View source for Windows CE

{{Short description|Discontinued embedded operating system by Microsoft}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox OS
| name = Windows CE
| logo = Windows CE Logo.svg
| logo caption = Wordmark of Windows CE (in versions 4.x and [[Windows CE 5.0|5.0]])
| screenshot =
| caption =
| developer = [[Microsoft]]
| family = <!--Nothing; this article is about a family-->
| released = {{start date and age|1996|11|16}}
| discontinued = yes
| language = <!--Exactly which?-->
| ui =
| license = [[Commercial software|Commercial]] [[proprietary software]]
| succeeded_by = [[Windows IoT]]
| source_model = {{ubl
|[[Proprietary software|Closed-source]]
|[[Source-available software|Source-available]] (through [[Shared Source Initiative]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS6932977445.html|title=Microsoft opens full Windows CE kernel source.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216190107/http://linuxdevices.com/news/NS6932977445.html|archive-date=February 16, 2009|work=Linux Devices|date=November 1, 2006}}</ref>
}}
| kernel_type = [[Hybrid kernel|Hybrid]]<br />[[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]]
| supported_platforms = [[x86]], [[32-bit]] [[ARM architecture|ARM]], ([[SuperH]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emacinc.com/operating_systems/windows_ce.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528144239/http://www.emacinc.com/operating_systems/windows_ce.htm|archive-date=May 28, 2010|title=Windows CE overview
}}</ref> up to 6.0 R2, [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] and [[PowerPC]] were also supported)<ref>{{cite web|title=Windows Embedded CE|url=http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/evaluate/windows-embedded-ce-6.aspx|work=Microsoft|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=February 6, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717180230/http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/evaluate/windows-embedded-ce-6.aspx|archive-date=July 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Windows CE Version 2.0 Supported Processors|url=http://microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce/guide/processors/proc20.asp|url-status=dead|work=Microsoft|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000914080019/http://microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce/guide/processors/proc20.asp|archive-date=Sep 14, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Windows CE Version 2.1 Supported Processors|url=http://microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce/guide/processors/proc21.asp|url-status=dead|work=Microsoft|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000914080014/http://microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce/guide/processors/proc21.asp|archive-date=Sep 14, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Windows CE Version 2.11 Supported Processors|url=http://microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce/guide/processors/proc211.asp|url-status=dead|work=Microsoft|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000914080010/http://microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce/guide/processors/proc211.asp|archive-date=Sep 14, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Windows CE Version 2.12 Supported Processors|url=http://microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce/guide/processors/proc212.asp|url-status=dead|work=Microsoft|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000914080005/http://microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce/guide/processors/proc212.asp|archive-date=Sep 14, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Windows CE Version 3.0 Supported Processors|url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce/guide/processors/proc30.asp|url-status=dead|work=Microsoft|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000619051423/http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce/guide/processors/proc30.asp|archive-date=Jun 19, 2000}}</ref>
| latest_release_version = 8.0 (Embedded Compact 2013)
| latest_release_date = {{Start date and age|2023|10|10}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Microsoft announces general availability of Windows Embedded Compact 2013|url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/Features/2013/Jun13/06-13EmbeddedCompactGA.aspx|work=Microsoft News Center|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=July 14, 2013}}</ref><ref name=WinCEFAQ>{{cite web|title=Windows CE Migration FAQ|url=https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/iot/windows_ce/windows-ce-migration-faq|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022204619/http://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/iot/windows_ce/windows-ce-migration-faq|publisher=Microsoft|date=September 15, 2021|archivedate=October 22, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
| latest_test_version =
| latest_test_date =
| marketing_target =
| programmed_in = [[C (programming language)|C]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.windowsfordevices.com/c/a/News/Special-Report-Windows-CE-6-arrives-with-100-kernel-source|title=Special Report: Windows CE 6 arrives with 100% kernel source|publisher=windowsfordevices.com|date=November 1, 2006|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820002206/http://www.windowsfordevices.com/c/a/News/Special-Report-Windows-CE-6-arrives-with-100-kernel-source|archive-date=August 20, 2012}}</ref>
| prog_language =
| updatemodel =
| package_manager =
| working_state =
| support_status = Not supported, see [[Windows Embedded Compact#Releases|§ Releases]] for details.
}}
'''Windows CE''', later known as '''Windows Embedded CE''' and '''Windows Embedded Compact''', is a discontinued [[operating system]] developed by [[Microsoft]] for [[Mobile device|mobile]] and [[Embedded system|embedded]] devices. It was part of the [[Windows Embedded]] family<ref>{{cite web |title=Windows Embedded Homepage |url=http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/default.mspx |access-date=November 14, 2010 |publisher=Microsoft.com}}</ref> and served as the software foundation of several products including the [[Handheld PC]], [[Pocket PC]], [[Windows Embedded Automotive|Auto PC]], [[Windows Mobile]], [[Windows Phone 7]] and others.

