Product Lifecycles

Maximize your investments and strategically plan for the future

As part of our commitment to work with you every step of the way, Microsoft and its partners extend support and services to further your device and intelligent system solution development efforts. Microsoft’s support lifecycle policy provides consistent and predictable guidelines for product support availability when a product releases and throughout that product’s life. More than 15 years of support, no-cost security updates and premier account management are a key advantage in choosing the Microsoft platform.

Road map for intelligent systems

With Windows Embedded 8, Microsoft extends Windows 8 to intelligent systems, creating the next wave of enterprise tools and technology. The release schedule includes the Windows Embedded 8 family of device operating systems, each with a distinct feature set that includes the building blocks for an intelligent system across hardware, software and services.

  • In Market
  • Q2 2013

April 2012

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 for Embedded Systems

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September 2012

Windows Server 2012 for Embedded Systems

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January 2013

Windows Embedded 8
Handheld

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March 2013

Windows Embedded 8
Pro

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Windows Embedded 8
Standard

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April 2013

Windows Embedded 8
Industry

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Q2 2013

Windows Embedded
Compact 2013

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End-of-life schedule

This schedule outlines the product availability and distribution end-of-life dates for Windows Embedded products. These products may not be distributed or installed by Embedded OEMs after the distribution end date. To purchase licensing, contact a Microsoft Authorized Windows Embedded Distributor.

Product NameGeneral AvailabilityProduct Distribution End Date
Windows Embedded 8 IndustryApril 2, 2013TBD
Windows Embedded 8 StandardMarch 20, 2013TBD
Windows Embedded 8 ProMarch 20, 2013TBD
Windows Server 2012 for Embedded SystemsOctober 30, 2012June 30, 2027
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 for Embedded SystemsMay 20, 2012March 31, 2027
Windows Embedded Automotive 7March 1, 2011February 28, 2026
Windows Embedded Compact 7March 1, 2011February 28, 2026
Windows Embedded POSReady 7July 1, 2011September 10, 2026
Windows Embedded Device Manager 2011April 1,2011April 1, 2016
Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5December 17, 2010April 30, 2022
Windows Embedded Standard 7July 27, 2010July 27, 2025
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 for Embedded SystemsJuly 20, 2010July 9, 2024
Windows Embedded POSReady 2009December 9, 2008February 11, 2024
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for Embedded SystemsNovember 6. 2008July 9, 2024
Windows Embedded Standard 2009October 7, 2008January 8, 2024
Windows Server 2008 for Embedded SystemsMay 6, 2008May 6, 2023
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Embedded SystemsFebruary 6, 2008February 6,2023
Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Operating System (Toolkit and Runtime), all versionsNovember 1, 2006February 28, 2022
Windows Server 2003 R2 for Embedded SystemsMarch 5, 2006May 28, 2018
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 for Embedded SystemsJanuary 14, 2006April 1, 2021
Windows Automotive 5.0August 8, 2005August 31, 2020
Windows Embedded for Point of Service 1.x, all versionsMay 24, 2005May 24, 2020
Windows CE 5.0August 31, 2004August 31, 2019
Windows Automotive 4.2June 1, 2003June 1, 2018
Windows CE .NET 4.2June 1, 2003June 1, 2018
Windows Server 2003 for Embedded SystemsMay 28, 2003May 28, 2018
Windows CE .NET 4.1October 29, 2002October 29, 2017
Windows CE .NET 4.0April 1, 2002April 1, 2017
Windows XP Embedded (Toolkit and Runtime), all versionsJanuary 30, 2002January 30, 2017
Windows XP Professional for Embedded SystemsDecember 31, 2001December 31, 2016
Microsoft SQL Server 2000 for Embedded SystemsNovember 30, 2000November 30, 2015
Windows CE 3.0July 30, 2000July 30, 2015
Windows 2000 Server for Embedded SystemsMarch 31, 2000March 31, 2015
Windows CE 1.12August 31, 1999August 31, 2014
Windows NT Embedded 4.0August 30, 1999August 31, 2014

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