Windows Enterprise LTSC edition is an operating system designed for devices and systems that require stability, consistency, and long-term support without frequent feature updates. These LTSC versions typically receive fewer feature updates compared to mainstream editions like Windows 11 Pro or Home, with a focus on security updates and stability while only releasing this OS version every 2-3 years.
Last Enterprise LTSC edition was 2021, and Microsoft has announced that it will introduce a Windows 11 Enterprise IoT LTSC edition in the second half of 2024. This version of Windows OS will be catered for professional-use embedded applications. With more control over certain Windows features and removing miscellaneous features like Windows Appstore, MS Edge, games, etc for a smaller and more efficient disk footprint.
What is Windows Enterprise IoT?
To fully highlight what “LTSC” is, we need to first understand what is Windows Enterprise IoT . Windows Enterprise IoT is a specialized edition of the Windows operating system designed specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) deployments in enterprise environments. It provides a flexible and scalable platform for building and managing IoT solutions across various industries such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and transportation. Overall, Windows Enterprise IoT serves as a robust and flexible platform for building intelligent and connected IoT solutions in enterprise environments, empowering organizations to innovate, optimize operations, and drive digital transformation.
Advantage of IoT LTSC Over Pro
- Resource Efficiency: Windows IoT editions, such as Windows 10 IoT Core or Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, are optimized for resource-constrained embedded devices.
- Licensing Cost: Windows IoT editions often have specialized licensing models tailored for embedded and IoT devices, which will be more cost-effective for large-scale deployments.
- Customization and Flexibility: Windows IoT provides developers with greater flexibility and control over the operating system configuration, allowing for customized deployments tailored to specific embedded system requirements.
- Industry Compatibility: Windows IoT is well-suited for integration with other industrial and IoT technologies, such as industrial automation systems, IoT platforms, and cloud services (Azure).
- Security and Stability: Windows IoT is designed with security and stability in mind, with features such as device lockdown, secure boot, and long-term servicing capability.
This long-term servicing capability is where Windows Enterprise IoT LTSC is made available for mission critical IoT applications.
What is LTSC?
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Windows IoT Enterprise |
Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC |
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Release Cadence |
Follows regular Windows 11 with new features and updates released regularly |
Releases occur every few years, No feature updates during lifecycle, only security updates |
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Support Lifecycle |
Receives annual feature updates Supported for a specified period,
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Offers extended support for up to 10 years, providing a longer period of stability and predictability for embedded systems |
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Feature Set |
Includes the latest features in Windows 11
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Focuses on core functionality and stability, without introducing major new features with each update. |
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Deployment Scenarios |
Suitable for devices where access to the latest features and capabilities of Windows 11 is desired,
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Ideal for devices that require long-term stability, such as
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LTSC stands for “Long-Term Service Channel”. A Windows IoT LTSC build will provide a 10-year support life cycle and will only be released every 2-3 years. For example, the previous Windows 10 IoT LTSC release build was in 2019, offering support until 2029. Users can choose to skip the latest 2021 release or update the device to stay up to date with the latest features and security threats. This gives users confidence to use Windows IoT LTSC knowing that the operating system will run reliably for extended periods of time without the hassle of needing to update. And when an update is needed, the user can continue to extend the lifecycle of the device another 10 years with the latest updates.
Explore the features of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 >>
Microsoft still did not fully announce all of the features in Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC, but it is expected to offer even more AI and IoT features compared to the 2021 version. It is important to understand that every computing application is unique, and choosing the right operating system is extremely important for functionality, efficiency, and longevity.
Hardware requirement for Windows IoT?
Compared with personal home computers, upgrading a system for industrial-grade embedded computers to a new Windows version is far from simple. Due to the extensive, interconnected nature of Industrial IoT applications, slight modifications can disrupt a stable functional system. Windows 11 IoT provides numerous advanced upgrades, but with advanced upgrades there are advanced hardware requirements.
Explore Windows 11 IoT Hardware Requirements >>
Microsoft offers different editions of Windows 11 IoT tailored to various hardware requirements and usage scenarios, which align with different tiers of CPU capabilities. Microsoft provides entry, value, and high-end versions of Windows 11 IoT based on CPU:
- Entry-Level (Basic): For devices with modest processing power and limited resources, such as low-cost IoT devices or those with simple functionality.
- Value (Mid-Range): Designed for devices that require more computing power and capabilities beyond basic functionality.
- High-End (Advanced): Aimed at devices demanding high-performance computing, advanced functionality, and robust security features.
For more information on Microsoft Windows IoT compatibility, contact our embedded and edge computing experts at sales@premioinc.com