Unlike [[Windows Embedded Standard]], [[Windows For Embedded Systems]], [[Windows Embedded Industry]] and [[Windows IoT]], which are based on [[Windows NT]], Windows CE uses a different kernel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ce_base/archive/2007/11/26/how-does-windows-embedded-ce-6.0-start_3f00_.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100708223127/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ce_base/archive/2007/11/26/how-does-windows-embedded-ce-6.0-start_3f00_.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 8, 2010|title=How does Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Start?|work=Windows CE Base Team Blog|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=December 18, 2007|access-date=November 14, 2010}}</ref> Microsoft licensed it to [[original equipment manufacturer]]s (OEMs), who could modify and create their own [[user interface]]s and experiences, with Windows Embedded Compact providing the technical foundation to do so.

Windows CE can be configured as [[monolithic kernel]] or [[hybrid kernel]], depends on the target device type and the manufacturer. [[Windows Mobile]] and [[Windows Phone 7]] are always monolithic kernel.

<!--MIPS (SH or "kernel" not in the source: the editor was not sure what it was supposed to support here: <ref name=ec2013_oalms>{{cite web|title=OAL Memory Mapping Structures (Compact 2013)|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj823235.aspx|work=MSDN|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=July 15, 2013}}</ref>-->Earlier versions of Windows CE worked on [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] and [[SuperH|SHx]] architectures, but in [[Windows CE 7.0|version 7.0]] released in 2011—when the product was also renamed to Embedded Compact—support for these were dropped but remained for [[MIPS II]] architecture. The final version, Windows Embedded Compact 2013 (version 8.0), released in 2013, only supports [[x86]] and [[ARM architecture|ARM]] processors with [[board support package]] (BSP) directly.<ref name="ec2013_bsp">{{cite web |title=Board Support Package (Compact 2013) |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg156127.aspx |access-date=July 15, 2013 |work=MSDN |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> It had mainstream support until October 9, 2018, and extended support ended on October 10, 2023; however, license sales for OEMs will continue until 2028.<ref>{{cite web|title=Product Lifecycles & Support for Windows Embedded Products|url=http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/product-lifecycles.aspx|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410235645/http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/product-lifecycles.aspx|publisher=Microsoft|archivedate=April 10, 2015}}</ref><ref name=WinCEFAQ/><ref>{{cite web|title=Windows CE, Microsoft's stunted middle child, reaches end of support at 26 years|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/10/windows-ce-microsofts-stunted-middle-child-reaches-end-of-support-at-26-years/2|website=[[Ars Technica]]|first=Kevin|last=Purdy|date=October 30, 2023|accessdate=January 10, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Windows CE reaches end of life, if not end of sales|url=https://www.theregister.com/2023/10/30/windows_ce_reaches_eol|website=[[The Register]]|first=Liam|last=Proven|date=October 30, 2023|accessdate=January 10, 2024}}</ref>

==Features==
[[File:Microsoft Windows CE Version 3.0 (Build 126) cmd.exe Command Prompt 800x574.png|thumb|Pocket CMD v 3.0 ([[cmd.exe]]) on Windows CE 3.0]]
Windows CE is optimized for devices that have minimal memory; a Windows CE kernel may run with one [[megabyte]] of [[Computer memory|memory]].<ref name=ce_memreq>{{cite web|title=Create or Modify a BSP (Compact 2013)|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj556177.aspx|website=Microsoft Developer Network|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=June 11, 2014}}</ref> Devices are often configured without [[disk storage]], and may be configured as a "closed" system that does not allow for end-user extension (for instance, it can be burned into [[Read-only memory|ROM]]). Windows CE conforms to the definition of a [[real-time operating system]], with a deterministic interrupt latency. From Version&nbsp;3 and onward, the system supports 256&nbsp;priority levels<ref>{{cite web|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb202761.aspx|title=Priority Levels|date=April 8, 2010 |publisher=Msdn.microsoft.com|access-date=November 14, 2010}}</ref> and uses [[priority inheritance]] for dealing with [[priority inversion]]. The fundamental unit of execution is the [[Thread (computer science)|thread]]. This helps to simplify the interface and improve execution time.

The first version{{snd}} known during development under the [[code name]] "Pegasus"{{snd}} featured a Windows-like [[Graphical user interface|GUI]] and a number of Microsoft's popular apps, all trimmed down for smaller storage, memory, and speed of the palmtops of the day. Since then, Windows CE has evolved into a component-based, embedded, real-time operating system. It is no longer targeted solely at hand-held computers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/products/windowsce/technical-specifications.mspx|title=Embedded Platform &#124; Integrated Development Environment (IDE) &#124; Windows CE|publisher=Microsoft.com|access-date=November 14, 2010}}</ref> Many platforms have been based on the core Windows CE operating system, including Microsoft's [[AutoPC]], [[Pocket PC 2000]], [[Pocket PC 2002]], [[Windows Mobile 2003]], [[Windows Mobile 2003 SE]], [[Windows Mobile 5]], [[Windows Mobile 6]], [[Smartphone|Smartphone 2002]], [[Smartphone|Smartphone 2003]], [[Portable Media Center]], [[Zune]], [[Windows Phone 7]] and many industrial devices and embedded systems. Windows CE even powered select games for the [[Sega]] [[Dreamcast]]{{Citation needed|date=October 2025}} and was the [[operating system]] of the [[Gizmondo]] handheld.

