Embedded Core (Standard 8 Module Reference)
7/8/2014
Review the modules included in the Embedded Core category of the Windows Embedded 8 Standard (Standard 8) module catalog.
The Embedded Core module is the starting point for any Windows Embedded 8 Standard (Standard 8) image you create. It contains the drivers and functionality that are critical to start the device and to provide basic support for security, servicing, and networking. It is automatically added by Image Configuration Editor (ICE) to any new configuration file. By including only Embedded Core and resolving dependencies, you can create the most basic version of a Standard 8 OS. Embedded Core is language-neutral and allows you to add languages, locales, and keyboards
You cannot remove any part of Embedded Core; however, you can add other feature modules to your OS to differentiate your embedded system. For information about how Embedded Core relates to other modules, see Modules.
Embedded Core contains the following core operating system functionality:
- Drivers that the OS needs to start and support Standard 8 devices.
- Plug and play functionality for automatic discovery and device interoperability.
- Power management (powercfg.exe) to control power settings and configure computers to default to Hibernate or Standby modes.
- Microsoft Remote Procedure (RPC) to provide a common interface between applications.
- Debugging support.
- Services infrastructure.
When developing an image, you must include at least one of each of the following types of feature modules:
- A language pack. For more information about language packs, see Languages.
- One startup environment. Select either Unbranded Boot, Enhanced Write Filter (EWF), or Branded Screens. For information about starting from USB mass-storage devices, see Create an OS Image on a USB Flash Drive.
In This Section
The following sections show the tasks that each component allows the system administrator, IT professional, or end user to perform.
Deploy, Install and Service Devices
The following table shows how Embedded Core enables users to deploy, install, and service devices.
Feature |
Functionality |
|---|---|
Applies unattended setup settings to an offline Standard 8 image by using Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM). |
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Restores the Standard 8 licensing state to the original, out-of-box licensing state and licensing settings to their defaults. |
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Activates the device. Provides Image Builder Wizard (IBW) Setup and OOBE (Out-of-Box-Experience). |
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Uninstalls Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) during setup. |
Monitor and Manage Devices
The following table shows how Embedded Core enables users to monitor and manage devices.
Feature |
Functionality |
|---|---|
Specifies the type of information to capture in a dump file (.dmp) that is generated if the system stops unexpectedly. |
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Controls how Windows 8 shell is installed on a destination device. |
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Sets the default, online printing company and defines the icon and the text that appear in the Online Print Wizard. |
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Accesses network printers and file systems that run on UNIX servers. |
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Implements the Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP) so that it collects and sends data to Microsoft about the use of Standard 8. Participation in this program is voluntary, and the results are recorded to implement improvements in future releases. |
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Configures TCP/IP settings, including those for IPv4 and IPv6 interfaces and routing. |
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Uses Fast User Switching (FUS), which provides a fast and convenient mechanism for switching between user accounts. |
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Configures the device such that you can add Remote Desktop connections to your image. |
Manage Security
The following table shows how Embedded Core enables users to manage security.
Feature |
Functionality |
|---|---|
Views a list of available domains and servers on a network. |
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Configures the Domain Name System (DNS), a system for naming computers and network services that organizes them into a hierarchy of domains. |
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Configures Internet Explorer network policy settings. |
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Specifies whether Windows User Account Controls (UAC), formerly known as Limited User Account (LUA), notifies the user when programs try to make changes to the device. |
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Specifies whether to enable or disable the Windows Firewall for domain, standard, and public profiles. Configures a firewall with no UI. |
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Sets Group Policy. |
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Joins the device to a domain so that you can apply policies to the device and access additional resources on the domain. |
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Specifies domains to list for browsing. |
Provide a Good User Experience
The following table shows how Embedded Core enables a good user experience.
Feature |
Functionality |
|---|---|
Uses Windows Audio to specify settings for audio and volume controls. |
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Works with files offline. |
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Uses Windows 8 Shell. |
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Searches Help content Specifies OEM information for customized pages in Help and Support. |
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Specifies the default language, locale, and other international settings to use during Windows Setup or Windows Deployment Services installations. |
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Gives multimedia applications priority over most other programs. Configures Multimedia Class Scheduler Service (MMCSS), which gives multimedia applications higher priority than other background services so that music and video playback is not disturbed. |
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Connects a device to a wired network and accesses network resources. |
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Configures settings for touch-screen interfaces through both single and multiple touch points. Uses Windows Touch functionality and the on-screen keyboard. |
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Uses Network Device Discovery to gather information about devices, printers, routers, and bridges on your network. |