Windows CE 5.0 is billed as a low-cost, compact, fast-to-market, real-time operating system available for x86, ARM, MIPS, and SuperH microprocessor-based systems.

Since 2001, Microsoft has been steadily expanding the available Windows CE source tree with embedded system developers.

Developers have the freedom to modify down to the kernel level, without the need to share their changes with Microsoft or competitors.

According to Microsoft, Windows CE is preferable to Windows XP Embedded in situations where demanding wireless and multimedia requirements need to be met.

The following are the primary considerations for “choosing the right version”: There is also a difference in cost.