A distinctive feature of Windows CE compared to other Microsoft operating systems is that large parts of it are offered in source code form. First, source code was offered to several vendors, so they could adjust it to their hardware. Then products like Platform Builder (an integrated environment for Windows CE OS image creation and integration, or customized operating system designs based on CE) offered several components in source code form to the general public. However, a number of core components that do not need adaptation to specific hardware environments (other than the CPU family) are still distributed in binary only form.

Windows CE uses WCELDR as its second stage boot loader in x86 platforms; or uses EBOOT as its boot loader in ARM platforms. Windows CE uses manufacturer-prebuilt [[Windows Registry|Registry]] to manage hardware devices.<ref>{{Cite web| title=BSP Porting Guide for Windows Embedded Compact 7 | url=https://download.microsoft.com/download/2/4/A/24A36661-A629-4CE6-A615-6B2910A1367A/BSP%20Porting%20Guide%20for%20Windows%20Embedded%20Compact%207.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018134702/http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/4/A/24A36661-A629-4CE6-A615-6B2910A1367A/BSP%20Porting%20Guide%20for%20Windows%20Embedded%20Compact%207.pdf | archive-date=2016-10-18}}</ref> On the startup process, NK.BIN [[boot image]] or NK.EXE kernel is loaded by the WCELDR or EBOOT bootloader.<ref>{{Cite web| title=Understanding CEPC Boot Sequence in Windows Embedded Compact 7 | url=https://download.microsoft.com/download/F/D/D/FDDC7E09-3929-4E0D-B82F-1145D476ABB1/Webinar_Booting%20x86%20systems%20into%20Windows%20Embedded%20Compact%207.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202223744/http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/D/D/FDDC7E09-3929-4E0D-B82F-1145D476ABB1/Webinar_Booting%20x86%20systems%20into%20Windows%20Embedded%20Compact%207.pdf | archive-date=2020-12-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| title=Minimum Requirements for a Windows CE Board Support Package | url=https://download.microsoft.com/download/6/7/2/672327a4-cacd-4b9e-9c40-cb5223cb8f3d/wince_min_requirements_bsp.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815165449/http://download.microsoft.com:80/download/6/7/2/672327A4-CACD-4B9E-9C40-CB5223CB8F3D/WINCE_Min_Requirements_BSP.pdf | archive-date=2009-08-15}}</ref>

Windows CE 2.11 was the first embedded Windows release to support a console and a Windows CE version of {{mono|[[cmd.exe]]}}.<ref>{{Cite book|author=Douglas McConnaughey Boling|year=2001|title=Programming Microsoft Windows CE|edition=2nd|publisher=[[Microsoft Press]]|isbn=978-0735614437}}</ref>

==History==
{{multiple image
 | width     = 220
 | direction = vertical
 | image1    = Windows CE logo.svg
 | caption1  = Logo of Windows CE, from 1996 (versions 1.0 to 3.0)
 | image2    = Windows Embedded CE logo.svg
 | caption2  = Logo of Windows Embedded CE, from 2006 (versions 6.0 to 7.0)
 | image3    = WEC 2012.svg
 | caption3  = Logo of Windows Embedded Compact, from 2013 (version 8.0)
 }}
[[File:Sega-Dreamcast-Console-FL (cropped) Windows CE logo.png|thumb|Logo on the [[Dreamcast]]: "Compatible with Windows CE"]]

Windows Embedded Compact was formerly known as Windows CE. According to Microsoft, "CE" is not an explicit acronym for anything, although it implies a number of notions that Windows developers had in mind, such as "compact", "connectable", "compatible", "companion" and "efficient".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/166915|title=The Meaning of "CE" in Windows CE launch date|publisher=support.microsoft.com|date=February 14, 2015|access-date=February 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910113022/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/166915|archive-date=2013-09-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.windowsfordevices.com/news/NS5452934855.html|title=Microsoft renames Windows CE, sets CE 6.0 launch date|publisher=windowsfordevices.com|date=September 22, 2006|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104153759/http://www.windowsfordevices.com/news/NS5452934855.html|archive-date=January 4, 2009}}</ref> The name changed once in 2006, with the release of [[Windows Embedded CE 6.0]], and again in 2011, with the release of [[Windows Embedded Compact 7]].

