Microsoft+windows+ce+60+device+emulator+download Portable+link Page

Downloading and Setting Up the Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator

The Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator is a crucial tool for developers working on legacy embedded systems, industrial handhelds, or automotive interfaces. It allows you to test and debug application software on your development workstation without needing physical hardware. Essential Download Links

To set up a functional emulation environment, you typically need several interconnected components. Many original Microsoft links have moved to archives or legacy portals.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder SP1: This provides the primary development plugins for Visual Studio 2005.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 (Archive): Since R3 was a major update, the ISO image is often sourced from repositories like the Internet Archive.

Microsoft Device Emulator 2.0: While older versions exist, version 2.0 is highly recommended for Windows CE 6.0 for better performance and stability.

Virtual Machine Network Driver: Essential if your emulated device needs internet or local network access. Without this, the emulator may fail to initialize DMA transmissions. Installation Sequence

Because Windows CE 6.0 is tightly integrated with Visual Studio, you must follow a specific installation order to avoid registry errors or missing dependencies:

Visual Studio 2005 (Professional Edition): Use the Visual Studio 2005 SP1 after the main install.

Visual Studio 2005 SP1 Update for Windows Vista/7/10: If you are running a modern OS, this update is mandatory for compatibility.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 (Platform Builder): This is the core OS design tool.

Windows CE 6.0 Service Packs (SP1 & R2/R3): Ensure you update to R3 to get the latest feature sets.

Device Emulator 2.0 & Network Driver: Install these last to enable the actual hardware simulation. System Requirements

Operating System: Originally designed for Windows XP and Windows Vista. For modern systems (Windows 10/11), it is often best to run these tools inside a Windows XP Virtual Machine using software like Oracle VM VirtualBox.

Disk Space: At least 118 GB of free space is recommended for a full Platform Builder installation with all processor architectures (ARM, x86, MIPS).

Memory: Minimum 512 MB RAM, though 1 GB or more is highly recommended for smooth performance. Common Troubleshooting

Official Microsoft download links for the Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator are currently unavailable because the product reached its end-of-life (EOL) on February 28, 2022. Most historical download pages now lead to generic Microsoft support sites or 404 errors. Official Product Status End of Life (EOL): February 28, 2022.

Support Status: Extended support ended on April 10, 2018; no further security patches or technical assistance are provided by Microsoft.

Legacy Components: The emulator was typically bundled with Platform Builder for Windows Embedded CE 6.0, which required a licensed copy of Visual Studio 2005. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1

1. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Evaluation Edition - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx? FamilyID=7e286847-6e06-4a0c-8cac-

Building a development environment for Windows Embedded CE 6.0

requires a specific set of tools and legacy software, as the product reached its end of license (EOL) in February 2022. my.avnet.com Required Software & Components

To run the Windows CE 6.0 emulator, you must install the following components in order: Visual Studio 2005 or 2008

: The primary development environment. Professional versions are typically required for smart device projects. Microsoft Device Emulator 3.0

: This is the standalone emulator engine used to run the OS images. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder

: A plugin for Visual Studio used to design and build the OS run-time images. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 SDK

: Specific SDKs for the target architecture (e.g., ARM or x86) are needed to compile applications for the emulator. www.fivetechsoft.com Download Links & Availability

Microsoft has retired many direct download links for these legacy tools. stackoverflow.com Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Service Pack 1 Release Notes

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 reached its "End of License" on February 28, 2022, making official direct download links for the standalone emulator largely unavailable on primary Microsoft sites

. However, you can still find the necessary components through archived sources and legacy developer kits. Core Components for Emulation

To run a Windows CE 6.0 environment on a modern PC, you typically need three main pieces of software: Microsoft Device Emulator 3.0 (Standalone):

This is the executable that simulates the ARM-based hardware Virtual Machine Network Driver:

Required for the emulator to access network resources and prevent "black screen" boot issues CE 6.0 OS Images: The actual operating system files (often ) that run inside the emulator Archived Download Links

Because the original Microsoft Download Center links are often dead, the following mirrors and archives are commonly used: Internet Archive (ISO Images): Windows Embedded CE 6.0 English DVD is hosted on the Internet Archive

. This includes the Platform Builder and integrated emulator tools. Legacy Update Mirror: You can find the Microsoft Device Emulator 3.0 Standalone Release

on Legacy Update, which archives deleted Microsoft downloads Third-Party Developer Mirrors: Community forums like FiveTech Software provide direct zip links (e.g., wince6.zip ) for quick setup Installation Steps for Modern Systems

If you are running the emulator on Windows 10 or 11, follow these steps to ensure compatibility: Install Microsoft Virtual PC 2007:

