C9900-S51x | Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC for Beckhoff Industrial PCs

Long-term availability

Windows 10 operating systems distributed by Beckhoff originate exclusively from the so-called Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC). This means that security updates are available for ten years. After the end of product distribution, security updates will be provided by Microsoft until the end of extended support. In addition, these operating system versions have constant properties and are not subject to a function upgrade.

Stability and real-time capability

Beckhoff has been using Windows operating systems as a stable basis for the TwinCAT automation software for many years. Only tested driver and software components that are regularly subjected to intensive real-time and functional tests are integrated. The drivers used are optimally matched to the Beckhoff hardware. In addition, all settings in the operating system are adapted to the use of TwinCAT. This optimizes the real-time capability of the controller and minimizes downtime on the machine.

Windows 10 lockdown features

Windows 10 operating systems include so-called device lockdown features. These are already integrated into the operating system and do not need to be subsequently installed. They can already greatly increase the security of images without third-party software: Keyboard and USB filter, write filter or AppLocker help to prevent unauthorized access to the controller base.

Security

Security requirements for Industrial PC operating systems are steadily increasing. The reasons for this are, for example, the new areas of application and use cases in the field of Industrie 4.0, networking, and cloud connectivity. The IPC Security Guideline helps to make operating systems more secure step by step by explaining actions and conducting threat analyses. In addition, Beckhoff communicates known vulnerabilities in the form of Security Advisories and provides instructions – if available – on how to eliminate them on Beckhoff Industrial PCs. Results of regular tests of Microsoft updates related to the functionality and real-time capability of our controller are available to Beckhoff customers on request in the form of update lists. The Beckhoff Security Wizard opens when the windows operation system starts so that the user will get informed of the most important steps to secure the system.

Useful Beckhoff components

Additional Beckhoff components integrated as standard facilitate the operation and maintenance of Industrial PCs and operating systems, thus providing real added value. With the Beckhoff Display Control the user can, for example, change the brightness of the display or set a screen saver and a cleaning mode. With the Beckhoff Device Manager, an Industrial PC can be configured remotely using a web browser. Characteristics of the Industrial PC such as fan speed, CPU usage, and data carrier SMART parameters are visible at a glance and thus facilitate maintenance. Using the Beckhoff Unified Write Filter (UWF) Manager, the operator can use a graphical user interface to control and configure the Windows 10 write filter UWF to protect a partition against write access.