Windows CE was originally announced by Microsoft at the [[COMDEX|Computer Dealers' Exhibition (COMDEX)]] in 1996 and was demonstrated on stage by [[Bill Gates]] and John McGill. Microsoft had been testing Pegasus in early 1995 and released a strict reference platform to several hardware partners. The devices had to have the following minimum hardware specifications:
* [[SuperH#SH-3|SH3]], [[MIPS architecture processors|MIPS]] 3000 or MIPS 4000 CPU
* Minimum of 4 MB of ROM
* Minimum of 2 MB of RAM with a backup power source, such as a [[CR2032]] coin cell battery
* Powered by two AA batteries
* A physical [[QWERTY keyboard]] including [[Control key|Ctrl]], [[Alt key|Alt]], and Shift keys
* A [[LCD]] of 480×240 pixels with four shades of gray and two bits per pixel with touchscreen that could be operated by either stylus or finger
* An [[IrDa]] transceiver
* Serial port
* [[PC Card]] socket
* Built-in speaker

Devices of the time mainly had 480×240 pixel displays with the exception of the [[Hewlett-Packard]] 'Palmtop PC' which had a 640×240 display. Each window took over the full display. Navigation was done by tapping or double tapping on an item. A contextual menu was also available by the user pressing the ALT key and tapping on the screen. Windows CE 1.0 did not include a cascading Start menu, although Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 did. Microsoft released the Windows CE 1.0 Power Toys that included a cascading menu icon that appeared in the system tray. Also bundled were several other utilities, most notable were a sound applet for the system tray, enabling the user to quickly mute or unmute their device or adjust the volume and a 'pocket' version of Paint.

The release of Windows CE 2.0 was well received. Microsoft learned its lessons from consumer feedback of Windows CE 1.0 and made many improvements to the operating system. The Start menu was a cascading menu, identical to those found on [[Windows 95]] and [[Windows NT 4.0]]. Color screens were also supported and manufacturers raced to release the first color [[H/PC]]. The first to market was Hewlett Packard with the [[HP 620LX]]. Windows CE 2.0 also supported a broader range of CPU architectures. Programs could be also installed directly in the OS by double clicking on CAB files. Due to the nature of the ROMs that contained the operating system, users were not able to flash their devices with the newer operating system. Instead manufacturers released upgrade ROMs that users had to physically install in their devices, after removing the previous version. This would usually wipe the data on the device and present the user with the setup wizard upon first boot.

In November 1999, it was reported that Microsoft was planning to rename Windows CE to '''Windows Powered'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.itprotoday.com/windows-78/cnet-windows-ce-become-windows-powered|title=CNET: Windows CE to become 'Windows powered'|date=December 1999}}</ref> This name only appeared in brand in Handheld PC 2000 and a build of [[Windows 2000#Editions|Windows 2000 Advanced Server]] for [[network-attached storage]] devices (which bears no relation to Windows CE). Various Windows CE 3.0 products announced at [[CES 2001]] were also marketed with the "Windows Powered" umbrella name.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.windowsitpro.com/Article/ArticleID/19604/19604.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050419082235/http://www.windowsitpro.com/Article/ArticleID/19604/19604.html|archive-date=April 19, 2005|title=IT Pro}}</ref>

==Development tools==
===Visual Studio===
Microsoft [[Visual Studio]] 2012, 2013, and 2015 support apps and [[#Platform Builder|Platform Builder]] development for Windows Embedded Compact 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=What's New (Compact 2013)|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg154234.aspx#Anchor_0|website=[[MSDN]]|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|access-date=January 24, 2016|ref=compact2013_what_is_new}}</ref>

Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 and earlier support projects for older releases of Windows CE/Windows Mobile, producing executable programs and platform images either as an emulator or attached by cable to an actual mobile device. A mobile device is not necessary to develop a CE program. The [[.NET Compact Framework]] supports a subset of the [[.NET Framework]] with projects in [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]], and [[Visual Basic (.NET)]], but not [[Managed Extensions for C++|Managed C++]]. "Managed" apps employing the .NET Compact Framework also require devices with significantly larger memories (8&nbsp;[[Megabyte|MB]] or more) while unmanaged apps can still run successfully on smaller devices. In Visual Studio 2010, the Windows Phone Developer Tools are used as an extension, allowing Windows Phone&nbsp;7 apps to be designed and tested within Visual Studio.

===Free Pascal and Lazarus===
[[Free Pascal]] introduced the Windows CE port in Version&nbsp;2.2.0, targeting ARM and x86 architectures. Later, the Windows CE header files were translated for use with [[Lazarus (software)|Lazarus]], a [[rapid application development]] (RAD) software package based on Free Pascal. Windows CE apps are designed and coded in the Lazarus [[integrated development environment]] (IDE) and compiled with an appropriate [[cross compiler]].<ref>[http://wiki.lazarus.freepascal.org/WinCE_port WinCE port] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126205741/http://wiki.lazarus.freepascal.org/WinCE_port|date=January 26, 2009}} - Lazarus wiki</ref>

===Platform Builder===
This [[programming tool]] is used for building the platform ([[Board support package|BSP]]&nbsp;+ [[Kernel (operating system)|Kernel]]), [[device driver]]s (shared source or custom made), and the apps. This is a one stop environment to get the system up and running. One can also use Platform Builder to export a [[software development kit]] (SDK) for the target [[microprocessor]] ([[SuperH]], x86, MIPS, ARM etc.) to be used with another associated tool set named below.

