Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, the next release for the world of Windows IoT!
Microsoft are releasing the newest member of its product family, Windows 11 IoT Enterprise. After recently shipping Windows Server IoT 2022, Windows 11 IoT Enterprise marks the ongoing commitment from Microsoft to deliver innovation and new functionality to the IoT market.
In February 2021, it was announced there was to be a release of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC in the second half (H2) of the calendar year 2021. It was also communicated that with the client edition, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC would change its service support from a 10-year to a 5-year support lifecycle, aligning with the changes to the next perpetual version of Microsoft Office. Also stated was that Windows 10 IoT Enterprise would maintain its 10 year support lifecycle with this upcoming 21H2 release.
The current release of Windows 11 IoT Enterprise release is not an LTSC release and will have a servicing timeline of 36 months from the month of the release as described in the product lifecycle documentation – which is 12 months longer than Windows 11 Pro.
The LTSC version of Windows 11 IoT will be released in Q3 2023 and will have releases on tri-annual basis with 10 years of support for updates. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise and Windows 11 LTSC will support distinct types of customers. Customers 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 have to wait for the LTSC edition to be released.
New Features in Windows 11 IoT Enterprise
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise will deliver new features and functionality that will enable the Windows for IoT ecosystem to build innovative and modern devices.
| Windows 11 IoT Enterprise | Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, Version 21H2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Servicing | Annual Release | SAC and LTSC |
| Kiosk Mode Multi App Assigned Access | Coming Soon | X |
| Unified Write Filter (UWF) Updates | X | X |
| Browser Support | Microsoft Edge included in box and follows Modern Lifecycle Policy | Microsoft Edge included in box and follows Modern Lifecycle Policy |
| Soft Real Time | X | X |
| WPA3 H2E Support | X | X |
| Wi-Fi 6E | X | Not Available |
| USB 4.0 | X | Not Available |
| Linux GUI Subsystem | X | Not Available |
Newly Designed Modern Interface
One of the most exciting features of the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise operating system is the new user interface. Aesthetically, the new design and sounds are modern, fresh and clean.
Building more accessible IoT devices.
“Accessible technology is a fundamental building block that can unlock opportunities in every part of society. A more accessible Windows experience has the power to help tackle the “disability divide” — to contribute to more education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities across the world.”
Jeff Petty – Windows Accessibility Leader
Windows 11 is the most inclusively designed version of Windows with new accessibility improvements that were built for and by people with disabilities, allowing device manufacturers to develop, design, and deploy IoT devices that make it easier for people with disabilities to interact with and use their devices.
TPM for Windows 11 Security
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 is one of the system requirements of Windows 11. TPM can be leveraged to encrypt storage drives. This protects data, including your identity and operating system files, where traditional anti-malware solutions have been vulnerable. Encryption also protects your data in the case of physical theft.
Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, customers can take advantage of the Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI (WSLg), which brings Linux GUI applications to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
WSL lets the user run a Linux environment, which up until this point has focused on enabling command-line tools, utilities, and applications. The GUI app support enables the user to use favourited Linux GUI applications with WSL.
Wi-Fi 6E
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise brings Wi-Fi 6E support to IoT devices. Wi-Fi 6E provides better wireless coverage and performance – and with added security.
USB 4.0
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise provides support to Universal Serial Bus 4 (USB4).
Windows 11 Hardware Requirements
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC) |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB |
| TPM | TPM 2.0 / UEFI Secured Boot |
| Graphics Card | Compatible with DirectX 12.2 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display | High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9″, 8 bits per colour channel |
For more information, see Windows 11 specifications
Long Term Servicing Channel
Microsoft continues to address the needs of the IoT industry by offering Windows for IoT Enterprise LTSC and the Long Term Servicing Channel of Windows Server – Windows Server IoT 2022. Each of these products will continue to have a 10-year support lifecycle, as documented on Microsoft’s product lifecycle datasheet.
BVM Embedded Software Services
- Windows image capture from customers storage devices
- Linux image capture from customers storage devices
- Android image capture from customers storage devices
- Windows / Linux / Android deployment from customer configured images
- Custom Windows images:- configuration & deployment
- Management of revision updates
BVM will shortly be offering the following versions of Windows:
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 (21H2).
- Windows 10 SAC, semi-annual channel, (21H2).
- Windows 11 IoT Enterprise 22H2.
Take Your Windows IoT Project to the Next Level with BVM….
Are you ready to take your Windows IoT projects to the next level? BVM’s embedded software services can help you configure and deploy an entire embedded operating system, or provide the support you need to migrate from your current O/S to Windows IoT.
With BVM’s expertise, you can be confident that your Windows IoT projects will be successful. For more information about BVM’s embedded software services, contact us today at 01489 780144 or email sales@bvmltd.co.uk. Let’s work together to bring your Windows IoT vision to life!