Windows Embedded Compact

Windows CE
DeveloperMicrosoft
Written inC[1]
Source model
Initial releaseNovember 16, 1996; 27 years ago (1996-11-16)
Final release8.0 (Embedded Compact 2013) / October 10, 2023; 12 months ago (2023-10-10)[3][4]
Platformsx86, 32-bit ARM, (SuperH[5] up to 6.0 R2, MIPS and PowerPC were also supported)[6][7][8][9][10][11]
Kernel typeHybrid
LicenseCommercial proprietary software
Succeeded byWindows IoT
Official websitemsdn.microsoft.com/embedded
Support status
Not supported, see § Releases for details.

Windows Embedded Compact,[12] formerly Windows Embedded CE, Windows Powered and Windows CE, is a discontinued operating system developed by Microsoft for mobile and embedded devices. It was part of the Windows Embedded family and served as the foundation of several classes of devices including the Handheld PC, Pocket PC, Auto PC, Windows Mobile, Windows Phone 7 and others.

Unlike Windows Embedded Standard, Windows For Embedded Systems, Windows Embedded Industry and Windows IoT, which are based on Windows NT, Windows Embedded Compact uses a different hybrid kernel.[13] Microsoft licenses it to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), who can modify and create their own user interfaces and experiences, with Windows Embedded Compact providing the technical foundation to do so. The final version of Windows Embedded Compact supports x86 and ARM processors with board support package (BSP) directly.[14] The MIPS and SHx architectures had support prior to version 7.0 and version 7.0 still works on MIPS II architecture.

Windows Embedded Compact 2013 is the final version of Windows CE. It had mainstream support until October 9, 2018, and extended support ended on October 10, 2023; however, license sales for OEMs will continue until 2028.[15][4][16][17]

  1. ^ "Special Report: Windows CE 6 arrives with 100% kernel source". windowsfordevices.com. November 1, 2006. Archived from the original on August 20, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  2. ^ "Microsoft opens full Windows CE kernel source". Linux Devices. November 1, 2006. Archived from the original on February 16, 2009.
  3. ^ "Microsoft announces general availability of Windows Embedded Compact 2013". Microsoft News Center. Microsoft. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  4. ^ a b "Windows CE Migration FAQ". Microsoft. September 15, 2021. Archived from the original on October 22, 2021.
  5. ^ "Windows CE overview". Archived from the original on May 28, 2010.
  6. ^ "Windows Embedded CE". Microsoft. Microsoft. Archived from the original on July 17, 2015. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  7. ^ "Windows CE Version 2.0 Supported Processors". Microsoft. Microsoft. Archived from the original on September 14, 2000.
  8. ^ "Windows CE Version 2.1 Supported Processors". Microsoft. Microsoft. Archived from the original on September 14, 2000.
  9. ^ "Windows CE Version 2.11 Supported Processors". Microsoft. Microsoft. Archived from the original on September 14, 2000.
  10. ^ "Windows CE Version 2.12 Supported Processors". Microsoft. Microsoft. Archived from the original on September 14, 2000.
  11. ^ "Windows CE Version 3.0 Supported Processors". Microsoft. Microsoft. Archived from the original on June 19, 2000.
  12. ^ "Windows Embedded Homepage". Microsoft.com. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
  13. ^ "How does Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Start?". Windows CE Base Team Blog. Microsoft. December 18, 2007. Archived from the original on July 8, 2010. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
  14. ^ "Board Support Package (Compact 2013)". MSDN. Microsoft. Retrieved July 15, 2013.
  15. ^ "Product Lifecycles & Support for Windows Embedded Products". Microsoft. Archived from the original on April 10, 2015.
  16. ^ Purdy, Kevin (October 30, 2023). "Windows CE, Microsoft's stunted middle child, reaches end of support at 26 years". Ars Technica. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  17. ^ Proven, Liam (October 30, 2023). "Windows CE reaches end of life, if not end of sales". The Register. Retrieved January 10, 2024.