===Others===
* The [[Embedded system|Embedded]] [[Microsoft Visual C++]] (eVC){{snd}} a [[programming tool|tool]] for development of embedded apps for Windows CE. It can be used standalone using the SDK exported from Platform Builder or using the Platform Builder's Platform Manager connectivity setup.
* '''CeGcc''' project provides GNU development tools, such as GNU C, GNU C++ and [[binutils]] that targeting Windows CE;<ref>{{cite web|title=The CeGCC project: cross compile for Windows CE|url=http://cegcc.sourceforge.net|access-date=2021-06-12}}</ref> 2 SDKs are available to choose from{{snd}} a standard Windows CE platform SDK based on [[MinGW]], and a [[newlib]]-based SDK which may be easier for porting programs from POSIX systems.<ref>{{cite web|title=Choosing in which environment to develop|url=https://cegcc.sourceforge.net/docs/choosing.html|website=CeGcc|access-date=2021-06-12}}</ref>
* [[CodeGear]] [[Oxygene (programming language)|Delphi Prism]]{{snd}} runs in Visual Studio, also supports the .NET Compact Framework and thus can be used to develop [[mobile app]]s. It employs the [[Oxygene (programming language)|Oxygene]] compiler created by [[RemObjects Software]], which targets .NET, the .NET Compact Framework, and [[Mono (software)|Mono]]. Its command-line compiler is available free of charge.
* [[Basic4ppc]]{{snd}} a [[programming language]] similar to [[Embedded Visual Basic]], targets the [[.NET Compact Framework]] and supports Windows CE and Windows Mobile devices.
* [[GLBasic]]{{snd}} a very easy to learn and use BASIC dialect that compiles for many platforms, including Windows CE and Windows Mobile. It can be extended by writing inline C/C++ code.
* [[LabVIEW]]{{snd}} a graphical programming language, supporting many platforms, including Windows CE.
* MortScript<ref>[http://www.sto-helit.de/index.php?module=page&entry=ms_overview&action=view&menu=29 MortScript]</ref>{{snd}} is the semi-standard, extremely lightweight, automation SDK popular with the GPS enthusiasts. Uses the scripts written in its own language, with the syntax being aside to [[VBScript]] or [[JScript]].
* [[AutoHotkey]]{{snd}} a port of the open source macro-creation and automation software utility available for Windows CE. It allows the construction of macros and simple [[GUI]] apps developed by systems analyst Jonathan Maxian Timkang.<ref>[http://www.autohotkey.net/~Micha/AutohotkeyCE/html/index.htm Autohotkey build for CE devices]{{dead link|date=August 2025}}</ref>

==Relationship to Windows Mobile, Pocket PC, and Smartphone==
<!--{{Wide image}} fits the image with the current window size-->
{{Wide image|Windows CE Timeline.svg|600px|Timeline of Windows CE development|100%|center}}
Often Windows CE, [[Windows Mobile]], and [[Pocket PC]] are used interchangeably, in part due to their common origin. This practice is not entirely accurate. Windows CE is a modular/componentized operating system that serves as the foundation of several classes of devices. Some of these modules provide subsets of other components' features (e.g. varying levels of windowing support; [[Distributed Component Object Model|DCOM]] vs [[Component Object Model|COM]]), others which are separate ([[Computer font|bitmap]] or [[TrueType]] font support), and others which add additional features to another component. One can buy a kit (the Platform Builder) which contains all these components and the tools with which to develop a custom platform. Apps such as [[Microsoft Excel#Excel for mobile|Excel Mobile]] (formerly Pocket Excel) are not part of this kit. The older Handheld PC version of Pocket Word and several other older apps are included as samples, however.

Windows Mobile is best described as a subset of platforms based on a Windows CE underpinning. Currently, Pocket PC (now called Windows Mobile Classic), Smartphone (Windows Mobile Standard), and Pocket PC Phone Edition (Windows Mobile Professional) are the three main platforms under the Windows Mobile umbrella. Each platform uses different components of Windows CE, plus supplemental features and apps suited for their respective devices.

Pocket PC and Windows Mobile are Microsoft-defined custom platforms for general PDA use, consisting of a Microsoft-defined set of minimum profiles (Professional Edition, Premium Edition) of software and hardware that is supported. The rules for manufacturing a Pocket PC device are stricter than those for producing a custom Windows CE-based platform. The defining characteristics of the Pocket PC are the [[touchscreen]] as the primary [[human interface device]] and its extremely portable size.

