October 2025 is approaching, and if you’re one of the millions of Windows 10 devotees refusing to budge from your tried-and-true PC—either due to a healthy distrust of new things, a wallet that still hasn’t recovered from the last hardware craze, or just sheer inertia—there’s a looming deadline. Microsoft’s end-of-support guillotine has you sweating, and the mere mention of Linux makes your palms even damper. But hold that resignation letter to your digital life—there’s another way.
So, Windows 10 support is wrapping up… for most people. Microsoft, never one to let the rabble into the corporate lounge, has quietly reserved a pair of golden tickets for those in the know: Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC and its twin, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC. While the masses gnash their teeth and contemplate learning bash scripting by candlelight, a select few can hunker down for years of continued updates—up to January 2027 on the main LTSC, and a whopping January 2032 for the IoT variation.
Cue a tiny, evil laugh from IT pros who recognized the acronym “LTSC” and started Googling “where to buy Windows enterprise license without remortgaging house.”
But let’s slow-roll through what this really means.
IT’s worst-kept secret: LTSC is Windows for the bunker-dweller who wants a simpler, stable, update-free existence. You don’t get the shiny distractions (Microsoft Store? Forget it. Weather and Contacts? Not today). The only “modern app” you’ll see is Edge—because even Redmond can’t help itself. Instead, you get grandfatherly icons like Notepad and Wordpad, and the always-invited Windows Defender, humming quietly in the digital corner.
For some, this Spartan approach sounds like paradise. For others, the lack of Candy Crush Saga is a dealbreaker. To which most IT pros would reply: install your own games and move on.
The legal (and therefore least exciting) route is to get a Volume License Agreement. Rumor has it you can get these for as few as five machines if you ask nicely enough, or find a vendor with a reasonably loose definition of “enterprise.” Some less scrupulous corners of the internet will offer you questionable “activation tools,” but embarking on that road is fraught with legal peril, existential dread, and potentially, Microsoft’s wrath (which, if you’ve ever tried reversing out of a Microsoft account login loop, you know is very real).
Here’s the thing: if you’re an actual business, the Volume License is more affordable than a new PC or a therapist, and, bonus, you don’t have to explain to the boss why you’re using pirate software. For DIY enthusiasts… well, best read the fine print very closely and understand the risks of creative licensing.
Main difference? Support until 2032. That’s right, you could theoretically run the same build of Windows 10 through the 2032 Olympics. Talk about long-term planning—your PC may fall apart before the software does.
Here’s where enterprise folks lean back and sigh with relief. No more “feature update” breaking your fleet of custom dashboards. For home users? It’s a trade-off: you’re running the OS equivalent of a Volvo 240—solid, but nobody’s updating the stereo.
And honestly, not having to Google “how to disable Widgets in Windows 11” every six months is a massive win in my book.
Options include:
The caveat is that consumer keys (Home, Pro) won’t suffice. Enterprise keys are king. Alternative “activation tools” exist, but using them is best described as “morally and legally ambiguous at best.”
The takeaway: Plan ahead for licensing, and don’t get caught halfway through a clean install without the right key—or risk joining a support forum of similarly stranded souls.
In our modern desktop world, where the first 20 minutes of a fresh install are spent nailing down settings and bailing out unwanted apps, this is a feature, not a bug. For sysadmins, it’s a return to the halcyon days when Windows only did what you wanted—and nothing more.
Of course, for some, the lack of the Windows Store or modern apps may be a sore loss. But let’s face it—how many times have you “accidentally” opened the Xbox app and promptly closed it in confusion?
If, however, you can’t breathe without Widgets or must install new versions of MS Paint as soon as they drop, stick to the consumer channel—you’ll be happier (or at least, better distracted).
The tradition continues: Tiny11 from “NTDEV,” Atlas OS, ReviOS, X-Lite—each promises a streamlined, no-frills Windows experience. The appeal? A lighter, less intrusive OS, with added performance (especially valued by gamers and low-spec survivors).
But here comes the lawyerly warning: These modified builds often violate Microsoft’s sanctified rules of engagement. Use at your own risk. There’s also the evergreen question, “Who exactly built this thing, and what did they leave lurking inside it?” As tempting as a 2GB Windows install is, turning over your entire OS to an internet stranger is always a dicey proposition.