The emulator relies on specific network drivers from Virtual PC to function correctly Run as Administrator: Always run the v3emulator.exe dvcemumanager.exe with administrator privileges to avoid registry errors Configure Connectivity: microsoft+windows+ce+60+device+emulator+download+link

If the emulator hangs during boot, ensure the "Virtual Machine Network Driver" is installed and selected in the emulator's "File > Configure > Network" settings Windows CE emulator (ARM) - Fivetech Software

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Device Emulator The official Microsoft standalone download for the Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator has been

from the Microsoft Download Center. To obtain the emulator today, you must use Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Visual Studio 2008 , which include the Platform Builder tool used to create and run emulator images. 💿 Where to Find the Emulator Visual Studio 2005/2008:

These are the primary sources for developing and emulating Windows CE 6.0. Platform Builder 6.0: This tool ships with a Device Emulator BSP (Board Support Package)

that allows you to generate a custom emulator for your OS design. Internet Archive: For legacy research purposes, ISO images of the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Evaluation Edition are sometimes hosted on community-driven sites. 🛠️ Core Components Required

To set up a functional development and emulation environment, you generally need the following components: Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1 : Essential for building the runtime images. Microsoft Device Emulator 3.0

: Often required for newer OS environments to run the ARM-based images. Virtual Machine Network Driver : Replaces the retired standalone drivers; Virtual PC 2007 is recommended to enable networking for the emulator. Cumulative Product Update Rollup

: Ensure your build is stable by applying the latest updates (e.g., Updates through 12/31/2016 ⚙️ How to Configure the Emulator

Once you have Platform Builder installed, follow these steps to set up your device: Select Device Device Tools Add New Device

: Select your Emulator Device from the list or click "Save As" to create a custom configuration. Set Resolution Properties Emulator Options

to adjust video settings for your specific device requirements. Connectivity : Ensure the option is set to Ethernet transport

for effective communication between the workstation and the emulated environment.

: If you are only an application developer and don't have Platform Builder, you must ask your hardware provider for a specific

that includes an emulator tailored to their actual hardware. If you'd like, I can help you: System Requirements for Visual Studio 2005/2008 on modern Windows versions. Locate specific for different hardware architectures (ARM, x86). Troubleshoot Network Connectivity issues between the emulator and your host PC. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1

Getting the Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator up and running today is a bit of a retro-tech puzzle. Since Microsoft has moved on to modern IoT platforms, finding an official, working download link requires looking into archived tools and legacy development environments. 1. Where to Find the Download Link

The standalone "Microsoft Device Emulator 2.0" is the core engine needed to run Windows CE images. While many original Microsoft download pages are now defunct, you can still find the necessary components through these reliable sources:

Microsoft Download Center (Legacy): You can often find Device Emulator 2.0 or related Platform Builder Service Packs through direct searches on the Official Microsoft Download Center.

Internet Archive (Recommended): For the full experience, including the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 ISO (which contains the emulator and Platform Builder), the Internet Archive is the most reliable modern repository.

Third-Party Developer Mirrors: Sites like Software Informer host older versions of the standalone emulator executable. 2. Required Components for Installation

To actually use the emulator for development or testing, you typically need a specific stack of legacy software: Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1

The Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Device Emulator is a vital tool for developers, allowing them to test and debug operating system designs and applications on a development workstation without needing physical hardware. Key Features of the CE 6.0 Device Emulator

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 (codenamed "Yamazaki") introduced a revolutionary kernel that vastly improved performance and memory management.

Virtual Memory Expansion: Process address space jumped from 32 MB to 2 GB per process.

Increased Process Limit: The OS can now support up to 32,768 simultaneous processes, up from just 32 in previous versions.

Kernel Mode Drivers: Critical components like the file system and graphics were moved to kernel mode to improve system call performance. Official Downloads and Resources

While Microsoft officially ended support for Windows CE 6.0 in 2022, several legacy resources and update packages remain available through the Official Microsoft Download Center.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 is a legacy operating system used primarily in industrial and embedded systems. To emulate this environment on a modern PC, you typically need the Microsoft Device Emulator , which simulates ARM-based hardware. Essential Download Links

Because these tools are deprecated, many official Microsoft links have been removed. Most developers now rely on community archives. Microsoft Device Emulator 3.0 (Standalone) : The final standalone version of the emulator hardware. Download from LegacyUpdate (Archive) Windows Embedded CE 6.0 (Full DVD/R3)

: The operating system and developer tools (Platform Builder). Download CE 6.0 R3 from Internet Archive Download CE 6.0 Base DVD from Internet Archive Virtual Machine Network Driver

