Windows IoT

Windows IoT/Embedded

Windows IoT/Embedded – a family of Microsoft operating systems designed for use on fixed-purpose computing devices that are not general-purpose office and home PCs. Windows IoT OS has reduced cost and convenient licensing for manufacturers.

Key features Microsoft Windows IoT product family:

Low cost, depending on the performance (model) of the processor;
The most complete functionality (Enterprise level);
100% compatibility with applications and hardware for "regular" Windows (server and client OS);
Availability of LTSC builds (10 years of guaranteed support without intrusive updates) at the price of a regular version;
ePKEA - Embedded Product Key Entry Activation;
Delayed activation;
Dedicated image locking features for building high secure solution (Lockdown)

Products

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 (New!)

Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC is designed for specialized devices and use cases where functionality and features remain constant over the lifetime of the device. Examples include devices that require regulatory certification or devices that perform a critical business function using the same operating system version for several years. These devices are typically found in industries such as banking, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail.

What's new in Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024?
- Based on the latest and most functional Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2
- Long-term support lifecycle for 10 years (until 2034) with quality and security updates only
- Reduced system requirements (1GHz CPU, 2GB memory, 16GB storage). Learn more
- Restricted User Experience (formerly Multi-App Kiosk Mode) for scenarios where access to more than one application is required for a fixed-purpose device. Read more.
- Reduced footprint - now 36 removable packages. See the Removable Packages resource for more information and instructions.
- Wireless Display feature allows content to be transferred from a Miracast-enabled device to the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC device.
- Enhanced security features – all security enhancements and technologies implemented in Windows 11 releases are now included in the LTSC release.
- Legacy compatibility allows you to support the latest hardware while maintaining support for legacy applications.
- Optional TPM. Now you can choose whether to use TMP or not.
- ARM CPU support is expanded

And as with all LTSC releases:
- Long-term availability for 10 years protects your investment
- CPU performance-based pricing
- Lockdown features for a more stable and secure device
- Two types of keys (multi-activation ePKEA and one-time activation PKEA)

More information
Processor Requirements for Windows IoT Enterprise
System requirements
90-day evaluation

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise GAC

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise is designed to support the modern hybrid work environment and to be the most reliable, secure, connected, and productive Windows operating system ever.

Manufacturers who require the latest LTSC release are recommended Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021, available through 2029.

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise License Features

1 time per year updates (before– 2 times per year);
Cycle of support - 36 monthes;
10-year support for the LTSC version;

Extended processor support

USB 4 Support

Wi-Fi 6e Support

SMB over QUIC Support (Windows Server 2022 required) - an alternative to TCP that provides secure and reliable connections to file servers over untrusted networks such as the Internet.

Built-in security. All new Windows 11 devices will come with powerful built-in security, including hardware isolation, encryption, malware protection, virtualization-based security (VBS), and hypervisor-enabled code integrity (HVCI) to protect the operating system and information, stored in memory.

Voice input in Russian. Instantly turn ideas into text by using your voice to type into any text field, whether you're posting something in the browser, composing an email, or capturing thoughts in your favorite app. Unlike Windows 10, the Russian language is now fully supported.

Licensing
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise is an upgradeable (AC) release (an LTSC release is planned later) and is licensed in the same way as Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, according to the processor models used in the device. The prices for Entry, Value and HighEnd versions have not changed and are available upon request.

Read more on Microsoft's website
List of supported processors

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC

A special version of the Windows 10 Enterprise operating system offered by Microsoft for use on fixed-use devices..

Key advantages over "desktop" versions

2-3 times cheaper than desktop (regular) Windows 10 Pro (depending on the processor used);
Full compatibility with applications and devices for Windows 10;
Does not receive automatic version updates;
Protected from unwanted actions of personnel or intruders (Lockdown functions - see below)
The price depends on the processor model in the device (more powerful - more expensive, weaker - cheaper);
Long LTSC lifecycle (guaranteed 10 years of support and availability per build)
Ready-made distribution kit - save on training employees and building your own image;
You can turn on the zero level of telemetry, at which the OS sends a minimum of data;

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, in terms of compatibility, is no different from desktop Windows 10 Professional and Windows 10 Enterprise. The difference is in licensing. The easiest way to make sure of this is to download and install the demo version (You need to select the LTSC distribution kit). The version is neither "stripped down" nor "component", moreover, it is the most complete version of Windows in terms of functionality.

