The Windows 10 LTSC license, perfect for your office – or not?

It has often happened that companies have been sold the Windows 10 LTSC Edition for their office workstations. This is the Long-Term Service Channel license, or LTSC license for short. Many people raved about what this version can do and that it is perfect for their office – or is it? What is the Windows 10 LTSC license for?

 

What are the differences?

The semi-annual channel receives two function updates per year – this refers to the normal, generally known Windows 10 version.

The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) is designed exclusively for use on specialized devices (no virtual machines). The channel receives new function versions approximately every two to three years.

The manufacturer’s own source: Overview of Windows as a Service (Windows10) – Windows Deployment | Microsoft Docs

What the LTSC version is actually intended for

The LTSC version has nothing at all to do with your normal office workstations. This version is intended for special systems (which excludes virtual machines), such as medical devices, machine controls or ATMs. These devices often only have one specific task, which is why they do not require frequent or functional updates. For them, it is more important that they remain secure and stable.

The manufacturer’s own source: Overview of Windows as a Service (Windows10) – Windows Deployment | Microsoft Docs

The LTSC maintenance model prevents LSTB devices with Windows 10 Enterprise from receiving the usual function updates, but only quality updates.

Furthermore, this edition of Windows does not include all applications such as Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Store, OneNote, not even Weather or News. These apps are not supported in the Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB edition, even if you install them from an official Microsoft source.

The LTSC version also does not support Office 365 ProPlus (click-to-install version of MS Cloud). Only the normal Office 2016 or Office 2019 version can be used for certain purposes.

What are quality and function updates?

Function updates:

For Windows10, Microsoft packages new features in feature updates that can be deployed using existing management tools. As feature updates are provided more frequently – twice a year instead of every 3 to 5 years – changes are not all available at once, but in smaller units. This allows you to get to grips with the new features one by one, which makes them much easier to use.

Quality updates:

Previously, multiple updates were provided per month and it was necessary to determine which ones were required for the organization, which ultimately led to fragmentation of the platform. In Windows10, administrators receive an all-encompassing monthly update that replaces the previous month’s update and includes both security and non-security patches. This approach simplifies patching and ensures that customers’ devices are more aligned with Microsoft’s testing, reducing unexpected issues after patches are installed.

The manufacturer’s own source: Overview of Windows as a Service (Windows10) – Windows Deployment | Microsoft Docs

Conclusion

Even if you can install the LTSC version, it is often not permitted by MS for licensing reasons, or simply not intended for an office. The LTSC license has absolutely no place in your office! So don’t just let them sell you this license. Which licenses are available and which one is best for you? If you want to find out more, simply click here for a free consultation.