Microsoft have released the first version of Windows 11 IoT Enterprise which is based on the 22H2 release of Windows 11. Not to be confused with LTSC, Windows 11 IoT Enterprise retains some well-known IoT features whilst introducing some new bells and whistles. We hope this will give those engineers keen to migrate to Windows 11 a serious option for an IoT targeted OS (Operating System).
IoT Enterprise vs LTSC
It is worth mentioning from the outset that this is not the LTSC (Long Term Support Channel) version on which most of our embedded applications are built. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise 22H2 is the first in a set of annual releases each having 36 months of support, 12 months longer than Windows 11 Pro, but will be phased out by October 14th 2025. These annual releases will receive monthly quality, security, and non-security updates during those 36 months, after which time customers will be expected to upgrade to the latest release if they wish to continue to receive updates.
The LTSC version is due for release around Q3 2024 and will continue in the same release pattern as Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, meaning releases will be triannual with 10 years of support for updates. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise and Windows 11 LTSC will support distinct types of customers; those preferring more up-to-date releases but not concerned with long-term support will be able to use the annual release versions, whilst those wanting long-term version stability will need to wait for the LTSC edition.
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise features
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise is the next evolution of the Microsoft IoT Enterprise operating system and brings with it the essential Device Lockdown features that have been so widely used in Embedded and IoT applications, features not available in Pro operating systems.
Whilst the features are not anything new, it is a great benefit that they have been included in this OS:
- Custom Logon - You can use this feature to suppress Windows 10 UI elements that relate to the welcome and shutdown screens, great for giving the system an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) look and feel.
- Keyboard Filter - Enables a function to suppress undesirable key combinations such as Ctrl+Alt+Delete, Ctrl+Shift+Tab, Alt+F4, etc – essential for applications such as self-service kiosks.
- Shell Launcher - Enables OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to set a classic, non-UWP app as the system shell. The advantage of using Shell Launcher is the ability to provide custom actions based on the exit code of the OEM application.
- Unbranded Boot - Allows you to suppress Windows elements that appear when Windows starts or resumes and can suppress the crash screen when it encounters an error that it cannot recover from, as well as Windows UI elements (logo, status indicator, and status message).
- Unified Write Filter - Is a Windows device lockdown feature unique to IoT distributions that helps to protect the device's configuration and storage from misuse and contributes to the device protection strategy for unscheduled power failures.
In addition to the above, the Windows Store application previously missing from Microsoft Windows IoT Enterprise operating systems has now been included. This has finally allowed for the removal of Internet Explorer and the inclusion of the Edge browser, as well as access to the full range of Windows Store applications.
Three interesting new features
As well as the widely documented visual, performance and security** improvements included in the Windows 11 Pro OS, we would like to highlight three new features available in Windows 11 IoT Enterprise 22H2 that will be of huge benefit in Embedded and IoT applications.
- Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI, or WSLg for short, is an extension of the previously released Windows Subsystem for Linux that allows the running of both native Linux command shell and GUI applications without the need to install additional virtual machines.
- USB4.0, the latest USB technology based on the Thunderbolt 3 protocol, supports faster data transfer speeds of up to 40GBPS.
- Wi-Fi 6E works with the same standard as WiFi 6 but with an extended spectrum. 6 GHz is the new frequency band ranging from 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz, allowing up to 1,200 MHz of additional spectrum.
** Please remember to specify hardware with integrated TPM 2.0.
Transitioning to Windows 11
It is important to note that there may be some hardware upgrades and changes should you wish to transition to Windows 11. As an Industrial Computing and Embedded Systems integrator, we are happy to discuss your requirements for Windows 11 and help advise the best migration strategy based on your existing or new hardware platform. Speak to one of our friendly team on +44(0)1782 337 800 or complete the enquiry form below and we will be in touch to talk more.