Predator Windows Requirements
Predator Applications
In general, support for a wide range of Microsoft Windows editions are included with Predator applications. In general, for the best experience, Predator Software recommends newer Windows OSes. Refer to the following grid for additional details:
| Microsoft Windows Edition | Predator Applications | .Net Framework |
|---|---|---|
| NEW! Windows Server 2025 | Version 12* | Includes 4.8 |
| Windows Server 2022 | Version 12* | Includes 4.8 |
| Windows Server 2019 | Version 12* and 11 | Install 4.8 |
| Windows Server IoT 2019 | Version 12* and 11 | Install 4.8 |
| Windows Server 2016 | Version 12* and 11 | Install 4.8 |
| NEW! Windows 11 | Version 12* | Includes 4.8 |
| Windows 10 | Version 12* and 11 | Install 4.8 |
| Windows IoT Enterprise | Version 11 Only | Install 3.5 |
| Windows 2012 Server | Version 11 and 10 | Install 3.5 |
| Windows 8 and 8.1 | v11 & 10 with TLS support on 8.1 only | Install 3.5 |
| Windows Embedded 8 and 8.1 | v11 & 10 with TLS support on 8.1 only | Install 3.5 |
| Windows 7 | v11 and 10 with no TLS support | Includes 3.5 |
| Windows Embedded 7 | v11 and 10 with no TLS support | Includes 3.5 |
| Windows Embedded Standard 2009 | v11 and 10 with no TLS support | Includes 3.5 |
| Windows 2008 Server | v11 and 10 with no TLS support | Includes 3.5 |
| Windows Vista | v11 and 10 with no TLS support | Install 3.5 |
| Windows Vista for Embedded Systems 7 | v11 and 10 with no TLS support | Install 3.5 |
| Windows 2003 Server SP1 & SP2 | Version 10 Only | Install 2.0 |
| Windows XP SP2 & SP3 | Version 10 Only | Install 2.0 |
| Windows XP Embedded | Version 10 Only | Install 2.0 |
Predator applications support 32 bit and 64 bit Windows OS editions. With one exception, Predator Virtual CNC v12 is a 64 bit application and requires a 64 bit Windows OS. The latest service packs for each OS should be installed. In addition, Predator applications support Windows Terminal Services and Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops. Within these thin client environments, Predator applications require Predator FLM v12 or v11.
All Predator applications are digitally signed. Certificate validation or potential revocation takes time, especially when Internet access is restricted. Application startup performance can be improved when customers implement a private certificate authority on a Windows Server on their network. Private CAs eliminate Internet delays during application startup for all software publishers. This issue is not Predator specific and is common with all digitally signed Windows applications.
Previous versions of Predator applications supported previous versions of Windows. Existing customers running older Windows OSes must upgrade to a newer Windows OS prior to upgrading to newer versions of Predator applications.
NOTE* Some Predator version 12 applications have not yet been released.
NOTE: Different versions of Predator applications require different versions of the .Net Framework. All Predator installs include the appropriate .Net Framework versions automatically for installation on Windows client editions. Windows Server editions have to enable the .Net framework feature.
NOTE: Predator MDC Executive v11 and Predator FLM v12 and v11 do not support older Windows OSes. This is primarily due to security requirements.
NOTE: Installing Predator CNC Service v11, Predator Import Service v11 and Predator Export Service v11 on Windows XP requires Windows Installer v4.5 to be installed. Version 4.5 of Microsoft's Windows Installer can be downloaded from Microsoft via the following: Microsoft Windows Installer v4.5
NOTE: Specific OEMs or large accounts that have highly customized editions of Windows may introduce specific compatibility issues with Predator applications. The most common reason is removal of a Windows specific feature that is utilized by a Predator application.
NOTE: TLS support is specific to Microsoft SQL Server and does not apply to Microsoft Access or Oracle editions of Predator applications.
