What is Windows 10 IoT? And when do you use it?

Microsoft provides Windows 10 in nine separate versions, from Home, Enterprise to Server. Windows 10 IoT (Internet of Things) is the version that you rarely own but is the version you used more than you think.

  1. How to install Windows 10 IoT Core on Raspberry Pi 3

Windows 10 IoT evolved from Windows Embedded

Windows 10 IoT was developed from the previous Windows version of Windows Embedded. You may not know the previous ATMs running Windows XP. These ATMs and other similar devices run Windows Embedded (XPe). The goal is for the reduced version of the operating system to run well on weak hardware.

What is Windows 10 IoT? And when do you use it? Picture 1

This operating system is used by banks for ATMs, retailers used for POS systems and manufacturers use it for simple sales. However, Windows IoT is not a brand-new version of Windows to take advantage of Internet of Things and not just for large businesses and corporations. This is evident in two different versions of this operating system: IoT Enterprise and IoT Core.

IoT Enterprise is for using multiple devices

Microsoft developed Windows 10 IoT in two directions, Enterprise and Core. The Enterprise version is basically Windows 10 Enterprise but has additional lock controls. For example, with these added controls, you can force Windows to display a single kiosk application. Windows will run it in the background but ordinary users cannot access these services. The automatic check-in kiosk machines you can often use Windows 10 IoT Enterprise.

Similar to Windows 10 Enterprise, you cannot purchase licenses for IoT Enterprise in the store. Microsoft distributes licenses through retail partners and OEM agreements. Since this is the full version of Windows, you will own all the power it has. However, this version has a disadvantage of not running on ARM processors.

IoT Core for simple boards, programs and sensors

What is Windows 10 IoT? And when do you use it? Picture 2

On the other hand, with the IoT Core version, you won't get the full Windows Shell experience but instead the operating system can run a unified Windows application (UWP) and background process. In addition, IoT Core can run on ARM processors. You can choose IoT Core to run simple applications that don't require much direct interaction from users. For example, Glas Thermostat uses IoT Core. And thanks to ARM compatibility, IoT Core can run on a simple board like Raspberry Pi.

This feature makes IoT Core a great choice for prototype production or a one-person project. Hackster, a community of hardware and software developers, hosts a lot of IoT Core projects such as identified pet stables, face recognition doors, smarthome control panels, etc. These are all projects. You can build it yourself if you have the necessary skills. Microsoft even demonstrated a robot based on Raspberry Pi using Windows IoT and hologram interaction. Microsoft provides the resources you need to download IoT Core with a free license for personal use.

  1. 10 great projects combining Raspberry Pi and Windows 10 IoT Core

In addition, IoT Core on Raspberry Pi or Minnowboard can be paired with sensors and mechanisms such as cameras, PIR sensors, servo and temperature sensors for use with many different purposes. This allows Windows 10 to communicate with the data collected by these sensors. This is the basic premise of the Internet of Things.

Windows IoT is a closed source option for Visual Studio developers

You might wonder why people choose Windows IoT instead of popular operating systems like Linux or Android. The answer lies in the purpose of using the device, the target device object and the device creator.

You probably know the advantages of open source like licensing options, high customization capabilities but open source is not the best choice for every situation. Sometimes specific projects require closed source (or proprietary) software. Some businesses and governments prohibit the use of open source in purchases. Even if a company does not prohibit open source software, these software are not recommended.

Ignoring the advantages and disadvantages of closed and open source, Windows 10 IoT has advantages for certain users. This version links to Visual Studio and you can use this IDE to develop programs. In fact, IoT Core is designed to run headless programs (without a graphical interface) and connect to other Windows 10 machines for programming and feedback. If you use a lot of Visual Studio, you should choose Windows 10 IoT instead of other programs to save installation time and get acquainted.

  1. 9 extension Visual Studio Code for easier programming

Ordinary users may not download and use Windows 10 IoT, but that doesn't mean they won't catch it. If not a developer, this operating system works in ways you can't see. It can be in kiosk machines you use to order food at a restaurant or prepare your next cocktail. Even if you are a developer if you find learning to program on other operating systems like Linux too time consuming, consider Windows 10 IoT as an option for your next project.

4 ★ | 1 Vote

May be interested

  • How to download Windows 10 Theme for Windows 7How to download Windows 10 Theme for Windows 7
    since the release of windows 10, many windows 7 and windows 8 users want to get the windows 10 interface in windows 7/8 by installing a visual style (theme). those looking for a good windows 10 theme for windows 7 will be happy to know that the windows 10 theme is available for windows 7.
  • Compare Windows 10 and Windows 11Compare Windows 10 and Windows 11
    windows 11 has officially launched. with it come some pretty big changes to the windows experience. whether it's brand new features or old functionality with a new look, windows 11 seems to have breathed new life into most people.
  • Windows operating system is 35 years old, everything you need to know about WindowsWindows operating system is 35 years old, everything you need to know about Windows
    35 years ago on 11/20/2085, the first version of windows operating system appeared to replace ms-dos, which completely changed the history of computer technology. it is an important pillar paving the way for the modern versions of windows that we are using today.
  • Instructions for upgrading Windows 7 to Windows 8 and Windows 8.1Instructions for upgrading Windows 7 to Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
    microsoft allows users running windows 7 and windows xp to upgrade directly to windows 8 or windows 8.1 without having to reinstall windows. in the article below, network administrator will guide you through the steps to upgrade from windows 7 to windows 8 and windows 8.1.
  • Use Windows XP Mode on Windows 8Use Windows XP Mode on Windows 8
    windows xp mode is no longer active in windows 8. and so is the future. explaining this, microsoft simply stated that it will no longer support windows xp and does not want users to continue using it, even in a virtual machine. however, you can easily set up windows xp mode in windows 8.
  • Instructions for using Snap feature on Windows 10 with shortcutInstructions for using Snap feature on Windows 10 with shortcut
    snap on windows 10 is completely different than on windows 7 and 8. with windows 10, you can flexibly move or resize open application windows throughout the screen position easily. based on new shortcut keys.
  • How does Windows 7, 8 not automatically upgrade to Windows 10?How does Windows 7, 8 not automatically upgrade to Windows 10?
    for windows 7 and windows 8 users, if windows 10 is eligible to upgrade windows 10 will receive a notification to upgrade windows 10 in the system tray. however, if you don't want to use windows 10, you can still block windows 7 and 8 upgrades to windows 10.
  • How to enter Windows XP mode from Windows 7 to Windows 10How to enter Windows XP mode from Windows 7 to Windows 10
    moving xp mode from windows 7 as a virtual machine to windows 10 is relatively difficult, because of the different drives and multiple files used. this tutorial will show you an easy workaround, the whole process takes less than 10 minutes.
  • Even if you're tired of Windows 10, don't downgrade to Windows 8.1Even if you're tired of Windows 10, don't downgrade to Windows 8.1
    how to geek, after trying to reinstall windows 8.1 and experiencing it for a few hours, advised users that it should not be back to windows 8.1. try to find out why so.
  • Working with windows in WindowsWorking with windows in Windows
    one thing is obvious but windows are an important part of microsoft windows. nearly everything users do in windows involves a certain window. however, if all you do with the window is just opening and closing and dragging them around the screen, you seem to be missing a little creativity.