Windows 11 LTSC: What is it & How to Download it

Windows 11 LTSC refers to the Long-Term Servicing Channel, a version of Windows that supports and upgrades the operating system over an extended time.

Instead of getting feature updates every two years as we did with Windows 10, the new operating system will only receive one update each year. Unfortunately, that also implies the timescale for support won’t be the same.

But let’s see in more detail what the Windows LTSC version implies and how it works. After this, we will talk about Windows 11 LTSC’s release date. Keep on reading!

What is Windows LTSC?

The Long-Term Servicing Channel and the Semi-Annual Channel were the principal release channels accessible with previous versions of Windows Server, including Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019.

Long-Term Servicing Channel, also known as LTSC, is an option available for a more extended period and emphasizes stability.

In contrast, Semi-Annual Channel, also known as SAC, offered more frequent releases, making it possible for customers to take advantage of innovation more quickly.

LTSC will be the sole primary release channel supported, beginning with Windows Server 2022. Containers and microservices were the primary focus of development for earlier versions of Windows Server’s Semi-Annual Channel. This line of innovation will continue with Azure Stack HCI.

A new major version of Windows Server is typically released once every two to three years when using the Long-Term Servicing Channel. Users have a right to get five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support.

This channel offers a lengthy servicing option for computers and functional stability. It may be deployed with either the Server Core or the Server with Desktop Experience installation choices.

The Semi-Annual Channel releases do not impact the deployments of the Long-Term Servicing Channel of Windows Server. LTSC users will continue to get security and non-security upgrades, but they won’t get any new features or functionality added to their accounts.

How long is LTSC supported?

For Windows 10, the autumn update receives 30 months of support for commercial organizations or enterprises, but the spring update only gets 18 months of support for individual users.

The Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, and Pro Education editions of Windows 11 will receive 24 months of support, while the Education, Enterprise, and Education editions will receive 36.

It is expected that Windows 11 will continue to provide extra time and flexibility for the validation and at-scale deployments that are common in those editions.

Windows 11 LTSC will only receive support for five years, when before it was supported for ten years.

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 will include long-term support and servicing version valid for five years, as stated in an AMA (ask me anything) thread connected to the lifetime and servicing of Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Does LTSC have Edge?

Beginning with Windows 10 Enterprise 2021 LTSC and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC, the kiosk mode for Microsoft Edge will be available for LTSC versions.

Is there a Windows 11 LTSC?

As Microsoft announced, Windows 11 LTSC’s release date will be around 2025, about three years from now.

We announced the next Windows LTSC would be built on Windows 10, version 21H2, and yes it will be a 5-year support lifecycle. We can expect that the next LTSC *after* Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will be built on Windows 11. And it will also keep the 5-year support. However, that’s expected in 3 years or so, so anything can happen in that timeframe. If you need to use LTSC for a longer period, we recommend moving to Windows 10 IoT LTSC.

Until then, we recommend that you install Windows 11 on your computer and rely on it until further editions are released.

Alternatively, please take a look at our performance comparison between Windows 10 and 11 to decide whether you want to switch to the latter or not.

Is Windows 11 Enterprise ready?

October of 2021 saw Microsoft’s introduction of Windows 11 Enterprise, along with the other editions of the OS.

Although the revised operating system features a new appearance and feel, it also comes with increased hardware requirements, which may prevent certain companies from adopting it.

The basic codebase for Windows 11 Enterprise is identical to that of Windows 10. Despite this, the operating system provides several new features. That is geared toward end-users who significantly rely on their desktop computers to perform their work.

Even though most of these capabilities are included in all editions of Windows 11, Enterprise edition customers may use some of the most important additions.

For more details, take a look at our post on the best Windows 11 edition for teachers that are free and affordable.

Was this guide useful to you? Let us know in the comments section below whether you are waiting for the LTSC version to come out. Thanks for reading!