Windows Embedded Compact 7

Windows Embedded Compact 7
Version of the Windows CE operating system
Windows Embedded Compact 7.0 desktop
DeveloperMicrosoft
Source model
Released to
manufacturing		March 1, 2011; 13 years ago (2011-03-01)
Kernel typeHybrid kernel
LicenseCommercial proprietary software
Preceded byWindows Embedded CE 6.0
Succeeded byWindows Embedded Compact 2013
Official websitewww.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/campaigns/compact7/
Support status
MainstreamEnded on April 12, 2016 (2016-04-12)[1]
ExtendedEnded on April 13, 2021 (2021-04-13)[1]
A concept UI used to display the graphical capabilities of Windows Embedded Compact 7

Windows Embedded Compact 7 (formerly known as Windows Embedded CE 7.0) is the seventh major release of the Windows Embedded CE operating system, released on March 1, 2011.[2] Windows Embedded Compact 7 is a real-time OS, separate from the Windows NT line, and is designed to target enterprise specific tools such as industrial controllers and consumer electronics devices such as digital cameras, GPS systems and also automotive infotainment systems. Windows Embedded Compact is designed to run on multiple CPU architectures and supports x86, SH (automotive only)[3][4] and ARM.

During development, a Microsoft employee working in this division claimed that Microsoft was working hard on this release and that it shares the underlying kernel with Windows Phone.[5] Microsoft officially confirmed this and said that Windows Phone 7 is based on Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 with some features borrowed from Windows Embedded Compact 7, thus making it a hybrid solution.[6]

As with Windows Embedded CE 6.0, the platform builder for Windows Embedded Compact 7 is not a stand-alone product, but is implemented as plug-in for Microsoft Visual Studio - the version required is Visual Studio 2008 with Service Pack 1 installed.

  1. ^ a b "Microsoft Support Lifecycle". Microsoft Support. Microsoft. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  2. ^ "Microsoft Windows Embedded Compact 7 to hit the market". Tuggd.com. TUGGD Media. 2011-03-03. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference SH4-1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference SH4-2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "Windows CE is NOT dead!". Olivier's Blog. Microsoft. 2010-05-03. Archived from the original on 6 May 2010. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
  6. ^ "Windows Phone 7 based on a hybrid Windows CE 6 / Compact 7 kernel?". Engadget. AOL. 2010-05-04. Retrieved 2012-07-24.