: Required if you need the emulator to access the internet or a local network. Download from Microsoft (Update Package) System Requirements & Installation

Running a full Windows CE 6.0 development and emulation environment requires a specific software stack: www.boardset.com

Установка эмуляторов мобильных устройств - Microsoft Learn

Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0 reached its end-of-life on February 28, 2022, and official downloads from the Microsoft Download Center are increasingly rare or redirected . However, for developers and enthusiasts looking to relive the "Pocket PC" glory days or maintain legacy industrial systems, emulating CE 6.0 is still possible using the original Microsoft Device Emulator. The "Time Machine" Setup Guide

To get a functional Windows CE 6.0 environment running on a modern PC, you need a specific combination of legacy tools and drivers. Gather the Components

Microsoft Device Emulator 3.0: This is the core standalone engine that mimics the ARM processor architecture .

Standalone Emulator Images: You need the actual NK.bin or OS image files. These were traditionally included with the Windows Mobile 6 SDK .

Virtual PC 2007 (Network Driver): If you need your emulator to access the internet, you must install the Virtual Machine Network Driver from Virtual PC 2007 to bridge your PC’s connection . Installation & Configuration Downloading and Setting Up the Microsoft Windows CE 6

Legacy Sync Tools: On Windows 10 or 11, you must enable Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC). Since it is officially discontinued, you may need a registry fix to keep the service running .

Register the DLL: If you are on a newer OS, open a command prompt as administrator and run Regsvr32 download_DEmulator.dll from your installation directory to ensure the environment registers correctly . Launching the Emulator Open the Microsoft Device Emulator Manager .

Select your desired image (e.g., a standard 640x480 VGA image).

Right-click the entry and select Cradle to simulate a physical connection between the emulator and your PC . Pro Tips for the Legacy Explorer Installing Windows Mobile 6 Emulators - Microsoft Learn

A Comprehensive Review of Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator

Introduction

Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator is a software tool designed to allow developers to test and debug applications on a virtual device environment. This emulator is specifically tailored for Windows CE 6.0, an operating system used in various embedded systems, such as industrial controllers, point-of-sale devices, and more. In this review, we'll dive deep into the features, functionality, and usability of the Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator, providing insights for developers and tech enthusiasts alike.

Overview and Features

The Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator is part of the Windows CE development tools, offering a simulated environment that mimics the behavior of a physical device running Windows CE 6.0. This emulator is crucial for developers who need to test applications without having access to the actual hardware. Key features include:

  1. Emulation of Hardware Environments: The emulator provides a simulated environment that closely resembles the actual hardware, allowing for the testing of device-specific functionalities.
  2. Support for Various Windows CE 6.0 Features: It supports testing of Windows CE 6.0 features, including the .NET Compact Framework, SQL Server CE, and more.
  3. Integration with Visual Studio: Seamless integration with Microsoft Visual Studio, enabling developers to debug and test applications directly within their development environment.
  4. Customization Options: Provides options to customize the emulator's configuration, allowing developers to simulate different hardware and software scenarios.

Download and Installation

To download the Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator, developers typically need to access the Microsoft website or utilize the Visual Studio installation media, as it often comes bundled with the Windows CE development tools. The installation process involves:

  1. Accessing the Download Link: Navigate to the official Microsoft website or MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) to find the download link. Ensure you select the correct version compatible with your development environment.
  2. Executing the Installer: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Performance and Usability

The performance and usability of the emulator are critical aspects that influence the development workflow. Key observations include:

  1. Ease of Use: The emulator is generally easy to use, especially for those familiar with Windows CE and Visual Studio. The integration with Visual Studio enhances productivity by allowing for direct debugging and testing within the IDE.
  2. Performance: The emulator's performance can vary depending on the host system's specifications. It tends to run smoothly on modern hardware but may exhibit slowdowns on lower-end machines.
  3. Feature Testing: The emulator effectively supports testing of various Windows CE 6.0 features, making it a valuable tool for developers.

Limitations and Alternatives

While the Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator is a powerful tool, it has its limitations:

  1. Hardware Dependency: Some features might not be perfectly emulated, leading to discrepancies between emulator behavior and actual device behavior.
  2. Version Compatibility: As Windows CE and related development tools evolve, the emulator might become outdated, necessitating updates or the use of newer tools.

Alternatives to the Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator include:

  1. Physical Devices: Testing on actual hardware when possible.
  2. Other Emulators and Simulators: Depending on the specific requirements, other emulators or simulators might offer suitable alternatives.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator is a valuable tool for developers working with Windows CE 6.0. Its ability to simulate a device environment for testing and debugging purposes significantly streamlines the development process. While it has its limitations, it remains a critical component of the Windows CE development ecosystem. For those involved in developing applications for embedded systems, industrial devices, or similar environments, this emulator is definitely worth exploring.

