Is Windows CE Still Supported in 2023

Windows CE systems have dominated the mobility market for decades. Companies across different industries rely on this operating system to improve their operations. Recently, however, Microsoft stopped developing more updates for this system.

Windows Embedded Compact (previously known as Windows CE) is a real-time operating system developed by Microsoft for small, resource-constrained devices such as handheld computers, industrial controllers, and embedded systems. It is a modular, component-based operating system designed to be customizable, allowing developers to create tailored solutions for specific hardware configurations and use cases.

Windows Embedded Compact provides a variety of features, including a small footprint, support for various processor architectures, real-time capabilities, and a range of connectivity options. It also includes development tools and APIs to simplify the creation of custom applications and services.

According to Microsoft windows developers, it will cease all platforms that support Windows CE. As a result, Windows CE 6.0 end of life happened in 2018, and on January 14, 2020, Windows Mobile 6.5 end-of-life occurred. This means companies who are still using Windows CE will see an end to security updates and patches.

A Quick Review On Windows CE

Windows CE is a core operating system developed by Microsoft that is designed for minimalistic devices such as smartphones, handheld computers, and other embedded systems. The first version, Windows CE 1.0, was released in 1996. Microsoft licenses Windows CE to hardware manufacturers who can then develop devices that meet the minimum hardware specifications required to run the operating system. Developers can use Windows Phone Developer Tools and a Windows CE Software Development Kit to create Windows CE apps that can run on devices. Windows CE allows developers to create their own user interfaces and tailor the user experience to their needs.

Why Migrate from Microsoft Windows CE OS To Another Operating System?

Migrating your Windows CE OS to a completely different OS which will ensure that your business gets the support that it needs. However, if you are using legacy software with native applications, you may be forced to try other operating systems that work with Rugged Tablets and PDAs. You may also want to consider migrating to an open-source operating system such as Android, Linux, or even iOS that offers greater flexibility, scalability, and potential for customizations.

The Business Risk of Sticking With Windows CE Kernel

Sticking with Windows CE can pose a significant risk to businesses that rely on the operating system for their mobility needs. With Microsoft ending support for Windows CE, companies that continue to use the operating system will no longer receive security updates and patches, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats.

This is especially concerning for businesses that operate in industries that require high levels of security, such as healthcare and finance. Hackers can easily exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, exposing sensitive data and putting patients and customers at risk.

Another risk will be for businesses that require high productivity and efficiency. Without access to the latest features and updates and only following minimum hardware specifications, businesses may experience slower performance, increased downtime, and difficulty integrating with new technologies.

What Are The Benefits Of Upgrading To Another Operating System?

Upgrading from Windows CE to another operating system can provide a wide range of benefits. Upgrading to a higher version of Windows can help increase the performance, security, and stability of your system. It can also offer new features that weren’t available on the old OS. Additionally, upgrading to an open-source OS may provide access to more apps and greater flexibility in terms of customizations and scalability.

End of Life of Windows CE

An End-of-Life status indicates that a mobile device will no longer receive security and software patch updates. It does not mean that the device will stop working it simply means users will have to use legacy software to continue running. As mentioned above, companies that will continue to use legacy operating systems will be vulnerable to bugs and defenseless against viruses.

Windows CE Migration Hurdles

Migrating from Windows CE to a newer operating system can be a challenging process for businesses, particularly those that rely on legacy software and hardware designed to support Windows CE. One of the biggest challenges faced by businesses is compatibility. Many companies are still using older Windows Mobile devices that only support Windows CE, making it difficult to migrate to a newer operating system without replacing the entire device.

Another hurdle is data migration, which can involve data conversion, restructuring, or cleansing to ensure that all data is properly transferred to the new operating system without any loss. Additionally, some businesses may need to physically install a Windows CE port on their device to enable it to support other Microsoft operating systems.

Businesses must also consider the cost of migrating to a newer operating system, which can include purchasing new hardware and software licenses, investing in employee training and education, and upgrading existing systems. While migrating to a newer operating system can provide benefits such as improved security, performance, and compatibility, the cost must be carefully weighed against the benefits.

It’s worth noting that Windows CE conforms to a different set of standards compared to other operating systems by Microsoft, so it may require some modifications to ensure compatibility with newer systems. Nonetheless, upgrading from Windows CE to a newer operating system can provide significant benefits for businesses, including improved performance and access to a wider range of software applications.

One potential solution for businesses looking to upgrade from Windows CE is to consider rugged devices such as the Conker NS6, which runs on Windows Pro and provides a stable, reliable, and easy-to-use alternative to Windows CE. Regardless of the solution chosen, businesses must develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the unique challenges of migrating from Windows CE and provides the necessary support for a successful transition.

The end of life for Windows CE has become a serious worry for different industries. For example, in healthcare services – medical devices are widely used and rely on Windows CE. These medical devices run on software that is designed for collecting, storing, and transmitting data from one device to another. As these devices play a major role in patient care, it is crucial to find the right upgrade from Windows CE.

But why should EOL for Windows CE be a constant source of problems for your business when you have the option to upgrade your OS or device?

What are your options – The CONKER NS6

Rugged devices notably handhelds previously operated with the Windows CE operating system, Conker’s flagship 6-inch NS6 device combined with the updated Windows Pro operating system known for its stability, reliability, and ease of use, has filled the void previously occupied by now discontinued Windows CE rugged devices. Read more about how Windows CE gets a new life with the Rugged Conkers NS6 Windows Handheld.