Based on Windows XP with SP2 and designed for use in Point of Service situations, WEPOS expanded Microsoft's Windows Embedded family of products. It was the first version of Windows Embedded that could use the Windows Update Agent to update an installed and deployed image. Service Pack 3 for WEPOS was released on October 8, 2008. When the new Microsoft Lifecycle Support policy for Internet Explorer went into effect on January 12, 2016, IE6 support was dropped from not only WEPOS, but all other supported platforms. WEPOS was also the last supported platform for IE7 after this date. Windows Embedded for Point of Service was released on May 24, 2005.
Windows Embedded POSReady 2009
Based on Windows XP with SP3, this version offers more features over Windows Embedded for Point of Service such as Full Localization and XPS support if.NET Framework 3.5 or higher is installed. Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 was released on December 9, 2008. Prior to XP's end of support, some Windows XP users have reported that the Regedit tool on their operating system can be used to 'trick' Windows Update into accepting updates targeting POSReady 2009, though it can break some older applications. POSReady 2009 is also notable as being the last XP derived operating system to receive official support from Microsoft. Starting in 2017, POSReady 2009 has sought excitement of extended support. Extended support for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009--the last supported version of Windows based on Windows XP--ended on April 9, 2019, marking the final end of the Windows NT 5.1 product line after 17 years, 7 months, and 16 days.
Windows Embedded POSReady 7
Windows Embedded POSReady 7 is the first version of Windows Embedded Industry and is the last supported version of Windows based on Windows 7 with SP1. It was released on July 1, 2011. Mainstream support for Windows Embedded POSReady 7 ended on and extended support ends on October 12, 2021.
Windows Embedded 8 Industry
Based on Windows 8, Windows Embedded 8 Industry was released on April 2, 2013. Available in both Pro and Enterprise versions. The Pro version is only available pre-installed on OEM devices, while the Enterprise version is available through the volume licensing channel only. The Enterprise version also provides embedded-specific features designed to integrate seamlessly with Windows 8 Enterprise. Alaska Airlines uses Windows Embedded 8 Industry in-flight entertainment devices. All support ended on January 12, 2016, must install Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry in order to continue receiving updates and support. Support for IE10 on all Windows operating systems ended on January 31, 2020.
Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry
Based on Windows 8.1, Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry was released on October 17, 2013 by Microsoft as a component of the operating system itself. As with 8 Industry, it is available in both Pro and Enterprise versions. Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Update was released on April 16, 2014. Mainstream support for Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry ended on July 10, 2018 and extended support ends on July 11, 2023.
Windows IoT
Microsoft rebranded "Windows Embedded" to "Windows IoT" starting with the release of embedded versions of Windows 10.