Rating: 4.5/5

Recommendations

Future Outlook

As technology continues to evolve, the development tools for embedded systems and mobile devices will likely advance, offering more sophisticated emulation and simulation capabilities. Keeping abreast of these developments will be crucial for developers to leverage the most effective tools in their work.

The Invisible Foundation: The Legacy of Windows CE 6.0 and the Virtual World

In the mid-2000s, while the world was enamored with the sleek transition from Windows XP to Vista, a quieter revolution was occurring in the "unseen" corners of technology. This revolution was powered by Windows Embedded CE 6.0, a real-time operating system (RTOS) that didn’t care about flashy widgets or desktop wallpapers. Instead, it focused on the cold, hard efficiency required to run factory machinery, gas pumps, and the earliest handheld PCs.

For developers at the time, building for these resource-constrained devices was a high-stakes puzzle. To solve it, they relied on a crucial piece of software: the Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator. This tool wasn't just a convenience; it was a bridge between the powerful desktop workstations where code was written and the tiny, often screenless hardware where that code would ultimately live. A New Architecture for a New Era

Released in 2006, Windows CE 6.0 (codenamed "Yamazaki") was a landmark update. It featured a completely redesigned kernel that finally broke the "32-process limit" of its predecessors, allowing for up to 32,000 simultaneous processes, each with its own 2 GB virtual address space. This leap in power meant that embedded devices could suddenly do more—much more—than just simple data entry.

However, developing for this "Hard real-time" OS required specialized tools. The Microsoft Platform Builder for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 was the primary workshop, but since hardware was expensive and prone to crashing during early testing, the Device Emulator became the developer's most valuable ally. The Role of the Emulator

The emulator allowed developers to run and test their "run-time images" directly on their PCs. By simulating an ARMv4i or x86 processor environment, it enabled: Windows Embedded CE 6.0 - Microsoft Download Center

The journey to emulate Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0 is less of a single click and more of a technical quest through legacy software. Because CE 6.0 is a discontinued "hard real-time" operating system, finding a standalone "emulator download link" today often leads to official service packs and tools rather than a simple executable. The Developer's Quest: A Story of Emulation

The year was 2007, and the air was thick with the promise of "compact" computing. A developer sat before a workstation, tasked with building a portable media device. The secret weapon? Windows Embedded CE 6.0.

The Foundation: The quest began not with the emulator, but with the Platform Builder. This was the forge where "OS Designs" were hammered out. To even see the emulator, the developer first had to secure the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1.

The Virtual Vessel: Unlike modern apps, this emulator needed a ship to sail in. The developer downloaded Microsoft Virtual PC, a free tool that allowed a guest OS to live inside their desktop.

The Connectivity Ritual: To make the virtual device "talk" to the workstation, a complex ritual involving Ethernet transport and UDP checksum tweaks was required. Only then would the "Attach Device" command breathe life into the pixels.

The Legacy Continues: Years later, the artifacts remain. While the Evaluation Edition links often lead to the past, developers still use Monthly Updates to keep their ancient projects alive in a modern world. Essential "Artifacts" for your Quest

If you are looking to recreate this setup today, you will likely need these specific components: Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Service Pack 1 Release Notes

While Microsoft has officially retired mainstream support for legacy mobile operating systems, you can still find official and archival download links for the Windows CE 6.0 (Embedded) device emulator and its development environment. Official Microsoft Download Links

Microsoft still maintains several download pages for service packs and rollup updates, though the primary evaluation installer for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 is no longer available on its original landing page. Emulation of Hardware Environments : The emulator provides

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1: This is a critical update for the development environment.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Cumulative Product Update Rollup (2016): The most recent major update package for the OS.

Windows Mobile 6 Localized Emulator Images: Often used by developers as a standalone way to test CE-compatible applications. Archival & Community Resources

Since many original "Evaluation Edition" links are broken, developers frequently turn to archives to retrieve the full ISO images needed for installation.

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 ISO (Internet Archive): A full English ISO image of the R3 release.

CE6R3.iso Image (Internet Archive): Alternative archival source for the CE 6.0 R3 installation files.

