--- title: XC Windows slug: hardware/xc-windows docTags: createdAt: 2025-03-11T06:58:50.142Z --- :::ExpandableHeading ## What version of Windows is installed? The player will have either Windows 11 IoT LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) or Windows 10 IoT LTSC installed. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Can I switch from Windows to BrightSignOS and vice-versa? No. If you purchased a player with BrightSignOS pre-installed, you cannot switch that player's OS to Windows. Similarly, if you purchased a player with Windows pre-installed, you cannot switch that player's OS to BrightSignOS. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Can I update to a newer version of Windows IoT? Windows IoT LTSC is licensed for security updates only. Security updates will be applied via the standard Windows Update feature. Major updates termed “feature updates” do not apply to Windows IoT LTSC, and the Windows Update feature will not update the Windows version. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Can I update to a non-IoT version of Windows? While this may be possible, it is not supported, and the provided product key will not work for different versions of Windows. ::: ::::ExpandableHeading ## Which interfaces are supported? The following interfaces are supported: - Audio and video across all HDMI outputs. Required drivers are installed. - USB Audio and multi output. Required drivers are installed. - USB-A The following items will only function while the bootloader is loading and have no function once Windows has booted up: - Buttons (e.g., SVC, reset) - 3.5mm serial port The following interfaces are not supported: - USB-C - GPIO - HDMI-CEC - IR What storage devices are supported? - microSD card - USB-A connected storage (e.g., USB-A thumb sticks, USB-A drives) - M.2 SSD **Important note**: XC Windows players come with an M.2 SSD on which Windows is installed. Since there is only one M.2 slot, no additional M.2 SSDs can be installed. :::hint{type="info"} For more info about compatible storage devices, see [this page](docId\:o4YzospNpFaGbgLdUleee). ::: :::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Is there BrightScript access? No. BrightScript requires BrightSignOS. The OS on this player is Windows. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Is BrightSign Author/Content/Plus required? No. Functionally, this is a Windows PC and the BrightSign Cloud only supports BrightSignOS. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Can I install Chromium? Yes. Functionally, this is a Windows PC so you can install Chromium or any other Windows-compatible browser. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Where can I find the player's serial number? The player’s serial number can be found on a label on the bottom of the player. The serial number cannot be determined from within Windows. The serial number is also printed on a label on the product packaging. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Where can I find the Windows Product Key? A Windows Product Key sticker can be found on the bottom of the player. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/0prk6SO2dy9LdU77jB8D1/ULN2vJHGhtOJqpwtD1rv0_.blob) If the key has not been previously revealed, gently scratch away the Microsoft logos (a coin or card work well) to reveal the key. Avoid dropping debris into the player. It is recommended to take a photo of the product key as it will be needed to validate the installed Windows license. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Can I access the registry? The Windows registry can be accessed just as with any Windows PC. Refer to Microsoft’s registry documentation. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Do CEC commands work over HDMI? No. If you need CEC control, please consider our [standard players](https://www.brightsign.biz/brightsign-players/) based on BrightSignOS. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Can I access the UEFI firmware settings / BIOS menu? When the player boots up, it will display the screen below for a few seconds before proceeding to boot into Windows. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/0prk6SO2dy9LdU77jB8D1/GuH5FP6TJrLu5hmVm-Enx_image.png) During this time, you can press Esc or the Down arrow on the keyboard to enter the boot settings menu. The configuration settings menu on these players is limited mostly to boot options. Note that some settings (e.g., a boot delay) may not actually get saved even if you select to save them. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## Can I update the BIOS / firmware? No. In the event that BrightSign supports determines the player requires a BIOS / firmware update, the player must be returned to a BrightSign facility for update. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## How do I activate Windows? ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/0prk6SO2dy9LdU77jB8D1/Rsx_kAPHaF--74gEhrZXo_.blob) In the event where Windows Activation complains that your hardware has changed, you may need to reactivate Windows by following the below steps: - Make sure the player has an internet connection. - Click the **Change** button to the right of Change product key. - Enter the product key from the Windows Product Key sticker on the bottom of the player to activate Windows. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## How do I restore the player to a prior state? It is **highly recommended** to create a Recovery Drive as this will be the only means of restoring the player to a prior state. From Microsoft's [support page](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/recovery-drive-abb4691b-5324-6d4a-8766-73fab304c246): *The Recovery Drive utility in Windows is a valuable tool designed to back up essential system files needed to restore a PC to its original state. This utility creates a USB recovery media that can help you restore your Windows device to its factory settings, even if you replace the hard drive or completely wipe the drive.* In addition, the player should be backed up and secured like any other Windows device. ::: :::ExpandableHeading ## How can I get support? For Windows related issues, please contact your reseller or Microsoft. For hardware related issues, please visit [support.brightsign.biz](http://support.brightsign.biz). ::: #