Imagine the collective sigh of relief—followed immediately by a torrent of thinkpieces—if Microsoft does announce a shiny new Windows 10 LTSC 22H2. Until then, the smart money is on grabbing the 2021 release, pouring yourself a non-celebratory drink, and watching the world get distracted by Windows 12 rumors instead.
However, it’s not without cost. Volume licensing might be bulkier than your average home user’s needs, and getting company brass to sign off on “special Windows editions” can be an adventure in itself (explain it as “cyber risk mitigation” for bonus points).
The real secret sauce is in longevity. For embedded terminals, medical devices, point of sale systems, and kiosk PCs, LTSC is the only sane approach in an industry determined to chase shiny new trends at every turn.
Some risks:
And yet, for many users, switching OS is change on a truly existential scale. The apps, the workflows, the muscle memory… some wounds are too deep. For these stalwarts, LTSC is comfort food, familiar and (relatively) reliable.
But if, after all this, you wake up one day and decide it’s time to try Linux Mint or Manjaro, the good news? They aren’t going anywhere, and they’ll be there to catch you if Windows finally lets you down.
Yes, you’ll have to jump through the occasional hoop, and yes, Microsoft would rather you took the upgrade or switched to the cloud. But for those determined to keep their machines on familiar ground—and for IT departments who still wake up in cold sweats from Windows 8.1’s charms—the LTSC path is the best-disguised refuge you never knew you had.
Here’s to another seven years of Notepad, Wordpad, and blissful, bloat-free uptime. Just maybe don’t forget to update your antivirus.
Source: theregister.com Windows 10 LTSC – the version that won't expire for years
So, Windows 10 support is wrapping up… for most people. Microsoft, never one to let the rabble into the corporate lounge, has quietly reserved a pair of golden tickets for those in the know: Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC and its twin, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC. While the masses gnash their teeth and contemplate learning bash scripting by candlelight, a select few can hunker down for years of continued updates—up to January 2027 on the main LTSC, and a whopping January 2032 for the IoT variation.![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="384px" width="512px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Cue a tiny, evil laugh from IT pros who recognized the acronym “LTSC” and started Googling “where to buy Windows enterprise license without remortgaging house.”
But let’s slow-roll through what this really means.
What’s an LTSC Anyway? And Why Should You Care?
LTSC stands for Long Term Servicing Channel, which, in Microsoftese, means “the version for people who hate change even more than you do.” Imagine the stereotypical enterprise customer: risk-averse, allergic to unnecessary updates, absolutely terrified that a fun new Windows feature will break their billion-dollar MRI machine, or their cash register, or that one single custom app written by Bob in 1998 who retired undefeated. LTSC exists for these folks.IT’s worst-kept secret: LTSC is Windows for the bunker-dweller who wants a simpler, stable, update-free existence. You don’t get the shiny distractions (Microsoft Store? Forget it. Weather and Contacts? Not today). The only “modern app” you’ll see is Edge—because even Redmond can’t help itself. Instead, you get grandfatherly icons like Notepad and Wordpad, and the always-invited Windows Defender, humming quietly in the digital corner.
For some, this Spartan approach sounds like paradise. For others, the lack of Candy Crush Saga is a dealbreaker. To which most IT pros would reply: install your own games and move on.
Buy Once, Cry Never: The Licensing Situation
Now, the catch. You can’t just take your existing Windows Home or Pro key, wave it around in front of LTSC, and expect it to work. The Enterprise moniker does mean you need—you guessed it—an Enterprise license.The legal (and therefore least exciting) route is to get a Volume License Agreement. Rumor has it you can get these for as few as five machines if you ask nicely enough, or find a vendor with a reasonably loose definition of “enterprise.” Some less scrupulous corners of the internet will offer you questionable “activation tools,” but embarking on that road is fraught with legal peril, existential dread, and potentially, Microsoft’s wrath (which, if you’ve ever tried reversing out of a Microsoft account login loop, you know is very real).
Here’s the thing: if you’re an actual business, the Volume License is more affordable than a new PC or a therapist, and, bonus, you don’t have to explain to the boss why you’re using pirate software. For DIY enthusiasts… well, best read the fine print very closely and understand the risks of creative licensing.