Microsoft Windows CE Emulator 6.0 (Software Informer): A third-party mirror that hosts the standalone emulator executable. Setup Requirements

To successfully run a Windows CE 6.0 emulator today, you generally need a specific legacy environment: Windows Mobile 6 Localized Emulator Images - Microsoft

Download Windows Mobile 6 Localized Emulator Images from Official Microsoft Download Center. Download Center. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1

1. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Evaluation Edition - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx? FamilyID=7e286847-6e06-4a0c-8cac- Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1

Download Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1 from Official Microsoft Download Center.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE): You must use Visual Studio 2005 or Visual Studio 2008.

Supporting Software: Virtual PC 2007 is often required to handle the networking and hardware emulation for the CE images.

Installation Order: You typically must install Visual Studio first, followed by the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 base installation, and then the R2/R3 updates and rollups. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Windows Mobile 6 Localized Emulator Images - Microsoft

Download Windows Mobile 6 Localized Emulator Images from Official Microsoft Download Center. Download Center. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1

1. Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Evaluation Edition - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx? FamilyID=7e286847-6e06-4a0c-8cac- Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1

Download Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder Service Pack 1 from Official Microsoft Download Center. Windows CE 6.0 installation sequence - EEWorld

Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator: A Blast from the Past

In the early 2000s, Microsoft released Windows CE, a compact operating system designed for embedded devices, such as pocket PCs, set-top boxes, and industrial controllers. One of the most popular versions of Windows CE was version 6.0, which offered a robust and feature-rich platform for device developers.

To facilitate development and testing of Windows CE 6.0 applications, Microsoft provided the Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator. This emulator allowed developers to test and run their applications on a virtual device, eliminating the need for physical hardware.

Features of Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator

The Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator offered several key features, including:

Downloading the Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator

Although the Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator is no longer supported by Microsoft, it can still be downloaded from various online sources. However, please be aware that the emulator may not be compatible with modern operating systems or hardware.

Here are a few links to download the Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator:

System Requirements

Before downloading and installing the Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

Conclusion

The Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator was a valuable tool for developers working with Windows CE 6.0 devices. Although it is no longer supported by Microsoft, it can still be downloaded and used on compatible systems. Please be aware that the emulator may not work correctly on modern operating systems or hardware, and use it at your own risk.

If you're looking for alternative emulators or development tools, consider exploring other options, such as:


Step 2: Install Platform Builder 6.0 (for OS images)

  1. First, install Visual Studio 2005 (any edition). You cannot install Platform Builder 6.0 without it.
  2. Run the WECEv1_Eval.exe (it will extract to a temp folder).
  3. Launch Setup.exe. Choose Install.
  4. Select Platform Builder for CE 6.0.
  5. After installation, launch Visual Studio 2005 → ToolsPlatform BuilderNew OS Design.
  6. Choose a BSP (e.g., "Device Emulator: ARMV4I").
  7. Select a template (e.g., "PDA Device").
  8. Build the OS (Build → Build Solution). This creates NK.bin in your release directory.

The Digital Archaeologist: Hunting for the Windows CE 6.0 Device Emulator

There is a specific kind of nostalgia felt by developers and embedded systems engineers. It isn't the rose-tinted nostalgia for retro video games; it is the gritty, grayscale nostalgia of a command prompt on a ruggedized handheld scanner, the satisfaction of a successful ActiveSync handshake, and the hum of a CPU fan working overtime to run a virtualized ARM architecture.

If you have found yourself Googling "microsoft+windows+ce+60+device+emulator+download+link", you aren't just looking for software. You are looking for a bridge back to an era of computing that has largely been forgotten by the modern cloud-centric world, yet still powers millions of devices in warehouses and factories across the globe.

Welcome to the hunt for the Windows CE 6.0 Emulator.

Part 2: The Challenge – Why No Direct “Download Link”?

You will find many forums asking for a direct setup.exe for Windows CE 6.0. The reality is complex:

Conclusion: There is no single "Windows CE 6.0 Emulator download link." You need to download Platform Builder 6.0 (the development tool) and then build the emulator image.


Option A: Visual Studio Subscribers (Former MSDN)

If you have an active Visual Studio Enterprise or Professional subscription:

  1. Go to my.visualstudio.com.
  2. Search for “Windows Embedded CE 6.0”.
  3. Look for: Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Platform Builder (includes the IDE and Emulator BSPs).
  4. Downloads include:
    • Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Setup (x86) – DVD (English)
    • Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Product Update Rollup (2011–2017)

Part 1: Understanding the Windows CE 6.0 Emulator

Before you click any microsoft windows ce 6.0 device emulator download link, you need to understand what this tool actually is.

The Device Emulator is a CPU-level emulator designed to mimic an ARMv4I or x86-based Windows CE device on your x86 Windows desktop. Unlike a virtual machine (like VirtualBox), this emulator simulates the actual processor instructions of a mobile/embedded CPU.