CE 3.0 is the basis for Pocket PC 2000 and Pocket PC 2002. A successor to CE 3.0 is CE.net.<ref name="2000grad-dpa_henrich_poehls"/> "PocketPC &#91;is&#93; a separate layer of code on top of the core Windows CE OS... Pocket PC is based on Windows CE, but it's a different offering." And licensees of Pocket PC are forbidden to modify the WinCE part.<ref name="theregister-030416_pocket_not_wince">{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Tony|title=Why Pocket PC isn't WinCE|publisher=The Register|date=April 16, 2003|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/04/16/why_pocket_pc_isnt_wince|access-date=October 24, 2009}}</ref>

The [[Smartphone]] platform is a feature-rich OS and interface for cellular phone handsets. SmartPhone offers productivity features to business users, such as email, and multimedia abilities for consumers. The SmartPhone interface relies heavily on joystick navigation and PhonePad input. Devices running SmartPhone do not include a touchscreen interface. SmartPhone devices generally resemble other cellular handset form factors, whereas most Phone Edition devices use a PDA form factor with a larger display.

==Releases==
<!--Template:Version - for version & release history. Documentation and examples: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Version-->
{|class=wikitable
|-
!Version
!Name
!Released
!Support status!! Changes
|-
|style=text-align:center|1.0
|Windows CE 1.0
|November 16, 1996<ref>{{cite news |date=November 18, 1996 |title=Microsoft Announces Broad Availability of Handheld PCs With Windows CE |url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/Nov96/wincepr.mspx |access-date=June 20, 2011 |agency=Microsoft News Center}}</ref>
|Unsupported as of December 31, 2001.||Codename "Pegasus" and "Alder".<ref name="blogs_msdn-763146">{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Mike|title=Windows Embedded Blog: CE 6.0 - why the codename "Yamazaki"&nbsp;?|publisher=[[Microsoft Developer Network|MSDN]] [[Microsoft Developer Network#Blogs|Blogs]]|date=September 19, 2006|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/mikehall/archive/2006/09/19/763146.aspx|access-date=October 24, 2009}}</ref>
* Devices named "handheld PC" ([[Handheld PC|H/PC]])<ref name="2000grad-dpa_henrich_poehls">{{Citation|last=Pöhls|first=Henrich C.|title=Risk Analysis of Mobile Devices with Special Concern of '''Malware''' Contamination|page=27|work=Diploma Thesis|publisher=[[University of Hamburg]]|date=September 5, 2003|url=http://www.2000grad.com/papers/dpa_henrich_poehls.pdf|access-date=October 24, 2009}}</ref>
* 4 MB [[Read-only memory|ROM]] minimum
* 2 MB [[Random-access memory|RAM]] minimum
1.01 version (1.0a){{snd}} added [[Japanese language]] support.
|-
|style=text-align:center|2.0
|Windows CE 2.0
|September 29, 1997<ref>{{cite news |date=September 29, 1997 |title=Microsoft Announces Release of Windows CE 2.0 |url=http://news.microsoft.com/1997/09/29/microsoft-announces-release-of-windows-ce-2-0 |access-date=July 27, 2015 |agency=Microsoft News Center}}</ref>
|Unsupported as of September 30, 2002 for Windows CE 2.11. Mainstream Support ended on September 30, 2003, and Extended Support ended on September 30, 2005, for Windows CE 2.12.||Codenamed "Birch".<ref name="blogs_msdn-763146" />
* Devices named "[[Palm-size PC]]" (PsPC)<ref name="2000grad-dpa_henrich_poehls" />
* Real-time deterministic task scheduling
* Architectures: ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, StrongARM, SuperH and x86
* [[color depth|32-bit]] color screens
* SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0
2.11 version (Palm-Size PC 1.1){{snd}} changed screen resolution to [[QVGA]], added [[handwriting recognition]].
2.11 version (Palm-Size PC 1.2){{snd}} based on Windows CE H/PC 2.11 kernel, removed [[Pocket Office]].
HandeldPC 2.11 version (HandheldPC Professional){{snd}} added small versions of [[Microsoft Access]], improved [[Microsoft Office]] documents formats support.
|-
|style=text-align:center|3.0
|Windows CE 3.0
|June 15, 2000<ref>{{cite news |date=June 15, 2000 |title=Microsoft Announces Availability of Windows CE 3.0 |url=http://news.microsoft.com/2000/06/15/microsoft-announces-availability-of-windows-ce-3-0 |access-date=June 20, 2011 |agency=Microsoft News Center}}</ref>
|Mainstream Support ended on September 30, 2005, and Extended Support ended on October 9, 2007.||Codenamed "Cedar"<ref name="blogs_msdn-763146" /> and "Galileo".
* Major recode that made CE hard real time down to the microsecond level
* Base for the [[Pocket PC 2000]], Handheld PC 2000, [[Pocket PC 2002]] and Smartphone 2002<ref name="2000grad-dpa_henrich_poehls" />
* Priority levels were increased from 8 to 256<ref name="2000grad-dpa_henrich_poehls" />
* Object store was increased from 65,536 to 4.19 million allowed objects<ref name="2000grad-dpa_henrich_poehls" />
* Restricted access to critical APIs or restricting write access to parts of the registry<ref name="2000grad-dpa_henrich_poehls" />
|-
|style=text-align:center|4.x
|Windows CE 4.x
|January 7, 2002<ref>{{cite news |date=January 7, 2002 |title=Microsoft Launches Windows CE .NET |url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2002/jan02/01-07CENetLaunchPR.mspx |access-date=June 20, 2011 |agency=Microsoft News Center}}</ref>
|Mainstream Support ended on July 10, 2007, and Extended Support ended on July 10, 2012, for Windows CE 4.0, Mainstream Support ended on January 8, 2008, and Extended Support ended on January 8, 2013, for Windows CE 4.1 and Mainstream Support ended on July 8, 2008, and Extended Support ended on July 9, 2013, for Windows CE 4.2.||Codenamed "Talisker/Jameson/McKendric".<ref name="blogs_msdn-763146" />
* Integrated with [[.NET Compact Framework]]
* Driver structure changed greatly, new features added
* Base for [[Pocket PC 2003]]<ref name="2000grad-dpa_henrich_poehls" />
* [[Flash memory]] and [[Bluetooth]] support<ref name="2000grad-dpa_henrich_poehls" /><ref name="pencomputing_com-dotnet">{{cite news|last=Walker|first=Geoff|title=Windows CE .Net: Microsoft's successor to Windows CE 3.0|publisher=Pen Computing Magazine|date=January 7, 2002|url=http://www.pencomputing.com/WinCE/dotnet.html|access-date=October 24, 2009}}</ref>
* [[HID device]]s and standardized keyboards support
* TLS (SSL 3.1), IPsec L2TP VPN, or Kerberos<ref name="2000grad-dpa_henrich_poehls" />
* Pocket Office was reduced to [[WordPad]]
* Separation to two editions{{snd}} Core (only shell) and Professional (with Microsoft Accessories)