Predator Secure Applications and Predator Touch HMI
Support for the following Microsoft Windows editions are included with all Predator Secure applications and Predator Touch HMI:
| Microsoft Windows Edition | Predator Secure Apps | Predator Touch HMI |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Server 2025 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2022 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2019 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Server 2016 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows 11 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows 10 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows IoT Enterprise | Yes | Yes |
| Windows 2012 Server | Yes | Yes |
| Windows 8 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Embedded 8 and 8.1 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows 7 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Embedded 7 | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Embedded Standard 2009 | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows 2008 Server | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows Vista | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows Vista for Embedded Systems | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows 2003 Server | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows XP | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows XP Embedded | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows 2000 Server | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows 2000 Professional | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows ME | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows NT 4.0 | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows NT 3.51 and 3.5 | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows NT Embedded 4.0 | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows 98 | Yes | Version 11 only |
| Windows 95* | Yes | Version 11 only |
NOTE: Includes support for 32 bit and 64 bit Windows editions. 32 bit versions of Windows is only available for Windows 10 and older. The latest service packs for each Windows OS should be installed.
NOTE:* Windows 95 support requires the Microsoft Windows 95 TCPIP Update installed. This can be downloaded from our website.
Incompatible Windows Editions
Over the years, Microsoft has released wide range of Windows editions. The following list of Windows editions are incompatible with Predator applications and utilities:
| Microsoft Windows Edition |
|---|
| Windows 10 S |
| Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise |
| Windows 10 IoT Core |
| Windows RT |
| Windows Embedded 8 Standard |
| Windows Embedded Compact 7 |
| Windows Embedded Compact 2013 |
| Windows Embedded CE |
| Windows CE |
| Windows Mobile 6.5, 6.1 and 6.0 |
| Windows Mobile 5 |
| Windows Mobile 2003 and 2003 SE |
| Windows Pocket PC 2002 and 2000 |
| Windows NT Alpha |
NOTE: Not all incompatible Windows editions are listed. Many of the above editions use non x86 style processors or are too niche to be supported by Predator Software.
Windows 10 S one time upgrade
Windows 10 S based PCs are a special case. Microsoft does provide a one-time migration from Windows 10 S to Windows 10. Once the PC is converted to Windows 10 it is fully supported by all Predator applications.
Windows End of Life
In general, Predator Software provides Predator Premier Support long after Microsoft ends support for their operating systems. However, the Microsoft End of life dates establish hard stops for Microsoft updates and bug fixes. Predator Software recommends staying current with Microsoft Windows and EOL dates should be reviewed prior to deploying any new system or when planning upgrades to existing systems.
NOTE: Microsoft defines Mainstream EOL as the end of any OS improvements and Extended EOL as the end of any bug fixes.
| Microsoft Windows Edition | Mainstream EOL | Extended EOL |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 2022 Server | October 13th 2026 | October 14th 2031 |
| Windows 2019 Server | January 9th 2024 | January 9th 2029 |
| Windows 2016 Server | January 11th 2022 | January 12th 2027 |
| Windows 11 | October 9th 2029 | N/A |
| Windows 10 | January 9th 2024 | January 9th 2029 |
| Windows IoT Enterprise | January 9th 2024 | January 9th 2029 |
| Windows 2012 Server | October 9th 2018 | October 10th 2023 |
| Windows 8 | January 9th 2018 | January 10th 2020 |
| Windows Embedded 8 and 8.1 | July 10th 2018 | July 11th 2023 |
| Windows 7 | January 13th 2015 | January 14th 2020 |
| Windows Embedded 7 | October 13th 2015 | October 13th 2020 |
| Windows Embedded Standard 2009 | January 14th 2014 | January 8th 2019 |
| Windows 2008 Server | January 13th 2015 | January 14th 2020 |
| Windows Vista | April 10th 2012 | April 11th 2017 |
| Windows 2003 Server SP1 & SP2 | July 13th 2010 | July 14th 2015 |
| Windows XP SP2 & SP3 | April 14th 2009 | April 8th 2014 |
| Windows XP Embedded SP3 | January 11th 2011 | January 12th 2016 |
NOTE: The above dates are published by Microsoft. Different editions of Windows may have different end of life support dates.
More Self Help Articles
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