IoT Edition: Not Just for Robots
One quirk that confuses people: Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC is not some stripped-down Raspberry Pi-only accident. It’s the full-fat Windows, lacking only multilingual support (hope you enjoy US English!), but happy to run on actual desktops. The “IoT” label is really just Microsoft’s way of saying “for people who care even less about frequent feature updates than the regular LTSC crowd.”Main difference? Support until 2032. That’s right, you could theoretically run the same build of Windows 10 through the 2032 Olympics. Talk about long-term planning—your PC may fall apart before the software does.
No More Version Upgrades—Is That a Bad Thing?
This is an OS that sticks with what it knows. The LTSC flavor you install—currently Windows 10 LTSC 2021—is version 21H2, build 19044, for those who collect such numbers. But here’s the kicker: you won’t ever get a new version. Updates, yes. Security patches, definitely. Snazzy new Windows features, not a chance. If you want to upgrade after 2027 (or 2032 for IoT), you’ll need to do a fresh install and, yes, reinstall all your apps and settings.Here’s where enterprise folks lean back and sigh with relief. No more “feature update” breaking your fleet of custom dashboards. For home users? It’s a trade-off: you’re running the OS equivalent of a Volvo 240—solid, but nobody’s updating the stereo.
And honestly, not having to Google “how to disable Widgets in Windows 11” every six months is a massive win in my book.
The Hunt for the ISO: It’s Not on Microsoft’s Homepage
Feel like giving this a whirl? Expect a mild treasure hunt. Microsoft keeps LTSC editions behind the velvet licensing rope, so unless you have access to enterprise login portals, you’ll have to look elsewhere.Options include:
- Official evaluation ISO files: These are freely available for 90 days, just long enough to make you fall in love before the timer runs out.
- Third-party sites: “MASsgrave” is cited as a source for ISOs of various LTSC editions—though, as always, downloading Windows from less-than-Microsoft corners comes with its own dangers. The digital equivalent of buying sushi at a gas station: check your hashes and hope.
- Older tools and custom ISOs: Various “remixes” and “lite” builds exist, crafted by hobbyists for special use cases or performance lowlifes. More on those soon.
Activation, Local Accounts, and the Setup Dance
During setup, Enterprise LTSC will try hard to link to a Microsoft business account. If you lack one, it’ll (eventually) let you set up a local account, which is much more in keeping with the LTSC spirit. After installation, you’ll need to activate Windows using a proper Enterprise key.The caveat is that consumer keys (Home, Pro) won’t suffice. Enterprise keys are king. Alternative “activation tools” exist, but using them is best described as “morally and legally ambiguous at best.”
The takeaway: Plan ahead for licensing, and don’t get caught halfway through a clean install without the right key—or risk joining a support forum of similarly stranded souls.
The Unappreciated Upside: Less Bloat, More Control
A cut-down edition of Windows with few apps and no forced “foundational feature” updates? For many frustrated IT folks, this is practically a gift. The LTSC editions boot faster, update less frequently, and are gloriously free from Cortana, Candy Crush, unsolicited Movie & TV apps, and surprise Weather widgets nudging you about “record rainfall in your area.”In our modern desktop world, where the first 20 minutes of a fresh install are spent nailing down settings and bailing out unwanted apps, this is a feature, not a bug. For sysadmins, it’s a return to the halcyon days when Windows only did what you wanted—and nothing more.
Of course, for some, the lack of the Windows Store or modern apps may be a sore loss. But let’s face it—how many times have you “accidentally” opened the Xbox app and promptly closed it in confusion?
Not for Everyone—But Who’s It For?
LTSC is, as Microsoft would surely remind you, not aimed at grannies who want to play Solitaire and check email. It’s designed for businesses running cash registers, air traffic control systems, or those PCs forgotten behind a hospital curtain. Is LTSC for your daily driver? If you’re content without Microsoft Store, rely on classic x86 apps, and don’t mind a little extra legwork with licensing, absolutely.If, however, you can’t breathe without Widgets or must install new versions of MS Paint as soon as they drop, stick to the consumer channel—you’ll be happier (or at least, better distracted).