Special abilities Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise has several built-in features that distinguish this OS from other versions and allow you to make your device more secure and resilient:

Launch the main application instead of the OS shell (Download the device directly into the main application and block access to the OS interface. For kiosks and similar solutions);
Access to a set of allowed applications and directories (Perfect for employee workstations with multiple work applications);
Hard blocking of the OS image from changes (Protects the OS image from viruses, trojans and other irreversible changes);
Hiding of system notifications (No one likes windows on top of content, especially on digital billboards);
Disabling boot animation and Windows logo (To hide signs of the OS and other boot "beauties");
Booting the system without error messages after an incorrect shutdown (The ability to boot into safe mode is useful in a desktop, but not in the industrial system);
Block of the connected devices by type and ID (It will be impossible to connect unauthorized devices or types of devices, for example, storage media);
Key blocking or their combinations (Ctrl-Alt-Del and other combinations are blocked at the system level to prevent exiting service interfaces and minimizing windows);
BSOD display disable (When system is failure, during creating memory dump, system show nothing instead BSOD)

These features will help you to protect and brand the device without using an additional software.

Read more on Microsoft's website
List of supported processors

Windows Server IoT

Savings, long-term support and no need for client access licensing in some of versions - here are the main features of Microsoft Windows Server IoT!

If your project uses Windows Server, be sure to consider the IoT analogue!

While being completely technically identical to "regular" server products, server IoT licenses have some unique licensing advantages that meet the needs of manufacturers of specialized server solutions.

Only in IoT/Embedded channel - Windows Server licenses without requiring Client Access Licensing (CAL)!

Advantages

The cost is up to 2 times (!) lower than in any other sales channel due to exclusively licensed features
10 year LTSC support cycle
CALs (CAL-less licenses) not always required
Availability of previous versions (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019) by direct purchase, no Downgrade
Available for 10 years for purchase
There is no restriction on the license export territory

In addition, the IoT/Embedded channel offers: a unique Windows Storage Server, as well as cost-effective versions of Essentials and Telco, depending on the hardware configuration or server features.

New opportunities Windows Server IoT 2022

The new features include Azure Arc technology, which helps users to secure and manage Windows Server on-premises, at the network edge, or in centrally managed multi-cloud environments.

Windows Server IoT 2022 makes it easy to connect local file storage to file servers in Azure. Improved Storage Migration makes it easy to migrate file servers from NetApp to Windows servers.

Windows Server IoT 2022 supports large-scale business-critical applications such as SQL Server that require 48TB of memory and 2048 logical cores running on 64 physical sockets.

Advanced, multilayered threat protection through a secure core server.
Safe connect to critical business assets with the latest innovations in network security.
Improved hybrid server management tools in Windows Admin Center.
Easier migration of file servers from on-premises to Azure with a new supported scenario in the Storage Migration Service.
Improved deployment of containerized applications with a smaller image size for faster boot times and easier network policy enforcement.
Modernize .NET Applications faster with the New Containerization Tool in Windows Admin Center

Licensing
All Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022 products have a new core-based licensing model:

all physical cores on the server are licensed;
minimum 16 cores are licensed on each system, even if there are fewer;
minimum 8 cores are licensed per processor, even if there are fewer;
each connection requires the purchase of CALs (unless using the CAL-less or Essentials/Telco editions)

Microsoft SQL Server IoT

Microsoft SQL Server IoT licenses allow vendors of specialized hardware solutions to save 60% on license costs compared to classic SQL Server.

Microsoft SQL Server IoT 2022 edition can be installed on Windows or Linux. This is a universal platform that allows you to choose development languages, data types, local, cloud environments and operating systems.

To achieve maximum savings, it is recommended to buy Microsoft SQL Server IoT with the Embedded version of Microsoft Windows Server OS.

