Windows 7: Download New Free Windows Trial Releases - Windows Embedded Compact 7

A new free Windows trial release is available through the Microsoft Download Center for customers to deploy in testing environments.

Microsoft has released Windows Embedded Compact 7 to manufacturing and gave green light to downloads of the Evaluation Edition.

Customers should not let the number “7” trick them into thinking that this flavor of Windows Embedded has anything to do with Windows 7.

While Windows Embedded Standard 7 is indeed a Windows 7 client spin-off, Windows Embedded Compact 7 is merely the successor of Windows Embedded CE 6.0.

“Windows Embedded Compact 7 helps original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) get devices to market faster by providing developers with a complete catalog of tested, selectable OS components, integrated development and test tools, source code access and board support packages. Compact 7 is compatible with ARM, x86 and MIPS processor architectures,” Microsoft revealed.

The Windows Embedded Compact 7 Evaluation Edition offers free accessing to a testing copy of the embedded OS, providing customers with the full-featured platform.

The only drawback of the release is the fact that it will expire some 180 days after installation, as it’s time-bombed as all Microsoft trial software.