Windows IoT

Empowering your intelligent edge devices

Get Started with Windows IoT

Welcome to the world of Windows IoT! This guide will walk you through the essential steps to begin building powerful, connected devices with Windows 10 IoT Enterprise or Windows 11 IoT Enterprise.

Why Choose Windows IoT?

Windows IoT offers a familiar development environment, robust security features, comprehensive device management capabilities, and seamless integration with the broader Microsoft ecosystem. It's the ideal platform for everything from industrial automation and retail solutions to digital signage and medical devices.

Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Understand the Basics: Familiarize yourself with the core concepts of Windows IoT, including editions (IoT Enterprise LTSC, SAC), licensing, and deployment models.
  2. Choose Your Hardware: Select a compatible device. Windows IoT Enterprise runs on a wide range of x86 and x64 devices, from single-board computers to industrial PCs. Explore our recommended hardware.
  3. Acquire Windows IoT Enterprise: Obtain the necessary licenses and installation media for your chosen edition. This often involves working with Microsoft licensing partners.
  4. Install and Configure: Install Windows IoT Enterprise on your target hardware. This includes setting up your device with appropriate drivers and initial configurations. You can use deployment tools like Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) for custom images. 
    # Example command for image servicing
DISM /Mount-Image /ImageFile:C:\path\to\your\image.wim /Index:1 /MountDir:C:\mount
# ... make your changes ...
DISM /Unmount-Image /MountDir:C:\mount /Commit
  5. Develop Your Application: Create your IoT solution using familiar tools like Visual Studio. Leverage UWP (Universal Windows Platform) or Win32 applications, and explore the Windows IoT APIs for hardware access and device-specific features.

    Consider using frameworks like:

    • .NET (C#, VB.NET)
    • C++
    • JavaScript (with WinJS)
  6. Secure Your Device: Implement robust security measures. Windows IoT Enterprise includes features like Unified Write Filter (UWF), Device Guard, and Assigned Access to lock down your devices and protect them from unauthorized access and tampering.
  7. Deploy and Manage: Deploy your application and manage your fleet of devices. Explore solutions like Azure IoT Hub or Microsoft Endpoint Manager for remote monitoring, updating, and controlling your IoT devices.

Next Steps

Ready to dive deeper? Explore the following resources to accelerate your Windows IoT journey:

Explore More Resources