Windows XP Embedded


Windows XP Embedded

An enhanced version of Windows XP for compact applications such as PDAs, handhelds and other appliances that use the x86 CPU. It supports such features as CompactPCI and the ability to boot from flash memory or CD-ROM. Released in 2001, Windows XP Embedded evolved from the embedded version of Windows NT. In 2008, its name was officially changed to Windows Embedded Standard (Windows CE was renamed Windows Embedded Compact).

Like Windows XP
Unlike Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded can run regular applications and drivers written for Windows XP, but cannot run on CPUs other than x86.

Starting Up from a Read-Only Medium
Since the Windows XP/NT operating systems write data to the boot device on startup, the embedded versions include a write filter that redirects the data to a memory cache when the OS is booted from a read-only medium. See embedded system and Windows CE.