This post explains Windows 10 IoT Core and offers the steps to download it. Furthermore, it compares Windows 10 IoT Core and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. For more information, read this post of Partition Magic.

What Is Windows 10 IoT Core

Windows 10 IoT Core, an edition of Windows 10, is designed for creating smart things. It is the smallest member of the Windows 10 operating system family. Though it only runs a single app, it still has the manageability and security expected from Windows 10.

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Windows 10 IoT Core is built to power intelligent edge devices with either not displays like IoT gateways or with displays like micro-kiosks. Optimized for smaller and lower-cost industry devices, it can also be used in devices like the Raspberry Pi for hobbyists for free.

This version of Windows 10 is thought of as the successor to Windows Embedded Compact (known as Windows CE) even though it maintains very little compatibility with it. Though they share some similarities – both intended for embedded or limited resource systems, they are different two offerings.

For example, Windows CE WEC2013 (latest version) allows the kernel and drivers to be changed to fit the developer’s target system, while Windows 10 IoT Core is a closed system which means both kernel drivers and kernel are closed and require driver signing.

WEC2013 can be used with Visual Studio 2012, 2013, or 2015, while Windows 10 IoT Core supports Visual Studio 2015 or 2017. Both WEC2013 and Windows 10 IoT Core support Visual C++, Visual C#, and Visual Basic, there are some limitations with Windows 10 IoT Core when it comes to non-UWP apps. Moreover, there’s no legacy Win32 API for starters.

Other variants of Windows 10:

Download Windows IoT Core

Before you download Windows 10 IoT Core, you should ensure that your PC meets the requirements of this system. The supported operating system of Windows 10 IoT Core is Windows 10 Build 10140 or higher. Besides, it requires 256MB RAM and 2GB storage.

Step 1: Navigate to this page.

Step 2: Click on the Download button to start the process.

choose the language and click Download

Step 3: If the download doesn’t start in 30 seconds, tap the offered click here to download manually link to download Windows 10 IoT Core.

manually download the IoT Core

Step 4: Wait patiently until the Windows 10 IoT Core download process ends. You are allowed to try out Windows 10 IoT Core on many platforms. Once of the easiest way is to try it on a Raspberry PI with Visual Studio. To do that, follow the instructions below.

  1. Click here to download the Windows 10 IoT Core dashboard.
  2. Create a Raspberry PI image.
  3. Download Visual Studio 2017 and launch it.
  4. Get the Windows 10 IoT Template.
  5. Turn the PI on and set up Windows.
  6. Confirm Visual Studio 2017 is working.

Windows 10 IoT Core vs Windows 10 IoT Enterprise

Both Windows 10 IoT Core and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise are headless supported and contain Mobile Device Management (MDM). As for differences between Windows 10 IoT Core and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, you can check the details in the table below.

Tips:
Based on extensive feedback from device manufacturers, Microsoft decided to combine Windows 10 IoT Core and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise into one system since Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021.
Windows 10 IoT CoreWindows 10 IoT Enterprise
User experienceOne Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app in the foreground at a timeConventional Windows Shell with Advanced Lockdown Features
App architecture supportedUWP UI onlyFull Windows UI support (like UWP, WinForms, etc.)
CortanaCortana SDKYes
Domain joinAAD onlyAAD and Traditional Domain
Device Security TechnologiesTPM, Security Boot, BitLocker, Device Guard, and Device Health AttenstationTPM, Security Boot, BitLocker, Device Guard, and Device Health Attenstation
CPU architecture supportx86, x64, and ARMx86 and x64
LicensingOnline Licensing Agreement and Embedded OEM Agreements, Royalty-freeDirect and Indirect Embedded OEM Agreements
Usage scenariosDigital Signage, Smart Building, IoT Gateway, HMI, Smart Home, WearablesIndustry Tablets, Retail Point of Service, Kiosk, Digital Signage, ATM, Medical Devices, Manufacturing Devices, Thin Client

This post offers an introduction to Windows 10 IoT Core and shows you the steps to download it. Based on that, it makes a comparison on Windows 10 IoT Core and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise.

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About The Author

Amy
Amy

Position: Columnist

Having writing articles about computer tech for a long time, I am rather experienced especially on the aspect of computer optimization, PC enhancement, as well as tech terms explanation. The habit of looking through tech forums makes me a great computer issues collector. And then, many articles related to these issues are released, which benefit plenty of users. Professional, effective, and innovative are always the pursuit of an editing worker.