Windows 10 LTSC

[Shrek]

@Shrek How does one obtain a Windows 10 LTSC key? Will a Win 10 Pro N (Europe) key work?

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but this is not IoT

This is different from a Pro key

kiss the old girl goodbye. She did her job.

A most valid point; was just looking at options (I have 5 Windows 10 desktops)

 

[Dr. Dro]

As microsoft has publicly stated that it will be, you are not correct on this point. Win10 IoT LTSC will be supported until 2032. This is fact, stated by microsoft themselves, as shown earlier in the thread.

Like I said, "supported" in this context is purely security updates, not feature updates. It's just patches for exploits, the OS will not receive any further feature updates. In fact, this already applies to the mainstream channel Windows 10, its development has already ended.

Windows 10 - release information

Learn release information for Windows 10 releases

learn.microsoft.com

The final version of Windows 10 is version 22H2, which will reach end of servicing on October 14, 2025.

Past that date, practically no support will be given to Windows 10 at all, with it being very much on life support instead. Extended period in Microsoft verbiage means that the OS is only receiving critical updates to ensure secure operation, and not any form of maintenance or bug fix whatsoever. All consumer-grade editions are marked "end of servicing", which means no updates whatsoever past that date.

 

[Shrek]

Don't really need the extra features, it does what I need; a lot is for fun, an excuse to learn.

Of course, this attitude changes if the machine is unstable, as was the case recently till I figured out the problem.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Like I said, "supported" in this context is purely security updates, not feature updates. It's just patches for exploits, the OS will not receive any further feature updates. In fact, this already applies to the mainstream channel Windows 10, its development has already ended.

Ah, I see what you mean. Of course, at that point security patches are what's going to be important.

 

[chrcoluk]

I can't wait for WiN11 LTSC... any news on that?

Probably in a year and a bit, LTSC is released every X years, the next one will be Windows 11.

 

[Shrek]

I imagined that Windows 11 might be an option for my old machines, but I tried it twice on an old Core 2 Duo (using Rufus to get around the requirements) and it eventually locked up on both tries (after installing); so Windows 11 may no longer be a fall back.

Same machine is rock solid stable on Windows 10

 

[chrcoluk]

IoT and normal LTSC are binary the same, but I cant say anything else about the works on the updates as it does breach this forum's rules. The difference between the two is basically the licensing which means if you installing IoT updates you effectively doing licence circumventing. So I will leave it at that, however that ebay option might be an option.

Mainstream support for LTSC for both versions ends in 2027, so they will get more than just security fixes for a while past consumer EOL. Then after 5 years of security only fixes for IoT LTSC.

 

[bobbybluz]

I'm finally back home. The USB flash drive labeled 10 IoT LTSC 22H2 shows up as 21H2 being installed as well as activated. All of my Win 11 Pro & Pro Workstation installs show up as 22H2.

It's been a hectic past 5 days. I'm taking today off from working on computers. 600 miles of driving, two doctors in different cities, one hospital visit then playing gigs Friday night and last night in two different states have me truly dragging ass today. I'm getting too old for this much activity.

 

[Shrek]

Much appreciated

 

[Panther_Seraphin]

I honeslty dont see another LTSC version being delivered for Windows 10 for 3 main reason

1. Mainstream windows 10 support ends 2025
2. Microsoft has already made the decision to reduce 2021 LTSC support to 5 years vs the standard 10
3. Windows 12 will most likely be released before the end of current LTSC support. M$ will then offer upgrade paths to Win 11 LTSC or push for migration to Win 12.

If they released a "true" LTSC they are making at least 3 OS being in support till 2033 if not 4 looking at current M$ release cadance from Win 10-11-12. Tha is unachievable at best and could mean 3 possible seperate code base if Win 12 has more core differences unlike Win 11 to 10.

 

[P4-630]

could mean 3 possible seperate code base if Win 12 has more core differences unlike Win 11 to 10.

It will be RUST.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Windows 12

if Win 12

Windows 12 is currently a myth. It is not in active development. Windows 11 is what microsoft is currently focusing on and is not actively working on a successor. Rumors be damned..

 

[Panther_Seraphin]

Windows 12 is currently a myth. It is not in active development. Windows 11 is what microsoft is currently focusing on and is not actively working on a successor. Rumors be damned..

I actually suspect it is in full development mode at the moment but with a developer preview build not coming out till say 2025 at the earliest.

