, including kiosk machines, retail point-of-sale systems, smart gateways, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and factory automation equipment. It is also suitable for various other IoT devices. OEMs can fully customize the system based on their specific needs, and Microsoft provides detailed documentation to help with customization. Additionally, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise now supports the Robot Operating System (ROS), making it a strong option for industrial and retail automation.
Contact us to consult with our technical experts.
FAQ
- What is Windows Embedded?
Windows Embedded is a Microsoft operating system built specifically for embedded computing solutions. It is based on the standard Windows OS used in personal computers but is commonly installed on industrial devices like kiosks, ATMs, cash registers, and self-checkout machines.
- What is Windows IoT Enterprise?
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is the next generation of Windows Embedded, designed for embedded systems powering many IoT devices and machines. It offers long-term industrial support from Microsoft, making it ideal for enterprise IoT solutions.
- What was Windows Embedded first released?
Previously called Windows Embedded CE or Windows CE, it was first released in November 1996, more than 24 years ago, as a solution for embedded devices.
- What was Windows IoT first released?
Windows IoT Enterprise debuted in July 2015 as Windows IoT Enterprise LTSB, offering robust support for IoT devices and embedded systems in industrial environments.
