Your IoT/Embedded Channel Partner & more

Your IoT/Embedded Channel Partner & more

Windows Embedded 8 Standard

Flexible embedded operating system customized to your needs. Split into more than 250 modules allowing selection of only the parts needed for your device.

Windows Embedded 8 Standard features an easy installation done directly on the target device using the Image Builder Wizard. Discover a new easy-to-use setup experience in the embedded area with comprehensive customization options.

13 Reasons for Windows Embedded 8 Standard

  • Easy Setup

    Features an easy setup wizard (Image Builder Wizard) that allows installation directly on the target device with a new easy-to-use setup experience.

  • Lockdown Features

    Add security with Lockdown Features. Introduces the new Unified Write Filter that combines the best of Enhanced Write Filter, File Based Write Filter and Registry Filter.

  • Componentized

    More componentized with over 250 feature packs allowing customization of the image to your exact needs.

  • Modules

    New feature that allows building custom components for your applications and/or drivers. Create custom Modules easily with the Module Designer.

  • Embedded Lockdown Manager

    Manage lockdown features remotely via the new MMC Snap-In or PowerShell scripts using the enhanced WMI interface. Configure Unified Write Filter, Keyboard Filter Driver, Dialog Filter and Shell Launcher.

  • Security

    Use Secure Boot to ensure only verified images can boot. Protect the hard disk with BitLocker bound to TPM chip so it only works in the device, protecting all your IP.

  • Branding

    Use Unbranded Boot to suppress the boot logo and block access to boot manager. Use Custom Logon to suppress logon screen and remove Windows status messages to completely hide Windows from the end-user.

  • Modern UI

    Include the new Modern UI for finger-friendly input on devices. Make use of the powerful WinRT library when building applications.

  • Keyboard Filter Driver

    Block any unwanted key and/or key combinations. New version also supports filtering keys from the On-Screen-Keyboard.

  • Language Packs

    Available in more than 30 languages. Switch the language on the fly.

  • Deployment Image Servicing And Management (DISM)

    Add Windows features on the fly without reinstalling Windows – just add the features you need.

  • WinRT

    Includes Windows Runtime, Microsoft's powerful framework for building next generation applications. Considered as a replacement for the Win32 API allowing easy access to system functions from C++, .NET and HTML5 applications.

  • VHD Boot

    Install Windows directly into a VHD file and boot from it. Enables many features including easier servicing and cloning.

Image Build Process

Windows Embedded 8 Standard offers an easy way to create your images. The image is built directly on the target hardware using Image Build Wizard. This tool offers an easy-to-use graphical setup wizard, similar to the normal Windows 8 setup.

Alternatively you can use the Image Configuration Editor on a development machine to pre-configure your image and create an answer file. This answer file can be used together with the Image Builder Wizard on the target device to run the setup unattended.

Windows Embedded 8 Standard includes additional features such as the Unified Write Filter to protect your image, the new WinRT framework, Gesture Filter, Windows Store Application Launcher and enhanced branding capabilities. Use the Embedded Lockdown Manager to configure Lockdown Features locally or remotely via MMC Snap-In or PowerShell scripts.

Licenses and Toolkit

License Number Description Notes
7WT-00094 Windows Embedded 8 Standard Runtime License Each device needs one license
5CA-00054 Windows Embedded 8 Standard Toolkit Free of charge, available for download at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/download-8-standard.aspx

Please Note: Product Keys are no longer shipped with runtime license envelopes. To request your product key please follow the steps at Product Key Information.

Toolkit Information

The toolkit for Windows Embedded 8 Standard is free of charge and can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/download-8-standard.aspx.

You are required to sign-in with your Windows Live-ID. Please fill out all required fields to get access to the download and the product key for the Image Configuration Editor.

Please Note: The product key is only for the Image Configuration and not for the target image creation. Product keys for the target image must be retrieved directly from Microsoft per email.

Availability and Support

Available Until / End of License End of Mainstream Support End of Extended Support
2028 10.07.2018 11.07.2023