Examples of fixed-use devices where Windows IoT operating systems are widely used:

POS-terminals and cash desks;
Payment terminals;
Information and payment kiosks;
ATMs;
Self-service checkouts;
Postamats;
Automatic depository machines;
Security and video surveillance systems (CCTV);
Solutions for parking and traffic control on the roads;
Fire extinguishing and warning systems;
Digital information and advertising boards;
Electronic queuing systems;
Automation and production control systems (SCADA);
Thin clients;
Robots;
Automated workstations for various purposes;
Telecommunication systems;
Access control and management systems (ACS);
Data storage servers;
Medical devices;
Onboard systems in transport and so on.

Trial versions >>

Knowledge base >>

More docs about Windows IoT >>

Purchasing process of Windows IoT/Embedded

Step 1: Sign Microsoft Customer License Agreement (CLA) online.

Step 2: Sign the Agreement with Quarta IoT LLC.

Step 3: Agree with a manager about the type of license and cost, and place an order for the required number of licenses.

Step 4: Pay the invoice received by email and receive licenses and stickers-certificates of authenticity.

Step 5: Download the distribution kit in electronic form. The multiple activation key is requested in a separate form or placed on the certificate sticker.

In the future, for new orders, you just need to repeat steps 3 and 4.

To get started, please fill the form below. We will assign you a personal manager who will send you the CLA questionnaire and the agreement form. If you want to know the price - please, describe your device and indicate the processor model. This will make the cost calculation process faster.

Frequently asked Questions

What is Windows IoT/Embedded?

How is the Windows IoT/Embedded channel different from others?

licenses has a lower cost, and the licensing model is simpler: one key for all devices, activation is not required for some versions;
a separate OEM channel with its own license agreements optimized for manufacturers;
long period of OS availability for acquisition: 10–15 year;
there are products in the Windows IoT/Embedded product family that are no longer available in other channels (Windows 7, Windows 8.1);
guaranteed 10 years support of all releases;
ready-made OS images with free testing up to 6 months;
license stickers and multiple activation keys;
for Windows 10 the price depends on the performance of the CPU: the slower the CPU, the lower the price

Who is the IoT/Embedded distributor?

What is an IoT/Embedded device?

According to Microsoft policy, the Windows Embedded and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC line of operating systems can be used only on computer devices with a specific purpose. Unfortunately, we will not be able to supply these operating systems for universal office and home PCs. If you are in doubt whether an IoT/Embedded license is right for you, describe the device and usage scenario, and we will help you.

What is CLA Agreement?

The same way as in OEM supply channel, you need to sign an agreement with Microsoft - the Customer License Agreement (CLA). The agreement is signed electronic and is valid for five years. The agreement describes all general rights of manufacturer to Microsoft Windows Embedded and Windows IoT software. When fill the contact details in the questionnaire received from our employee, you will receive a link to an electronic document that you will check and sign by clicking the "Sign" button. It should be done once, at the beginning of work, after 5 years it will be possible to update the CLA by clicking on the appropriate link.

Activation keys

There are 2 types of key, which is selected depending on the needs of manufacturer. The dongle type is indicated in the product name, for example "Win 10 IoT Ent 2019 LTSC MultiLang ESD OEI High End EPKEA". Pay attention to this when ordering!
1. EPKEA: Multiple Activation Master Key. Obtained for an OS image by submitting a request form to Microsoft, after signing the CLA. Convenient for most manufacturers, since it does not require a key to be entered into each image, it is enough to add it once to the master image before pouring it onto the equipment.
2. PKEA: Separate key for each OS image. For special cases, for example, when the image is delivered separately from the device (Field Upgrade), not to transfer the multiple activation key to the customer.

Licensing

Due to the peculiarities in licensing for corporate clients (Enterprise customer) specified in the Customer License Agreement (CLA) (for information only) and Program Execution Guide (PEG), you can supply equipment and Windows IoT/Embedded to the customer in the 3 options:

With a pre-installed application and Windows IoT/Embedded (for all variants);
No pre-installed application, only with Windows IoT/Embedded (only for delivery to a corporate client);
No pre-installed application and no pre-installed* Windows IoT/Embedded (for enterprise delivery only).

*When a device is delivered to an end customer without Windows IoT/Embedded pre-installed, COA labels anyway must be delivered with the device by placing it on the device or, if it is not possible or practicable, on accompanying media or documentation. Also, you need to provide an image of the operating system