Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a special edition of Windows 10 designed for stability, security, and minimal updates. Unlike the Home or Pro editions, LTSC does not receive feature updates every six months. Instead, it only gets critical security patches, making it ideal for business environments, medical devices, industrial systems, and other setups where stability is more important than the latest features.
How is Windows 10 LTSC Different from Home or Pro Editions?
1. No Feature Updates
Unlike Windows 10 Home and Pro, which receive major updates twice a year, LTSC only gets security and stability updates for up to 10 years. This ensures that systems remain stable without new features potentially causing issues.
2. No Bloatware & Unwanted Apps
LTSC removes many pre-installed apps such as Microsoft Edge (Chromium version), Cortana, Microsoft Store, and default UWP apps like Mail, Calendar, and OneNote. This makes it a cleaner, more lightweight version of Windows.
3. Designed for Enterprises & Mission-Critical Environments
LTSC is meant for businesses, hospitals, ATMs, and production lines where stability and long-term support are essential. Regular Windows 10 editions are designed for general consumers and frequently receive new features.
4. No Microsoft Store Access
Unlike Home or Pro editions, LTSC does not include the Microsoft Store by default. This prevents users from installing UWP apps, further improving system stability.
How to Download Windows 10 LTSC
The official ISO images for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC Evaluation can be downloaded from Microsoft’s website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/download-windows-10-enterprise.
This ISO allows you to test LTSC for 90 days before requiring activation. The downloads are available for many languages, so you should pick that you want. There are LTSC edition ISO image files on the right side and they are available for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
How to Install Windows 10 LTSC
Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Drive
To install Windows 10 LTSC, you need to create a bootable USB using Rufus:
- Download Rufus from https://rufus.ie/en/.
- Insert a USB pen-drive (at least 8GB) into your computer.
- Open Rufus and select the downloaded Windows 10 LTSC ISO file.
- Choose GPT for UEFI systems or MBR for Legacy BIOS.
- Click Start to create the bootable USB.
Step 2: Boot from USB & Install Windows 10 LTSC
- Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/Boot Menu (press F2, F12, DEL, or ESC depending on your manufacturer).
- Select the USB drive as the boot device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows. The installation process is the same as regular Windows 10.
Windows 10 LTSC Activation
After installation, Windows 10 LTSC must be activated within 90 days. If not activated:
- The desktop background will turn black.
- A persistent notification will appear, stating that the system is not genuine.
- The PC will shut down every hour until activation is completed.
To avoid these restrictions, you need to enter a valid Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC product key or purchase a license from Microsoft.
Conclusion
Windows 10 LTSC is a specialized edition designed for users who prioritize stability, security, and long-term support over frequent feature updates. It removes unnecessary apps and ensures a lightweight, efficient Windows experience. While it’s not meant for general consumers, businesses and professionals who need a reliable and minimalist OS will benefit from LTSC.