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An overview of Windows for IoT

What is Windows for IoT?

Windows for IoT is a member of the Windows family that brings enterprise-class power, security, and manageability to the Internet of Things. It uses Windows' embedded experience, ecosystem and cloud connectivity, allowing organizations to create their Internet of Things with secure devices that can be quickly provisioned, easily managed, and seamlessly connected to an overall cloud strategy.

Windows for IoT Editions

Windows for IoT comes in three editions.

Windows IoT Enterprise
A full version of Windows Enterprise with specialized features to create dedicated devices locked down to a specific set of applications and peripherals.

Windows Server IoT 2022
A full version of Windows Server 2022 that delivers enterprise manageability and security to IoT solutions.

Windows 10 IoT Core
The smallest member of the Windows 10 operating system family. While only running a single app, it still has the manageability and security expected from Windows 10.

Fixed purpose devices

Windows is well known as the operating system for laptops and desktops used by consumers and businesses worldwide for decades. Windows also powers many ATM machines, point-of-sale terminals, industrial automation systems, thin clients, medical devices, digital signage, kiosks, and other fixed purpose devices. Windows for IoT allows you to build these fixed purpose devices with specific allowances and restrictions in the license agreement.

Tip

See your licensing agreement for complete guidance on all Windows IoT Enterprise usage scenarios. If you are an end-user customer, your OEM should have provided you with the terms in an agreement. If you are an OEM, you can direct questions to your distributor regarding your specific licensing agreement.

A fixed purpose device differs from a general-purpose device in the following ways:

The device is locked down to a single application or fixed set of applications through the Assigned Access or Shell Launcher features.
The device experience is often immediate when the customer powers-on. This experience is achieved by configuring the device image to skip the normal Windows out-of-box experiences.
Keyboards, USB ports, and device policies can be locked down to constrain the device to be used only in its fixed purpose.
The IoT device OEM licenses the device and it's software to the user as a complete solution.
The IoT device OEM provides the Windows IoT terms as part of their own IoT OEM agreements.
The OEM provides the customer support for their complete product, including the functions performed by the operating system.

Additional resources

Last updated on 2026-02-26