Still relying on Windows CE in your devices or systems? You’re not alone – but the clock is ticking. With support officially ended and modern requirements evolving fast, sticking with outdated technology could cost you more than just performance. It could jeopardize your business continuity, security, and future innovation. Windows CE has been used in plenty of mobile and embedded devices for years. It was stable and familiar for developers. The end of support for Windows CE pushes you to find a different solution with active support. What options are available?
What can happen if you don’t migrate from Windows CE?
Extended support for Windows CE ended on October 10, 2023. Although new licenses will continue to be sold for several years, the lack of official technical support makes using Windows CE unsafe.
Devices running this system are becoming a tempting target for cybercriminals. Windows CE isn’t keeping up with new tech developments either, since it doesn’t support cloud solutions or advanced user interfaces. Integrating Windows CE devices with new backend systems is getting harder.
What’s more, continuing to rely on unsupported software increases legal and operational risks. In industries such as healthcare, finance, and logistics, regulatory compliance is critical. Operating on outdated systems without security patches may lead to violations of data protection laws and expose your business to penalties. Also, hardware components compatible with Windows CE are gradually being phased out, making replacement parts harder to source. In case of a device failure, delays and repair costs can seriously affect operations.
The longer you postpone Windows CE migration, the harder it will be to find a qualified specialist at a reasonable price. Repair, maintenance, and downtime costs will also increase, and at some point, they may completely paralyze your business.
Migration to newer Windows Embedded systems
If you want to stick with the Microsoft ecosystem, you can migrate to systems that have replaced the outdated Windows CE. These are:
Windows 10 IoT Core – This is not a complete environment, but only the core of the system. Win 10 IoT Core works well in devices such as IoT gateways, Raspberry Pi, or small embedded devices.
Windows 10 Enterprise – This is the full version of Windows 10, supplemented with solutions dedicated to embedded systems. You can use it, for example, in POS terminals, ATMs, or advanced industrial machines.
Before choosing a Microsoft-based alternative, evaluate whether your current hardware can support these newer systems. If not, a full device replacement might be necessary. However, this also creates an opportunity to modernize your hardware stack with more energy-efficient, cloud-ready, and future-proof solutions.
Transition to Linux-based systems
Linux offers several options for people unrelated to the Windows environment. Their advantages include no license fees, high flexibility, and support for modern technologies. You can choose from the following options:
Embedded Linux,
Android Embedded (AOSP),
Debian Embedded,
Ubuntu Core.
Open-source platforms also give developers greater freedom to customize features, improve performance, and integrate with emerging technologies such as AI, edge computing, and IoT. Additionally, large communities and vast online documentation make troubleshooting and updates much easier. For businesses looking to minimize total cost of ownership (TCO), Linux-based environments can be a sustainable long-term solution.
Custom software solutions development
If none of the above platforms meet your expectations, the only option is the use of dedicated solutions optimized for the specific hardware. Services such as IT outsourcing from Scalosoft (https://www.scalosoft.com/outsourcing/) let you hand over software development to experts who’ll make sure all the features fit your business needs perfectly.
With custom software development, one provider takes care of you from the moment you outline your initial idea to the implementation of the finished software into the production environment. As soon as an issue arises, engineers immediately identify it and implement the necessary fixes.
Companies that choose custom solutions often combine the migration with a broader digital transformation strategy. This may include redesigning the user interface for greater usability, integrating data analytics tools, or enabling mobile access to system dashboards. These added benefits can significantly boost employee productivity and improve the end-user experience.
Why Windows CE migration is more than just a tech update
Migrating from Windows CE is more than just a technical requirement. It is a strategic investment in the future, security, and competitiveness of your business. A thorough analysis of your current situation and future needs will allow you to choose the optimal migration path that will ensure your company’s security, efficiency, and innovation for the next years.
Instead of treating migration as a one-time fix, see it as a foundation for building a scalable and adaptive system architecture. With the right approach and experienced technology partner, your business can turn this challenge into an opportunity. Improved system performance, reduced risks, modern functionalities, and better integration with cloud-based services will help you stay ahead in a competitive market.
One real-world example is a manufacturing company that migrated from Windows CE-powered devices to Android-based terminals. Not only did they eliminate security vulnerabilities, but they also introduced real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing machine downtime by over 25%. Migration became the first step toward their full digital factory transformation.