* In addition to the older [[PocketIE]] browser, [[Internet Explorer Mobile]] was available with near 100% page compatibility to its [[Internet Explorer 5|IE 5.5]] desktop cousin.
* With Windows CE.net 4.2, a new [[Windows shell|shell]] was provided with [[Internet Explorer]] integration
|-
|style=text-align:center|5.0
|[[Windows CE 5.0|Windows CE 5.x]]
|August 2004.<ref name="blogs_msdn-763146" />
|Mainstream Support ended on October 13, 2009 and Extended Support ended on October 14, 2014.||Adds many new features. Codenamed "Macallan"<ref name="blogs_msdn-763146" />
* Added automatic reporting for manufacturers<ref name="theregister-040329_readies_wince">{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Tony|title=MS readies WinCE 5.0 preview|publisher=The Register|date=March 29, 2004|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/03/29/ms_readies_wince|access-date=October 24, 2009}}</ref>
* [[Direct3D Mobile]], a COM-based version of Windows XP's DirectX multimedia API<ref name="theregister-040329_readies_wince" />
* DirectDraw for 2D graphics and DirectShow for camera and video digitisation support<ref name="theregister-040329_readies_wince" />
* Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) support<ref name="seditaville_com-History_MS_Mobile_v2">{{cite web|title=The History of the PDA|format=[[DOC (computing)|DOC]]|url=http://seditaville.com/academic/summary/The%20History%20of%20Microsoft%20Mobile%20OS(Ver%202).doc|access-date=May 17, 2009|archive-date=March 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322204407/http://seditaville.com/academic/summary/The%20History%20of%20Microsoft%20Mobile%20OS(Ver%202).doc|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* The "Pro" version contains the Internet Explorer browser and [[Windows Media Player]] 9
|-
|style=text-align:center|6.0
|[[Windows CE 6.0|Windows Embedded CE 6.0]]
|September 2006
|Mainstream Support ended on April 9, 2013, and Extended Support ended on April 10, 2018.||Codenamed "Yamazaki".<ref name="blogs_msdn-763146" />
* Process address space is increased from 32&nbsp;MB to 2&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]];<ref name="msdn_ce6_memory">{{cite web|title=Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Advanced Memory Management|date=October 10, 2013 |url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb331824.aspx |accessdate=May 25, 2011}}</ref> each process now has its own [[virtual memory]] map (all processes shared a VM map in CE 5.0)<ref>https://courses.washington.edu/cp105/_downloads/Windows_CE_Architecture.pdf{{dead link|date=August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| title=Windows CE 6.0 Architecture| format=PPT | author=Douglas Boling | url=https://download.microsoft.com/documents/australia/medc2006/windows_ce6_architecture_boling.ppt | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104085830/http://download.microsoft.com:80/documents/australia/medc2006/Windows_CE6_Architecture_Boling.ppt | archive-date=2007-01-04}}</ref>
* Number of processes has been increased from 32 to 32,768<ref name="embedded_net_nz-embedded_intro_ses">{{cite web|last=Leckie|first=Andrew|title=Introduction to Microsoft embedded technologies - Session 1|format=[[.ppt|PPT]], 10&nbsp;MB|publisher=Embedded .NET User Group|location=New Zealand|date=March 25, 2008|url=http://www.embedded.net.nz/Presentations%20PPT%20%20PDF/Embedded%20Introduction%20-%20Session%201.ppt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724195514/http://www.embedded.net.nz/Presentations%20PPT%20%20PDF/Embedded%20Introduction%20-%20Session%201.ppt|archive-date=July 24, 2011}}<!--This looks like a date, so don't remove: 090517--></ref>
* User mode and kernel mode device drivers are possible
* 512&nbsp;MB physically managed memory
* Device.exe, filesys.exe, GWES.exe have been moved to Kernel mode
* [[Cellcore]]
* SetKMode and set process permissions no longer possible
* System call performance improved<ref name="windowsfordevices-AT9457847627">{{cite web|last=Babu|first=K. Ashok|title=Differences between Windows CE 5.0 and Windows CE 6.0|website=WindowsForDevices.com|date=November 22, 2006|url=http://www.windowsfordevices.com/c/a/Windows-For-Devices-Articles/Differences-between-Windows-CE-50-and-Windows-CE-60|access-date=October 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716194951/http://www.windowsfordevices.com/c/a/Windows-For-Devices-Articles/Differences-between-Windows-CE-50-and-Windows-CE-60|archive-date=July 16, 2012}}</ref>
* the platform builder requires Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 with Service Pack 1 installed.
|-
|style=text-align:center|7.0
|[[Windows Embedded Compact 7]]
|March 2011
|Mainstream Support ended on April 12, 2016, and Extended Support ended on April 13, 2021.||
* Support for x86, SH (automotive only) and ARM.
* Multi-core CPU support (SMP).
* Wi-Fi Positioning System.
* Bluetooth 3.0 + HS support.
* Digital Living Network Alliance ([[DLNA]]).
* [[Digital rights management|DRM]] technology.
* Media Transfer Protocol.
* Windows Phone&nbsp;7 IE with Flash&nbsp;10.1 support.
* [[Network Driver Interface Specification|NDIS]]&nbsp;6.1 support.
* UX C++ [[XAML]] API using technologies like Windows Presentation Foundation and Silverlight for attractive and functional user interfaces.
* Modernized graphics based on [[OpenGL ES#OpenGL ES 2.0|OpenGL ES 2.0]].
* Advanced touch and gesture input.
* Kernel support for 3&nbsp;GB physical RAM and supports ARMv7 assembly.
* the platform builder requires Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 with Service Pack 1 installed.
|-
|style=text-align:center|8.0
|Windows Embedded Compact 2013
|June 2013
|Mainstream Support ended on October 9, 2018, and Extended Support ended on October 10, 2023.||
* [[DHCPv6]] client with stateful/stateless address configuration.<ref name="ce2013wn">{{cite web|title=What's New (Compact 2013)|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg154234.aspx|work=MSDN|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=July 15, 2013}}</ref>
* [[L2TP]]/[[IPsec]] over IPv6 for VPN connectivity.<ref name="ce2013wn" />
* Snapshot boot.<ref name="ce2013wn" />
* Improved XAML data binding and Expression Blend support.<ref name="ce2013wn" />
* [[Out of memory|OOM]] Model improvements from 7.<ref name="ce2013wn" />
* [[HTML help]] viewer added.<ref name="ce2013wn" />
* The previously default desktop shell has been eliminated.
* the platform builder requires Microsoft Visual Studio 2012, 2013 or 2015 installed.
|}

