Windows IoT

A summary of all the versions is below:

Windows 10 IoT/LTSC Versions:

• Windows 10 IoT 22H2 / 23H2 / 24H2    
• Windows 10 Iot LTSC 2021                     
• Windows 10 IoT LTSC 2019                    
• Windows 10 LTSB 2015 / 2016              
• Windows 10 LTSC 2017 / 2019 / 2021    

Windows 10 IoT comes in different editions, each tailored for specific IoT scenarios:

Suitable for: 

• Small, low-cost devices such as single-board computers (e.g., Raspberry Pi), gateways, and other embedded devices.
• More powerful embedded devices, industrial equipment, and systems that require advanced features.
• Mobile devices and industrial handheld devices.

Features:

• Lightweight version of Windows 10, designed for limited hardware resources.
• Provides a streamlined interface and development environment for creating custom solutions.
• Focuses on connected devices with fewer features compared to the full Windows 10 experience.
• Based on Windows 10 Enterprise with added IoT-specific features like long-term servicing (LTSB/LTSC) for stability.
• Full support for third-party applications, hardware compatibility, and enterprise-level management.
• Based on Windows 10 Enterprise with added IoT-specific features like long-term servicing (LTSB/LTSC) for stability.
• Includes advanced security features, device management tools, and the full Windows Desktop experience.
• Full support for third-party applications, hardware compatibility, and enterprise-level management.

Used in: 

• Industrial automation, smart home devices, kiosks, and other IoT devices with minimal user interaction.
• POS systems, industrial PCs, smart signage, healthcare devices, ATMs, and other complex IoT systems needing enterprise-level control and security.
• Mobile data collection devices, rugged industrial devices, and portable point-of-sale terminals.

Windows 11 IoT Versions:

Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC/IoT  Variants are available in the following options -

• Windows 11 IoT Enterprise 22H2/23H2/24H2 ( This is the NON LTSC version)
• Windows 11 LTSC 2024 is best suited for businesses and critical environments where long-term stability and security are essential, such as for digital signage, industrial workstations, and kiosks. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise 2024 (Suitable for old and new pc systems as windows 11 system requirements dont need to be met. As a general rule if your system works on windows 10 then 11 IoT will work.
• Windows 11 IoT LTSC 2024 is specifically tailored for embedded and IoT devices, offering a lightweight, customizable, and secure operating system for devices like smart sensors, medical equipment, and edge computing systems. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise 2024 (Suitable for old and new pc systems as windows 11 system requirements dont need to be met. As a general rule if your system works on windows 10 then 11 IoT will work.

Windows 11 introduces IoT versions for the next generation of connected devices, building on the foundation of Windows 10 IoT, but with improvements in performance, security, and new features.

1. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise:

Target Devices: 

• More powerful, enterprise-grade embedded systems and industrial devices.
• Low-powered, small IoT devices and edge devices like smart home hubs, wearables, or industrial sensors.

• Features:
  • Based on Windows 11 Enterprise, it includes advanced security, management, and long-term servicing capabilities.
  • Provides features like Windows Defender, Device Guard, and App Guard for high-level security.
  • Supports large-scale deployments, custom configurations, and third-party applications.
  • Includes the same management tools and features as Windows 11 Enterprise but optimized for embedded IoT environments.
  • A lighter version of Windows 11 designed for devices with minimal resources.
  • Focuses on providing a streamlined, customizable OS for building IoT solutions that require low power consumption and efficient operation.
  • Supports cloud connectivity and device management, while allowing developers to create tailored experiences for devices.

Used in:

• Retail kiosks, industrial machines, medical devices, ATMs, smart factory systems, and other mission-critical IoT devices that need enterprise-level security and performance.
• Smart devices, edge computing nodes, connected sensors, and small embedded systems.

Key Differences Between Windows 10 IoT and Windows 11 IoT:

• Performance: Windows 11 IoT offers enhanced performance and a modern interface, but Windows 10 IoT may be more suitable for legacy devices or environments requiring long-term support.
• Security: Windows 11 IoT has a focus on enhanced security, including hardware-based isolation and improved management for modern enterprises.
• Compatibility: Windows 10 IoT generally has broader compatibility with older hardware, whereas Windows 11 IoT targets next-gen devices with updated specifications.

Windows 11 IoT LTSC 2024 vs. Windows 11 LTSC 2024

Windows 11 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) editions, including the IoT version, are specifically designed for environments that require long-term stability, minimal feature changes, and extended support. These versions are ideal for specialized, industrial, and embedded use cases where reliability, security, and consistent performance are paramount.

Windows 11 LTSC 2024 is aimed at enterprises, organizations, and workstations that require a stable and unchanging version of Windows for extended periods. It is ideal for critical systems that require high reliability, minimal updates, and security.

Key Features:

• Long-Term Support: 5 years of mainstream support, followed by 5 years of extended support.
• Minimal Feature Updates: LTSC only receives security updates and bug fixes, with no feature updates, ensuring stability over time.
• Stability: Designed for mission-critical systems, such as industrial devices, medical equipment, and systems that require non-stop operation.
• Security: Enterprise-level security features, including Windows Defender, BitLocker, and Device Guard.
• No Bloatware: Excludes consumer apps like Microsoft Store, Cortana, and Xbox, focusing purely on business needs.
• Compatibility: Supports the same hardware as regular Windows 11 but without the constant updates or feature changes.

Use Cases:

• Industrial Equipment: Devices in manufacturing, factory automation, and industrial controls.
• Medical Devices: Critical medical systems requiring high uptime and minimal disruptions.
• Kiosks & Digital Signage: Public-facing systems that require stable and secure operation.
• Workstations: Systems for businesses that need consistent performance without frequent updates.

Windows 11 IoT LTSC 2024 is designed for embedded and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, with a focus on stability, security, and long-term support. It is optimized for low-power, resource-constrained devices that are integral to IoT environments.

Key Features:

• Long-Term Support: 5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support, similar to the standard LTSC version.
• Optimized for IoT Devices: Targets low-power, embedded devices like smart sensors, gateways, industrial controllers, and connected systems, with a focus on efficiency and smaller footprint.
• Customization: Provides flexibility for developers to create tailored applications and configurations for specific IoT use cases.
• Minimal Updates: Like the standard LTSC, it only receives security patches and critical updates, avoiding feature updates.
• Compact and Efficient: Designed for devices with limited hardware, focusing on optimized performance and power efficiency.
• Advanced Security: Includes features such as Windows Defender, BitLocker, and App Guard, ensuring robust security for embedded IoT devices.

Use Cases:

• Industrial IoT: Devices used in smart factories, machine control systems, and connected industrial operations.
• Smart Devices: Low-power IoT devices, including sensors, wearable technology, and smart home systems.
• Medical IoT: IoT-enabled medical devices that need stability, security, and long-term operation.
• Edge Devices: Devices like IoT gateways or edge servers that process data locally and transmit it to the cloud.

• Windows 11 LTSC 2024 is best suited for businesses and critical environments where long-term stability and security are essential, such as for digital signage, industrial workstations, and kiosks.
• Windows 11 IoT LTSC 2024 is specifically tailored for embedded and IoT devices, offering a lightweight, customizable, and secure operating system for devices like smart sensors, medical equipment, and edge computing systems.