In This Article
- Choosing the Right OS for Your Embedded System: Yocto vs Ubuntu vs Windows IoT
- Why the OS Matters in Embedded Computing
- 1. Yocto Project – Customised Linux for Embedded Systems
- 2. Ubuntu – A Familiar Linux Platform with Edge Computing Support
- 3. Windows IoT (formerly Windows Embedded) – Microsoft Ecosystem Integration
- Choosing Based on Your Application
- BVM Embedded Software Services: Custom Solutions for Your Project
- Final Thoughts: Match the OS to Your Project Goals
- 📞 Need Help Choosing the Right OS or Hardware?
Choosing the Right OS for Your Embedded System: Yocto vs Ubuntu vs Windows IoT
When designing an embedded computing system, selecting the right operating system (OS) is just as important as choosing the hardware. Whether you’re developing an industrial control system, an AI-powered edge device, or a ruggedized field terminal, the OS will define the system’s performance, flexibility, security, and long-term viability.
In this article, we compare three of the most widely used operating systems in embedded development: Yocto, Ubuntu, and Windows IoT, and explore which hardware platforms best support each.
Why the OS Matters in Embedded Computing
Embedded systems are often built for specific, mission-critical tasks. The chosen OS must be:
- Lightweight and efficient
- Compatible with the target hardware
- Stable and secure for long-term deployment
- Customisable (especially for OEM or industrial applications)
- Supported over time with updates or long lifecycle availability
Let’s look at the key contenders.
1. Yocto Project – Customised Linux for Embedded Systems
Yocto is not a traditional OS, but a build system that lets developers create custom Linux distributions tailored to specific hardware.
🔹 Key Benefits:
- Fully customisable: Remove unnecessary packages, reduce boot time, optimise system size
- Excellent for OEMs building proprietary systems
- Strong community and industrial adoption
- Ideal for headless systems and resource-constrained devices
🔹 Supported Hardware:
- ARM-based System on Modules (SoMs) and Single Board Computers (SBCs)
- NXP i.MX6, i.MX8 platforms
- NVIDIA Jetson series (Nano, Orin NX, Orin AGX)
- Various Intel-based industrial motherboards
🔹 Ideal Use Cases:
- Robotics, industrial controllers, IoT gateways, automotive systems
2. Ubuntu – A Familiar Linux Platform with Edge Computing Support
Ubuntu (and its lightweight variant, Ubuntu Core) is a popular choice for developers who want the flexibility of Linux with a familiar package management system (APT) and strong cloud/AI integration.
🔹 Key Benefits:
- Quick development and prototyping
- Access to vast libraries, tools, and drivers
- Backed by Canonical with Long-Term Support (LTS)
- Great compatibility with AI/ML workloads and cloud services
🔹 Supported Hardware:
- NVIDIA Jetson (Nano, Xavier, Orin) – pre-packaged Ubuntu-based SDKs (JetPack)
- Intel and AMD x86 platforms – including industrial motherboards and fanless PCs
- Raspberry Pi and other ARM platforms for prototyping
🔹 Ideal Use Cases:
- AI at the edge, smart cameras, industrial automation, smart kiosks
3. Windows IoT (formerly Windows Embedded) – Microsoft Ecosystem Integration
Windows IoT provides a familiar Windows environment for embedded systems, ideal for projects that require integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, legacy Windows applications, or specific UI requirements.
🔹 Key Benefits:
- Seamless integration with Windows-based networks and Active Directory
- Built-in support for .NET, UWP, and legacy Windows apps
- Ideal for touchscreen interfaces and GUI-based systems
- Long-term support and stability from Microsoft
🔹 Supported Hardware:
- x86-based platforms only – Intel Core, Celeron, Atom, and AMD processors
- Industrial Panel PCs, Box PCs, and Embedded Motherboards
- Devices with TPM for enhanced security (Trusted Platform Module)
🔹 Ideal Use Cases:
- Digital signage, human-machine interfaces (HMI), medical devices, retail systems
Choosing Based on Your Application
| Use Case | Best OS Option | Recommended Hardware |
|---|---|---|
| AI & Vision at the Edge | Ubuntu (Jetson/Intel) | NVIDIA Jetson Orin / Intel AI PCs |
| Custom Lightweight System | Yocto | NXP i.MX8 / Jetson / Embedded ARM |
| Windows Integration | Windows IoT | x86 Industrial PCs / Panel PCs |
| OEM Customisation | Yocto | COM Express Modules / SoMs |
| Touchscreen HMI | Windows IoT or Ubuntu | Panel PCs / Embedded Touch Systems |
BVM Embedded Software Services: Custom Solutions for Your Project
At BVM, we don’t just supply hardware — we offer comprehensive embedded software services to help you bring your project to life efficiently and reliably. Whether you’re deploying Linux (Yocto, Ubuntu), Windows IoT, or other embedded operating systems, our in-house team can provide:
- 🔧 Custom OS builds tailored to your hardware and use case
- 🧪 Pre-installation and configuration of drivers, applications, and settings
- 🔄 Image cloning and deployment across multiple systems
- 📦 Firmware and BIOS customisation to meet security or regulatory requirements
- 🗂️ File system optimisations for boot speed, reliability, or read-only mode
- 🧰 Peripheral integration including touchscreen calibration, network setups, and more
Our services are especially valuable for OEMs and system integrators who need ready-to-deploy embedded systems without the hassle of software setup or long lead times. We support a wide range of platforms including: Intel Atom, Celeron and Core processors, AMD Embedded CPUs, ARM-based SoMs and SBCs and NVIDIA Jetson (Nano, Xavier, Orin series).
Final Thoughts: Match the OS to Your Project Goals
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to embedded operating systems. The right OS depends on your performance requirements, hardware compatibility, security needs, and development environment.
- Yocto is best for deep customisation and low-level control
- Ubuntu offers flexibility with strong support for AI and rapid development
- Windows IoT brings the familiarity and power of the Microsoft ecosystem
📞 Need Help Choosing the Right OS or Hardware?
Contact BVM for all your Industrial and Embedded Computing needs.
We offer expert guidance on hardware and software solutions for OEMs, integrators, and developers.
📞 Call us on 01489 780144 or 📧 Email: sales@bvmltd.co.uk
With over 35 years’ experience supplying, designing, and manufacturing Industrial and Embedded Computer hardware, BVM is your trusted partner in embedded solutions.
We like to make life easier ….
BVM supply a wide and diverse range of Industrial and Embedded Systems.
From Industrial Motherboards, SBCs and Box PCs, to Rack Mount computers and Industrial Panel PCs. Our support teams have worked in a variety of industrial and embedded environments and consequently provide knowledge, know-how, experience and all round good advice around all BVM’s products & services when and where you need it.
You can 📞 Call us on +(0) 1489 780 144 and talk to one of the team or 📧 E-mail us at sales@bvmltd.co.uk