Cost effective
Simple licensing model with predictable costs for long-term device deployments.
Your IoT/Embedded Channel Partner & more
Basics & Availability
Understanding Windows Embedded and IoT operating systems - definitions, advantages, and complete lifecycle availability information.
What is Embedded
Windows Embedded is a family of operating systems that offer familiar tools and technologies for developers to quickly bring the next generation of smart, connected, service-oriented devices to market.
Windows Embedded enables interoperability with industry standards and Microsoft technologies, enabling connectivity to PCs, services, servers, and other devices.
Windows Embedded is backed by worldwide support from Windows Embedded Partners and an active development community.
Windows Embedded products are generally available and supported for 10 years.
Advantages of Embedded
Simple licensing model
Straightforward licensing for embedded and IoT devices without complex management.
Long product availability
Extended 10-year lifecycle ensures stability for your product roadmap.
Full Windows 10 Enterprise functionality
Access all enterprise features including AppLocker, BitLocker, and device management.
Improved security and stability
Additional built-in lockdown features for dedicated device scenarios.
Definition of Embedded
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Primary dedicated function
The device must have a primary dedicated function and cannot be used as a general-purpose PC.
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Pre-installed operating system
The operating system must be pre-installed by the OEM or system builder.
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Not a general purpose PC
The device is locked down or configured for a specific use case.
Availability - IoT / Embedded
Complete lifecycle dates for Windows IoT Enterprise and legacy Windows Embedded products.
IoT / Embedded Operating Systems
| License | End of License (EOL) | End of Mainstream Support | End of Extended Support | ESU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 IoT Enterprise 2024 LTSC | 30.06.2034 | โ | 30.06.2034 | โ |
| Windows 11 IoT Enterprise GAC | โ | 3 years after release | โ | โ |
| Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC | 30.11.2031 | 30.11.2026 | 13.01.2032 | โ |
| Windows 10 IoT Enterprise SAC | 31.10.2023 | โ | โ | โ |
| Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2019 LTSC | 30.11.2028 | 01.10.2023 | 09.01.2029 | โ |
| Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB | 31.07.2026 | 2021 | 13.10.2026 | โ |
| Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2015 LTSB | 31.07.2025 | 2020 | 2025 | โ |
| Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro | 2028 | 10.07.2018 | 11.07.2023 | โ |
| Windows Embedded 8 Standard | 2028 | 10.07.2018 | 11.07.2023 | โ |
| Windows Embedded Standard 7 | 27.07.2025 | 13.10.2015 | 13.10.2020 | Yes |
| Windows Embedded POSReady 7 | 10.09.2026 | 11.10.2016 | 12.10.2021 | Yes |
| Windows Embedded Standard 2009 | 08.01.2024 | 11.01.2014 | 08.01.2019 | โ |
| Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 | 11.02.2024 | 08.04.2014 | 09.04.2019 | โ |
| Windows XP Embedded | 30.01.2017 | 11.01.2011 | 12.01.2016 | โ |
Availability - Compact
Lifecycle information for Windows Embedded Compact and Windows CE versions.
Compact Operating Systems
| License | End of License (EOL) | End of Mainstream Support | End of Extended Support | ESU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Embedded Compact 2013 | 31.05.2028 | 09.10.2018 | 10.10.2023 | โ |
| Windows Embedded Compact 7 | 28.02.2026 | 12.04.2016 | 13.04.2021 | โ |
| Windows Embedded CE 6.0 | 28.02.2022 | 09.04.2013 | 10.04.2018 | โ |
| Windows CE 5.0 | 31.08.2019 | 13.10.2009 | 14.10.2014 | โ |
Availability - FES (For Embedded Systems)
Standard Windows editions licensed for embedded use.
FES Operating Systems
| License | End of License (EOL) | End of Mainstream Support | End of Extended Support | ESU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Embedded 8.1 Pro | 2028 | 09.01.2018 | 10.01.2023 | โ |
| Windows 7 Professional for Embedded Systems | 30.09.2024 | 13.01.2015 | 14.01.2020 | Yes |
| Windows 7 Ultimate for Embedded Systems | 30.09.2024 | 13.01.2015 | 14.01.2020 | Yes |
| Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems | 31.12.2016 | 14.04.2009 | 08.04.2014 | โ |
Availability - Server & SQL
Lifecycle dates for Windows Server IoT and SQL Server IoT editions.
Server & SQL Operating Systems
| License | End of License (EOL) | End of Mainstream Support | End of Extended Support | ESU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Server IoT | ||||
| Windows Server IoT 2025 | 10.10.2034 | 09.10.2029 | 10.10.2034 | โ |
| Windows Server IoT 2022 | 31.12.2031 | 31.12.2026 | 31.12.2031 | โ |
| Windows Server IoT 2019 | 31.12.2029 | 09.01.2024 | 09.01.2029 | โ |
| Windows Embedded Server 2016 | 31.12.2026 | 11.01.2022 | 12.01.2027 | โ |
| Windows Embedded Server 2012 | 2027 | 09.10.2018 | 10.10.2023 | โ |
| Windows Embedded Server 2008 R2 | 2024 | 13.01.2015 | 14.01.2020 | โ |
| SQL Server IoT | ||||
| SQL Server IoT 2025 | 31.03.2036 | 06.01.2031 | 06.01.2036 | โ |
| SQL Server IoT 2022 | 31.12.2031 | 31.12.2026 | 31.12.2031 | โ |
| SQL Server IoT 2019 | 08.01.2030 | 28.02.2025 | 08.01.2030 | โ |
| SQL Server IoT 2017 | 12.10.2027 | 11.10.2022 | 12.10.2027 | โ |
| SQL Server IoT 2014 | 2024 | 13.07.2019 | 09.07.2024 | โ |
| SQL Server IoT 2012 | 2022 | 11.07.2017 | 12.07.2022 | โ |
This table is for informational purposes only. The binding dates are available on the Microsoft website and/or in the product terms.