Datasheet

Licensing Windows Embedded 8
April 2014 3
This document provides an overview of the Windows Embedded products and features available through Volume
Licensing, information about the products that are eligible for upgrades, and the key choices you have for utilizing
Windows Embedded 8 in your organization.
Content included is for descriptive informational purposes only and is not meant to replace or override other
licensing documentation, such as the Windows Embedded 8 End User License Agreement, Product Use Rights, or the
Product List.
Acquiring Windows Embedded 8 Licenses: Overview
How you acquire your Windows Embedded 8 licenses depends upon whether you are purchasing the licenses for new
devices or existing devices.
New Devices: OEM
When you purchase a new device from an OEM, it must come with the operating system preinstalled. The following
Windows Embedded 8 editions are available preinstalled by the OEM:
 Windows Embedded 8 Standard (Note: There is no version 8.1 of this product.)
 Windows Embedded 8.1 Pro
 Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro
 Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro Retail
Refer to www.getwindowsembedded8.com for more information about these product editions.
Existing Devices: Volume Licensing
For existing devices, Microsoft Volume Licensing provides the path to:
 Upgrade a device’s operating system to Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro or Windows Embedded 8.1
Industry Enterprise
 Access benefits of Software Assurance
 Enable enterprise features that are disabled in the preinstalled OEM version of Windows Embedded 8 Standard
These Volume Licensing options are covered in further detail in this guide.
Key Enterprise Features in Windows Embedded 8
The Windows Embedded 8 family offers premium enterprise features designed to provide the mobile productivity,
security, and manageability of today’s businesses. These key enterprise features include the following.
Feature
Description
DirectAccess
Allows remote users to seamlessly access resources inside a corporate network
without having to launch a separate VPN. Learn more about DirectAccess.
BranchCache
Allows users’ device to cache files, websites, and other content from central servers,
so content is not repeatedly downloaded across the wide area network (WAN).
Learn more about BranchCache.
AppLocker
Enables IT to specify what software is allowed to run on a user's device through
centrally managed but flexible Group Policies. Learn more about AppLocker.
Enterprise
Sideloading*
Enables direct deployment of touch-optimized Windows 8 apps to devices without
going through the Windows Store. Learn more about Enterprise Sideloading.
*As of the April 2014 update release, Enterprise Sideloading is enabled in Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro and Enterprise
editions (OEM and Volume Licensing).