Windows Embedded Compact (WEC) has reached - or is reaching - End-Of-Life (EOL), depending on the version you are using and the date when you are reading this article.
This article answers common questions asked by our customers with regard to Windows CE support on Toradex SoMs. You might also find it useful to read Windows Embedded Compact License and Components.
Visit the Microsoft website to learn support end dates from Microsoft for different WEC / WinCE versions:
Learn about topics related to Toradex in the next sections.
Toradex will continue to sell specific computer on modules with theWEC2013 runtime license until either the SoM is reaching EOL or May 31th 2028, whatever date is earlier. The i.MX6 based SoMs are the modules with the farthest EOL (2028) and WEC support.
The exact date for the Last Time Buy (LTB) for licenses is May 31th 2028.
The WEC software and license are linked to the hardware. Toradex is the OEM licensee and we can no longer sell modules with WEC after May 31st, 2028 (EOL date). Our customers, however, can still sell their stock of hardware with WEC after the EOL date.
“While Windows CE will reach end of extended support in late 2023, Microsoft will allow license sales to continue for Windows Embedded Compact 2013 until 2028. And of course, Windows CE devices can continue to be used indefinitely.” Source: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/internet-of-things-blog/moving-forward-with-windows-ce-using-the-windows-ce-app/ba-p/1582360 (Published Aug 11 2020)
(warning) This is not valid if the customer has his own CLA with Microsoft as written on the public site here: https://developer.toradex.com/windows-ce/knowledge-base/windows-embedded-compact-end-of-life-eol/
Toradex has a special contract amendment with Microsoft which allows using any older WEC/WinCE version on Toradex SoMs with a WEC 2013 license, i.e. WinCE 5/6 (Core), and WEC 7 (C7NR).
Security patches will be released only for WEC 2013, until Oct 10, 2023. Paid support might be possible after this date in some cases, check the Fixed Lifecycle Policy - Microsoft Lifecycle for details.
Torizon is the preferred migration path for Windows CE customers. Torizon was created with our large customer base of WEC/WinCE customers in mind. Torizon supports Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code, .NET, and is ready-to-use, allowing you to use Windows development tools and at the same time tapping into the large Linux ecosystem. Features as remote updates and monitoring are also available out-of-the-box.
