Windows 11 is now rolling out on a staged launch that Microsoft expects to finish by mid-2022. Alongside the general release, Microsoft also made Windows 11 IoT Enterprise available on general release. Why this Internet of Things-specific version of the platform gets less fanfare, it is still an interesting release.
It is worth noting that Windows 11 IoT Enterprise is not the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Windows 11. Microsoft has already said Windows 10 will continue to be the LTSC flag bearer, but a Windows 11 LTSC will eventually come in 2023 or later.
Because of that delay, Microsoft says even the next LTSC Windows IoT Enterprise version will be running on Windows 10.
However, on the non-LTSC Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, Microsoft is moving into the next generation. Included in the release is support for Windows Subsystem for Linux GUI (WSLg). This addition allows the platform to run GUI applications.
Features
The new version of IoT Enterprise also add support for Universal Series Bus 4 (USB 4) and Wi-Fi 6E. Microsoft points out that it is sticking to support for IoT devices and this new Windows 11 version shows that commitment:
“We remain committed to the ongoing success of Windows for IoT, which is deployed on millions of intelligent-edge solutions around the world. Industries such as manufacturing, retail, medical equipment, and public safety choose Windows for IoT to power their edge devices. There are many benefits of developing on the platform. These benefits include creating locked-down, interactive user experiences with natural input, providing world-class security, enterprise-grade device management, and allowing customers and partners to build solutions that are made to last.”
You can find out more about Windows 11 IoT Enterprise at Microsoft's official page here.
Tip of the day: By default, the most used apps group in your start menu shows the six most frequently used apps. However, you can customize your Windows 10 Start Menu to exclude certain apps from the list or get rid of the most used apps section entirely.
Last Updated on February 15, 2022 1:38 pm CET