The next big thing will be to see how Win 11 LTSC gets adopted in the enterprise space and what the support structure looks like for that. I know my workplace just comitted recently to staying on Win 10 due to issues with validation of platforms on machines on say Win11/Linux/Mac etc (think healthcare/manufacturing)

The latest roadmap from Microsoft regarding LTSC and support.

Windows client roadmap update: April 2023

Get the latest on Windows 10 and Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases.

techcommunity.microsoft.com

TL: DR
Win 10 is dead
Win 11 getting its first LTSC release ~Fall '24
Win 11 LTSC most likely built upon 22H2 update with hints showing to test setups on current GA releases.

 

[chrcoluk]

It will be late 2024 if they stick to normal LTSC release schedule and will be on the newest version of windows at the time (very likely 11). So probably Win11 24H2 LTSC with 5 years mainstream support and no extended support (unless IoT).

Note Microsoft will be working on 3 branches of Windows anyway, they still provide support for large organisations after EOL for big $$$$ in return, e.g. the UK government still get support for Windows XP that they use in the NHS etc.

--edit-- confirmed in the above link posted by @Panther_Seraphin

Windows 11 LTSC

It's important for organizations to have adequate time to plan for adopting Windows 11. Today we're announcing that the next Windows LTSC releases will be available in the second half of 2024:

Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC

 

[lexluthermiester]

I actually suspect it is in full development mode at the moment but with a developer preview build not coming out till say 2025 at the earliest.

There's a fair amount of speculation, but no confirmed facts.

This thread is about Windows 11 anyway, so let's have done with the Windows 12 talk.

 

[stinger608]

So, I haven't read through all these posts and don't know if this has come up or not, but:

Does Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 support more than 2 physical processors?

 

[natr0n]

So, I haven't read through all these posts and don't know if this has come up or not, but:

Does Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 support more than 2 physical processors?

Yes, system with dual xeons. ltsc will work without issue

 

[stinger608]

More than 2 physical processors. Not wondering if it will support 2.

Here is a chart that I found on a Microsoft blog:

However, it's not showing the LTSC version. That is why I'm asking.

I'm trying to set up a server system that has 4 physical 8 core processors and wanting to know if Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC will support the system.

I don't want to assume that, because it's an Windows 10 Enterprise version, that it will support the 4 physical processors. I'm wondering about the LTSC add to this OS.

I know it's a "long term servicing" version and just wanting to ensure it will work on the clients system.

 

[natr0n]

Dont know unless you try, but should work.

 

[stinger608]

Dont know unless you try, but should work.

That's a bit of work to give a try, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to waste a little time if it doesn't work.

 

[lexluthermiester]

So, I haven't read through all these posts and don't know if this has come up or not, but:

Does Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 support more than 2 physical processors?

Yes, it will work with upto 4 physical CPU's, regardless of the number of logical cores. Any more sockets will require Windows Server.

I'm trying to set up a server system that has 4 physical 8 core processors and wanting to know if Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC will support the system.

Yes, LTSC will work fine on that system.

 

[chrcoluk]

More than 2 physical processors. Not wondering if it will support 2.

Here is a chart that I found on a Microsoft blog:

View attachment 312428

However, it's not showing the LTSC version. That is why I'm asking.

I'm trying to set up a server system that has 4 physical 8 core processors and wanting to know if Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC will support the system.

I don't want to assume that, because it's an Windows 10 Enterprise version, that it will support the 4 physical processors. I'm wondering about the LTSC add to this OS.

I know it's a "long term servicing" version and just wanting to ensure it will work on the clients system.

LTSC = enterprise with extended support, so 4.

 

[stinger608]

Is there a preferred Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC? 2019 or 2021?

I'm assuming that the 2021 version will have more time before EOL?

 

[1freedude]

My installs are '21.

You nailed the real conundrum....why have longer support on an older build? My environment is not reliant on super-support, strictly hobby and self-learning, so the early EOS doesn't mean anything to me. Granted, those with commercial needs surely look at things differently.

 

[stinger608]

My installs are '21.

You nailed the real conundrum....why have longer support on an older build? My environment is not reliant on super-support, strictly hobby and self-learning, so the early EOS doesn't mean anything to me. Granted, those with commercial needs surely look at things differently.

Wait, what? the LTSC 2019 has a longer support?

Wow, did I miss something in this thread? Quite possible. LOL