Windows Embedded Compact
Windows Embedded Compact, formerly Windows Embedded CE, Windows Powered and Windows CE, is a discontinued operating system developed by Microsoft for mobile and embedded devices. It was part of the Windows Embedded family and served as the foundation of several classes of devices including the Handheld PC, Pocket PC, Auto PC, Windows Mobile, Windows Phone 7 and others.
| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Written in | C |
| Source model | |
| Initial release | November 16, 1996 |
| Final release | 8.0 (Embedded Compact 2013) / October 10, 2023 |
| Platforms | x86, 32-bit ARM, (SuperH up to 6.0 R2, MIPS and PowerPC were also supported) |
| Kernel type | Hybrid |
| License | Commercial proprietary software |
| Succeeded by | Windows IoT |
| Official website | msdn |
| Support status | |
| Not supported, see ยง Releases for details. | |
Unlike Windows Embedded Standard, which is based on Windows NT, Windows Embedded Compact uses a different hybrid kernel. Microsoft licenses it to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), who can modify and create their own user interfaces and experiences, with Windows Embedded Compact providing the technical foundation to do so. The final version of Windows Embedded Compact supports x86 and ARM processors with board support package (BSP) directly. The MIPS and SHx architectures had support prior to version 7.0 and version 7.0 still works on MIPS II architecture.
Windows Embedded Compact 2013 is the final version of Windows CE. It had mainstream support until October 9, 2018, and extended support ended on October 10, 2023; however, license sales for OEMs will continue until 2028.