Unlock the potential of the Internet of Things with Windows.
Your Gateway to Windows IoT
Welcome to the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) community for Windows IoT. This section provides the essential information you need to begin your journey with Windows IoT, from understanding the core concepts to setting up your first device.
What is Windows IoT?
Windows IoT is a family of operating systems from Microsoft designed for a wide range of intelligent devices. It brings the power, security, and familiar development tools of Windows to the world of embedded and IoT solutions. Whether you're building a smart retail kiosk, an industrial automation system, or a connected appliance, Windows IoT provides a robust and scalable platform.
Key Concepts
Device Edition
Understand the different editions of Windows IoT, tailored for various device classes and requirements. Learn how to choose the right edition for your project.
Discover the types of hardware compatible with Windows IoT, including single-board computers and industrial PCs. Find out what to look for when selecting your device.
Let's get your Windows IoT device up and running. Follow these steps to prepare your hardware and install the operating system.
1. Prepare Your Hardware
You'll need a compatible device, such as a Raspberry Pi or an industrial PC, along with essential peripherals like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Ensure you have a power supply and an SD card (if applicable) with sufficient storage capacity.
2. Install Windows IoT Enterprise
The installation process varies slightly depending on your chosen hardware. Generally, you'll use the Windows IoT Enterprise media creator tool to create bootable media (e.g., a USB drive or SD card).
// Example command for creating bootable media (Conceptual)
$MediaCreationTool.exe /CreateIso /ProductID "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" /Edition "IoTEnterprise" /OutputPath "C:\iot-media.iso"
3. Boot and Configure
Once installed, boot your device. You'll be guided through the initial setup, including network configuration and user account creation. This is also where you'll typically configure device-specific settings.
4. Develop Your First Application
With Windows IoT installed, you're ready to start coding! Use Visual Studio to create a simple "Hello, World!" Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app or explore device-specific samples.
// Basic C# UWP App Snippet
public sealed partial class MainPage : Page
{
public MainPage()
{
this.InitializeComponent();
MyTextBlock.Text = "Welcome to Windows IoT!";
}
}
Next Steps
Now that you've set up your Windows IoT device, dive deeper into developing your solutions. Explore our comprehensive documentation, join the developer forums, and showcase your creations.
Explore SDKs and APIs
Learn about the rich set of APIs available for interacting with hardware, managing devices, and building connected experiences.