Windows Embedded Industry

Windows Embedded Industry, formerly Windows Embedded POSReady and Windows Embedded for Point of Service (WEPOS), is an operating system subfamily developed by Microsoft as part of its Windows Embedded family of products. Based on Windows NT, Windows Embedded Industry is designed for use in industrial devices such as cash registers, automated teller machines, and self service checkouts. Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry was the last release, with Windows 10 IoT Enterprise superseding Windows Embedded Industry, Windows Embedded Standard, and Windows For Embedded Systems (FES).
Releases.
Windows Embedded for Point of Service (WEPOS).
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 edition of Windows Embedded that could use the Windows Update Agent to update an installed and deployed image. Service Pack 3 (SP3) 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 edition offers more features over Windows Embedded for Point of Service such as Full Localization, Internet Explorer 7 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. Extended support for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009--the last supported edition 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 based on Windows 7 with SP1. It was released on July 1, 2011. It is the last supported edition of Windows based on Windows 7 to receive official support from Microsoft. Mainstream support for Windows Embedded POSReady 7 ended on and extended support ends on October 12, 2021. Windows Embedded POSReady 7 is eligible for the Extended Security Updates service. This service is available via OEMs, in yearly installments. Security updates are available for the operating system until at most October 14, 2024. This will mark the final end of the Windows NT 6.1 product line after 15 years, 2 months, and 22 days.
Windows Embedded 8 Industry.
Based on Windows 8, Windows Embedded 8 Industry was released on April 2, 2013 and is available in Pro, Pro Retail, and Enterprise editions. The Pro and Pro Retail editions are only available pre-installed on OEM devices, while the Enterprise edition is available through the volume licensing channel only. The Pro Retail edition adds a few extra features for use in retail environments, while the Enterprise edition 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; users must install Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry in order to continue receiving updates and support.
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 Pro, Pro Retail, and Enterprise editions. 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 Enterprise.
Microsoft rebranded "Windows Embedded" to "Windows IoT" starting with the release of embedded editions of Windows 10. Windows IoT Enterprise acts as the successor to Windows Embedded Industry.