==See also==
{{div col}}
* [[ActiveSync]]
* [[Handheld PC]]
* [[Handheld PC Explorer]]
* [[List of Pocket PC Devices|List of Windows CE Devices]]
* [[Microsoft Kin]]
* [[Modular Windows]]
* [[Palm-size PC]]
* [[Pocket PC]]
* [[Portable Media Center]]
* [[Microsoft Tablet PC|Tablet PC]]
* [[Windows Phone]]
* [[Zune HD]]
* [[Dreamcast]]
* [[Windows Mobile]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms836535.aspx Benchmarking Real-time Determinism in Microsoft Windows CE]
* [http://www.hpcfactor.com/qlink/?linkID=20 A Brief History of Windows CE], by HPC:Factor with screenshots of the various versions
* {{cite web|url=http://www.hpcarchive.info|title=Site hosted by Windows CE|access-date=July 23, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050311103022/http://www.hpcarchive.info|archive-date=March 11, 2005}}, Archived copy of website hosted by Handheld PC
* [http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/xpehelp/html/xeconAboutWindowsXPEmbeddedTop.asp Windows XP Embedded on MSDN]
* [http://blogs.msdn.com/mikehall Mike Hall's Windows Embedded Blog]

{{Microsoft Windows family}}
{{Microsoft operating systems}}
{{Real-time operating systems}}
[[Category:1996 software]]
[[Category:ARM operating systems]]
[[Category:Discontinued Microsoft operating systems]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2023]]
[[Category:Windows CE]]
[[Category:Microsoft Windows|Embedded Compact]]
[[Category:X86 operating systems]]
[[Category:Monolithic kernels]]