How to Buy Windows Embedded Operating Systems
Windows Embedded products are designed for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs) who plan to build a device that is based on a Windows Embedded operating system. Find a Windows Embedded partner to support the various phases of the device development cycle and help get your device to market faster.
For more information on the development cost savings associated with Windows Embedded as compared to Linux, read this Embedded Market Forecasters report.
| A customer purchasing experience, from evaluation through to device deployment, typically follows these four steps: |
Step 1
Determine which technology best meets your needs.
Is Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, or Windows Embedded for Point of Service the optimal operating system for your device? The Windows Embedded trial software site has an OS Chooser wizard and charts to help you determine which Windows Embedded operating system will work best for your device. |
Step 2
Evaluate the product.
Download or order a 120-day trial version of the Windows Embedded product you want to evaluate. Or, if you prefer, contact a Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributor to get a copy of the trial version and assistance with installation or questions you may have. With the trial software you can build devices that use Windows Embedded technologies for 120 days. Download or order a 120-day trial version of the Windows Embedded product you want to evaluate. |
Step 3
Purchase development tools.
After your evaluation is complete and you are ready to begin development, you should engage with a distribution partner. The distribution partner will assist you in purchasing the full packaged product (FPP) for Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, or Windows Embedded for Point of Service tools. You will also receive a courtesy copy of the Additional Licensing Provisions, which define distribution rights and restrictions that are specific to each Microsoft embedded licensed product.
The suggested retail price for Windows Embedded FPP is $995 US. You can perform unlimited field testing and prototyping on any number of device prototypes before you ship commercially. For US and Canadian customers, purchasing the toolkits provides you with two complimentary support incidents to use throughout your development process. |
Step 4
Acquire runtime licenses for commercial shipment. Once you complete testing and development and are ready to bring your embedded system to market, it’s time to acquire runtime licenses and certificates of authenticity from your Microsoft Authorized Embedded Distributors for each unit that you ship. The cost for each runtime license may vary, based on the volume of licenses that you purchase over a given period of time. Please see the pricing table and contact a Microsoft authorized distributor for details.
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Why Buying from Microsoft Is Good for Your Business
We don't make money until you do. Microsoft embedded technologies allow you to evaluate and test your embedded system at no cost. There are no hidden requirements for paid support or consulting contracts. You are also never alone in bringing a device to market because we have developed a large network of partners and comprehensive technical resources. Learn about getting to market faster with embedded technology and our model of shared success, start by ordering the 120-day trial software today. |
Windows Embedded Development Tools and Operating System Estimated Pricing
| Windows CE | ERP* | What is included? | Emulation Edition
(non-commercial use) | No charge | Enables you to build and test your designs without requiring target hardware. | Evaluation Kits
(non-commercial use) | No charge | The tools that you use to build runtimes and operating systems. Tools expire after 120 days. | | Development tools | $995 US | The tools that enable you use to build runtimes / operating systems. Tools do not expire | | Runtime license cost per unit: | | Runtime licenses for each operating system that is shipped. Runtimes never expire. | | Core SKU | $3 US | The Core SKU is a subset of the Windows CE Core operating system features. | | Professional SKU | $16 US | The Professional SKU is a higher-end license that is ideal for devices that require rich multimedia and graphics. | | Windows XP Embedded | ERP | What is included? | Evaluation Kits
(non-commercial use) | No charge | The runtimes and operating systems you build. Usage expires after 120 days. | | Development tools | $995 US | The tools that enable you use to build runtimes and operating systems. Tools do not expire. | | Runtime license cost per unit | $90 US | Runtimes licenses for each operating system that is shipped. Runtimes never expire. |
*Runtime pricing is based on purchase volume of one unit (except Windows CE Core based on 1000 units). Volume discounts are available. Local taxes, tariffs and other costs may apply. Contact a Windows Embedded Authorized Distributor for details. |
Microsoft Authorized Distributors
Find a list of distributors in your area to learn more about Windows Embedded and purchasing options. |
Upgrade Policy for Windows Embedded Products
Windows CE and Windows XP Embedded are original equipment manufacturer–licensed products. This page has information about Windows Embedded upgrades. |
Pricing
Find information about pricing for Windows Embedded toolkits and runtimes on this page. |