Is Windows 10 well-suited for Digital Signage?

The Windows 10 OS developed by Microsoft is intended for PC as a part of Windows NT. Windows 10 appeared in 2015 after Windows 8 (8.1) passing over the 9th version. It was released for various devices, such as: PC, tablets, smartphones, Xbox One consoles etc. Nowadays Windows 10 is intended to be used in various Digital Signage solutions. However, its usage is highly questionable.

The 10th version is the first of the operating systems, which is distributed on the principle of BitTorrent (not only from provider`s server, but also from PC). Windows 10 updates are enabled by default and distributed in the same way. You can`t manage Windows updates that leads to risk of system upgrade at inopportune moment. 

According to the Privacy Statement , Microsoft gathers data from computer for product and service improvement. This data includes name; email address; preferences and interests; browser, search and file history; phone calls and SMS messages; device configuration; sensor and application usage data. Microsoft also gatheres data input from keyboard, hand writing, speech recognition, program installation, voice search, opening files , text entry. This information can be passed on to a third party (with user consent for providing service requested) and given to equipment manufacturers.

Let`s figure out the issue of features` availability for Windows 10 versions.

Windows 10 editions: "Home", "Pro", "Mobile", "Education", "Enterprise", "IoT", set of branches and so-called LTSB. 

The main difference between LTSB ( Long Term Servicing Branch ) and regular distribution resides in update management. LTSB enables to abandon installing OS functional upgrades for low-performance devices, on which starting the updates may lead to the stop of functioning. However, the functional upgrades will be installed optionally with notifications 2-3 times per year repeated. Such a version meets all the requirements and can be recommended for Digital Signage projects creation on any device. 

The fundamental distinction between Windows 10 Enterprise and regular Windows 10 (including "Home" and "Pro") is data utilization. Windows 10 gathers the list of applications installed and their usage statistics for sending it to Microsoft. And along with this you can disable this option only in Windows 10 Enterprise.

Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise recommended for Digital Signage are identical relating to technical characteristics but their prices vary. The IoT licenses are more cost-effective for devices apart from PCs and more profitable than desktop versions. The  IoT Enterprise license cost is 40% lower than corporate Enterprise license price.

Windows IoT (formerly Windows Embedded since version 10) is a family of operating systems from Microsoft. They principally differ from Microsoft OS with specialized device orientation for self-service kiosks, data terminals, cash dispenser, POS terminals, navigators, thin clients, industrial automation systems and other systems using calculation modules.

There is Windows 10 IoT classification for separate distributors:

• Windows 10 IoT Enterprise (LTSB) is intended for the wide range of embedded devices ( three types - universal, Retail&ThinClient, Tablet);

• Windows 10 IoT Core is for simple devices including ARM architecture (it`s not competible with Windows desktop applications);

• Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise is for Handheld terminals (it`s not available in wide channel but only in Direct OEM).

Overall, on the basis of the fact written above we can conclude that the Windows 10 usage issue calls for special attention. Using low-performance hardware and "home" editions isn`t recommended for Digital Signage because background services may interrupt your broadcast. However, there`re Enterprise LTSB  editions enabling administrators OS configuration.