Third-Party Windows “Distros”: Remixing the Old, Avoiding the New
For the truly adventurous, or the deeply nostalgic, there remains the vast underbelly of Windows custom builds. In the mists of the early 2000s, tools like nLite allowed tinkerers to strip XP to its bare essentials and roll their own bespoke ISOs. TinyXP and its ilk were all the rage for VMs and low-end hardware.The tradition continues: Tiny11 from “NTDEV,” Atlas OS, ReviOS, X-Lite—each promises a streamlined, no-frills Windows experience. The appeal? A lighter, less intrusive OS, with added performance (especially valued by gamers and low-spec survivors).
But here comes the lawyerly warning: These modified builds often violate Microsoft’s sanctified rules of engagement. Use at your own risk. There’s also the evergreen question, “Who exactly built this thing, and what did they leave lurking inside it?” As tempting as a 2GB Windows install is, turning over your entire OS to an internet stranger is always a dicey proposition.
Waiting Game: Will There Be a Windows 10 22H2 LTSC?
2025 brings both an end and a question. Microsoft’s last major version of Windows 10 (22H2) isn’t currently matched by an LTSC edition, but there are whispers and wishful thinking that this final 10.x build could get the long-term treatment. For now, though, 21H2 is your only legitimate option for LTSC, barring a surprise from the folks in Redmond.Imagine the collective sigh of relief—followed immediately by a torrent of thinkpieces—if Microsoft does announce a shiny new Windows 10 LTSC 22H2. Until then, the smart money is on grabbing the 2021 release, pouring yourself a non-celebratory drink, and watching the world get distracted by Windows 12 rumors instead.
Real-World Implications: Should IT Pros Bite?
For IT professionals, especially those managing legacy or un-upgradable hardware, the LTSC path is a lifeline. Extended security, predictable environment, ease of imaging and deployment—without getting ambushed by wild feature updates. No forced migrations, no pressure to buy borderline-obsolescent new PCs.However, it’s not without cost. Volume licensing might be bulkier than your average home user’s needs, and getting company brass to sign off on “special Windows editions” can be an adventure in itself (explain it as “cyber risk mitigation” for bonus points).
The real secret sauce is in longevity. For embedded terminals, medical devices, point of sale systems, and kiosk PCs, LTSC is the only sane approach in an industry determined to chase shiny new trends at every turn.
Hidden Risks: What Lurks in the Long Haul?
But let’s peer under the hood for a moment and talk about the flip side. Clinging to an old OS, no matter how officially blessed, comes with its own bag of troubles.Some risks:
- Compatibility creep: As software vendors move on, you may find yourself left out of the latest and greatest apps (assuming “Calculator” wasn’t enough).
- Security by obscurity doesn’t scale: Extended support means patching, not invulnerability. Careful monitoring and regular evals are a must—don’t treat “support until 2032” as license to close your eyes for a decade.
- User expectation drift: New hires will look at your Windows 10 setup and mutter about “grandpa’s computer.” Educate them, or insulate them, as needed.
Final Thoughts: Why Not Linux? (Or Something Else?)
Every mention of “sticking with old Windows” elicits predictable groans from the open-source evangelists. “Just install Linux!” they cry, waving USB sticks and live CDs like digital snake oil.And yet, for many users, switching OS is change on a truly existential scale. The apps, the workflows, the muscle memory… some wounds are too deep. For these stalwarts, LTSC is comfort food, familiar and (relatively) reliable.
But if, after all this, you wake up one day and decide it’s time to try Linux Mint or Manjaro, the good news? They aren’t going anywhere, and they’ll be there to catch you if Windows finally lets you down.
Closing Credits: LTSC, Your Windows 10 Escape Hatch
The lesson here isn’t about avoiding change forever (tempting as it might be). It’s about knowing your options, treading carefully through licensing, and understanding that in the world of Windows, there are always secret handshakes—if you’re willing to look for them.Yes, you’ll have to jump through the occasional hoop, and yes, Microsoft would rather you took the upgrade or switched to the cloud. But for those determined to keep their machines on familiar ground—and for IT departments who still wake up in cold sweats from Windows 8.1’s charms—the LTSC path is the best-disguised refuge you never knew you had.
Here’s to another seven years of Notepad, Wordpad, and blissful, bloat-free uptime. Just maybe don’t forget to update your antivirus.
Source: theregister.com Windows 10 LTSC – the version that won't expire for years