Within the Windows 10 ecosystem we can find a large number of different versions and editions. The two most important are the Home and the Pro, the two editions that we generally use on a personal level. And, beyond them, we have several professional editions designed for companies, work environments and education. Each edition of Windows is designed to fit the needs of each target group of users. However, it is easy to see how some users decide to go a little further and install editions that are not intended for them on their computers. And a clear example of this is Windows 10 LTSC .
If you have ever visited forums on the Internet looking for the best edition of Windows, you have surely come across a user who recommends using Windows 10 LTSC. However, this edition does not appear within the standard editions of the operating system. So what exactly is it?
| Windows 10 | home | Pro | Enterprise | Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of license | OEM Retail |
OEM Retail Volume |
Volume | Volume |
| Edition N? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum RAM | 128 GB in 64 bits | 2 TB 64-bit | 2 TB 64-bit | 2 TB 64-bit |
| Telemetry | Basic | Basic | Safe | Safe |
| Cortana | Yes | Yes | Yes, except LTSB | Yes |
| Hardware encryption | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Edge | Yes | Yes | Yes, except LTSB | Yes |
| Multiple languages | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual desks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Hello | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Spotlight | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Desktop | Customer only | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote apps | Customer only | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Subsystem for Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hyper-V | Do not | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BitLocker | Do not | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deferred updates | Do not | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Possibility of joining a domain | Do not | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Business data protection | Do not | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Update for Business | Do not | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AppLocker | Do not | Do not | Yes | Yes |
| Credential guard | Do not | Do not | Yes | Yes |
| Windows to Go | Do not | Do not | Yes | Yes |
| LTSB Edition | Do not | Do not | Yes | Do not |
| Possibility to upgrade to Pro | Yes | Do not | Do not | Yes |
| Ability to upgrade to Enterprise | Do not | Yes | Do not | Do not |
| Ability to upgrade to Education | Yes | Do not | Do not | Do not |
What is Windows 10 LTSC
Each version of Windows 10 has a standard support of 18 months. During that time, users receive all kinds of updates, both quality and security. However, after that time, the version is abandoned. Taking into account that Microsoft launches new versions of Windows every 6 months, the problem is not greater, except that we have to be aware of updating at least once every year and a half.
Windows 10 LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) is an edition of Windows 10 designed for long-term support. These versions stand out, above all, for having 10 years of support (although from now on it will be half) instead of the 18 months of the rest of the versions. This means that users who own this edition can forget to change the version for 10 years.
In addition, LTSCs have other advantages, such as:
- They do not integrate Microsoft bloatware (neither Edge, nor Cortana, nor modern apps).
- Compatible with all software.
- They do not receive updates every 6 months. Throughout its life cycle we use the same version.
- They are “lighter and more stable” over time. Or rather, they have a placebo effect for their users.
At first glance it seems that Windows 10 LTSC has many advantages. But in reality it is not like that, basically because the Kernel is the same as that of the Home and Pro editions.
Reasons not to use Windows 10 LTSC
It is an edition for business use
The first thing to keep in mind is that this version is focused, above all, for companies . Its licenses are much more expensive than those of a Windows 10 Home or Pro. And, in addition, you cannot obtain an individual license to use this version (at least legally), but, like all business versions, we must acquire a license by volume . Or what is the same, buying many licenses at the same time, which triggers the price.
Unless we are going to use this edition of Windows in a company or organization, using it at home implies doing it illegally.
We lose features and functions
Some of the advantages may be interesting to us. For example, we will be installing an operating system without any adware and without bloatware . A Windows 10 as clean as possible and that will offer us the best performance. However, we will be losing functions and features that Microsoft offers us. The Microsoft application store, the UWP applications, the Edge browser … even if there are users who do not like it, they are part of the Windows 10 experience, and everything we do not want can be easily removed from any edition of Windows without give up the rest.
And, of course, it will take a long time to take advantage of the new features (such as the new interface) that Microsoft prepares and that other users can test every 6 months.
Support is no longer one of its attractions
Of all that LTSC brings us, its biggest draw was the 10-year extended support. However, recently Microsoft has announced that this is going to change, and that is that from the next LTSC the support of this edition will go from 10 years to “only” 5 years . Interestingly, the same as an Ubuntu LTS.
We will not be able to go to Windows 10 Pro
If tomorrow we regret it and want to make the leap to Windows 10 Pro , we will not be able to do it. Other editions, such as Home and Education, do allow you to upgrade directly to the Pro edition of Windows to start using its features. However, the Enterprise edition (to which the LTSC belongs) does not allow you to upgrade to any other version of Windows. Therefore, if we want to change, we will have to format and reinstall from scratch. And, furthermore, the license won’t do us any good.