| Operating Systems | Pros | Cons |
| Windows Embedded 8.1 Pro |
| Exactly the same operating system as Windows 8.1 Professional OEM | Not supplied with standard Microsoft recovery media |
| No changes to existing Windows 8.1 saved images | More expensive |
| | Requires online activation |
| Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro |
| Uses the standard Windows 8.1 kernel so applications should work without issue | Not supplied with standard Microsoft recovery media |
| Has embedded enabling features such as disk write filters which allow the device to be locked down | Requires online activation |
| Low cost licences | |
| Fixed build embedded operating system improving compatibility and eliminating NRE fees | |
| Available until April 8th 2028 | |
| Windows Embedded 8 Standard |
| Uses the standard Windows 8 kernel so applications should work without issue | Not supplied with standard Microsoft recovery media |
| Has embedded enabling features such as disk write filters which allow the device to be locked down | Requires online activation |
| Low cost licences | Based on the original Windows 8 GUI rather than the 8.1 GUI so does not have the start button |
| Allows the operating system to be tailored to customer requirements | |
| Available until March 30th 2028 | |