This library analyzed by MiniTool Software Limited mainly introduces a family of operating systems designed by Microsoft for embedded systems – Windows IoT. It elaborates on its definition, function, editions, as well as differences compared with Windows Desktop.
What Is Windows IoT?
Windows IoT (Internet of things), is a family of operating systems (OSes) from Microsoft designed for embedded systems, a computer system combination of a processor, memory, and input/output peripheral devices that have a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electronic system. So, it is formerly named Windows Embedded.
Currently, Microsoft has 3 subfamilies of OSes for embedded devices targeting a wide market, ranging from small-footprint, real-time devices to point of sale (POS) devices such as kiosks. Windows Embedded operating systems are available to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), who make it available to end users preloaded with their hardware, in addition to volume license users in some cases.
About Windows 10 IoT
Windows 10 IoT is a member of the Win10 family that brings enterprise-level power, security, as well as manageability to the Internet of Things (IoT). It leverages Windows’ embedded experience, ecosystem, and cloud connectivity, permitting organizations to create their IoT with secure devices, which can be provisioned, managed, and connected to an overall cloud strategy.
Windows 10 IoT Editions
Generally, there are two editions of Win10 IoT.
Windows 10 IoT Core is the smallest member of the Win 10 OS family. Whereas only running a single app, it still has the manageability and security expected from Windows 10.
On the contrary, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is a full version of Windows ten with specialized functions to build dedicated devices locked down to a specific set of apps and peripherals.
Windows 10 IoT Core vs. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
Next, let’s compare the 2 editions of Windows 10 Embedded and show their differences.
Supported Technique
In the first place, let’s compare the supported technologies between Win10 IoT Enterprise and Win10 IoT Core. See the table below.
| Techniques | Windows 10 IoT Enterprise | Windows 10 IoT Core |
| Device security technologies |
|
|
| CPU architecture | X86, x64, and ARM | X86 and x64 |
| App architecture | Full Windows UI support (e.g. UWP, WinForms, etc.) | UWP UI only |
| Cortana | Yes | Cortana SDK |
| Domain join | AAD only | AAD and Traditional Domain |
| Management | MDM | MDM |
| Headless | Yes | Yes |
| Licensing | Direct/indirect Embedded OEM agreements | Online licensing agreement and Embedded OEM agreements, Royalty-free |
Usage Scenarios
Also, the using scenarios for Core and Enterprise editions of Windows 10 IoT are unlike. Windows 10 IoT Core is used for IoT gateway, digital signage, smart building, smart home, and wearables. By contrast, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise can be applied to digital signage, industry tablets, retail point of service, kiosks, ATM, medical devices, manufacturing devices, as well as Thin Client.
User Experience
Besides, there is also different in the user experience between Win10 IoT Enterprise and Win10 IoT Core. For the Enterprise, traditional Windows Shell with Advanced Lockdown Features. For Core, one UWP app in the foreground at a time with supporting background apps and services.
Windows 10 IoT Core vs. Windows 10 Desktop
In this section, we will compare Windows 10 IoT Core edition with the common Windows 10 desktop version.
Supported Features
First of all, inbox Cortana is no longer available on Windows 10 IoT Core since version 1809 (17763). The FileOpenPicker API is also unavailable in the Core edition. Besides, the Windows 10 IoT Core will boot to the default app instead of a desktop-like PC. So, you can plug and play your custom programs.
Driver-Supported Areas
Windows 10 IoT Core has fewer supported drivers than Windows 10 Desktop. To enable the same device(s) to work on Windows 10 IoT Core as on desktop, you may have to build a driver from the source for the Core edition. Or, you need to find another method, especially for the ARM architecture.
Commands Support
Windows 10 IoT Core doesn’t support the PowerShell Remove-AppxPackage command to run as in Windows 10 IoT Desktop. Not all folders on your device are accessible by UWP apps. But on Windows 10 IoT Core, you can use the FolderPermissions tool to make a folder accessible to a UWP software. However, this is not possible on the Desktop.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Helen Graduated from university in 2014 and started working as a tech editor in the same year. Her articles focus on video creation, editing, and conversion. She also has a good knowledge of disk management and data backup & recovery. Through an in-depth exploration of computer technology, Helen has successfully helped thousands of users solve their annoying problems.