Windows 10: Windows 10 LTSC 2021 is dying in 2027, Microsoft reveals what you need to know

Microsoft has multiple editions of Windows 10, such as Pro, Home, and LTSC. Although LTSC is typically meant for businesses, some clever consumers also use it, and one of the most popular editions is Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021. Now, it’s reaching the end of support in January 2027, and Microsoft wants you to prepare by paying $61 per device.

For those unaware, LTSC is separate from the regular versions of Windows 10, such as Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education. Unlike these regular editions, Windows 10 LTSC feels like a breath of fresh air, as it doesn’t come with ads, bloatware, or even many of Microsoft’s own apps. For example, you don’t even get the UWP Calculator app by default.



In a statement to Windows Latest and other enterprises, Microsoft reminded us that support for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 is ending. This OS version first shipped in November 2021 and will reach the end of support on January 12, 2027.

After that date, if you use this edition of Windows LTSC, whether through enterprise licensing or unofficial methods, you will no longer receive regular security updates, including fixes for critical bugs.

I made a small table that explains Windows 10’s end-of-support dates for those still using it, along with the available options for extending updates:

Windows 10 edition Version Release date End of support Extended to
Home and Pro 22H2 October 18, 2022 October 14, 2025 October 12, 2027 with consumer ESU
Enterprise and Education 22H2 October 18, 2022 October 14, 2025 October 10, 2028 with commercial ESU
Enterprise and IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015 1507 July 29, 2015 October 14, 2025 Not available
Enterprise and IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 1607 August 2, 2016 October 13, 2026 Up to three additional years with paid ESU
Enterprise and IoT Enterprise LTSC 2019 1809 November 13, 2018 January 9, 2029 Not announced
Enterprise LTSC 2021 21H2 November 16, 2021 January 12, 2027 January 8, 2030 with paid ESU
IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 21H2 November 16, 2021 January 13, 2032 Not required

Of course, Windows 10 LTSC, just like Windows 10 Home or even Windows 7, will not stop working after it reaches the end of support. It’s more about receiving regular fixes, and these monthly cumulative updates are now more important than ever. As Microsoft previously told us, you should not delay updates by more than three days due to rising AI-powered security threats.

In either case, it’s always better to use a supported version, and Microsoft has shared three options for those affected.

How to prepare for Windows 10 LTSC 2021 end of support


The first option is to move to another supported edition of Windows 10 LTSC. Enterprise LTSC 2019, along with its IoT equivalent, remains supported until January 9, 2029. The 2019 release has a longer lifecycle, while the regular Enterprise LTSC 2021 edition received only five years of support.

There is also Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, which is a separate edition and remains supported until January 13, 2032. Most consumers who use an IoT edition rely on IoT Enterprise LTSC, and Microsoft says the new ESU offer does not apply to it because it is already covered by its existing lifecycle until 2032.

The second option is to pay $61 per device for the first year of Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021. The first year costs $61 per device, or $45 for organizations using Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch.



The ESU program will be available for up to three years after support ends, allowing Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 to continue receiving security updates through January 8, 2030. However, the price doubles every year.

Also, if you wait until the second year to enroll a device, Microsoft will require you to pay for both the first and second years.

Microsoft also makes it clear that ESU is only a temporary bridge and does not restore full support. It includes critical and important security updates, but you will not receive new features, general quality fixes, design changes, or regular technical support.

The third option, which is obviously Microsoft’s recommendation, is to upgrade to Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024.

How good is Windows 11 LTSC?


Windows 11 Pro system usage when compared to Windows 11 LTSC

Windows 11 LTSC is designed for enterprises, so it doesn’t come with pre-installed apps, popularly referred to as “bloat.” This means you’re not going to find apps such as Clipchamp or HP Support. You’d find these in regular editions of Windows, but they’re missing from Windows 11 LTSC.

There are also other changes that make LTSC far more stable and calmer. For example, Windows 11’s drag and drop tray, which lets you transfer files, is not turned on by default in LTSC:

https://www.windowslatest.com/wp-co...t-turned-on-by-default-in-Windows-11-LTSC.mp4

It also doesn’t come with Copilot, so that’s another win for those who prefer vanilla Windows 11, but you cannot officially use it as a consumer. You have to buy it as an organization or enterprise.


Comparing Start menu between Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 LTSC

I’ve been using Windows 11 LTSC for a long time now, and while it may not be as good as the LTSC version of Windows 10, you’re going to love it compared to standard Windows 11.


AI Components is available in Windows 11 LTSC Settings, but no sign of Experimental Agentic Features

It doesn’t come with the modern versions of Notepad, Paint, or Calculator. All of them use their classic versions, and there’s no Widgets board, Copilot on the taskbar, or even Microsoft Store.


Classic Snipping Tool in Windows 11 LTSC

Windows 11 LTSC is just as good as Windows 10 LTSC, and the only major difference comes down to the usual design changes. It’s a matter of preference at this point, as I did not find Windows 11 noticeably slower than its Windows 10 counterpart.

Regardless, if you use Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, you need to make a decision soon. I expect Microsoft to launch a massive Windows 11 campaign and try to convert more consumers before Windows 10’s extended support finally concludes in October 2027.

The post Windows 10 LTSC 2021 is dying in 2027, Microsoft reveals what you need to know appeared first on Windows Latest

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Why Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 has end support longer compare to LTSC 2021

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 has end support date 9 Jan 2029 while LTSC 2021 only until 12 Jan 2027

 

Question regarding 20H1 LTSC?

It's longer for LTSC.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lif...rise-ltsc-2021

 

Can you show me the steps to convert window 10 LTSC 2021 Evaluation Edition to RTM window 10 LTSC 2021

Can you show me the steps to convert window 10 LTSC 2021 Evaluation Edition to RTM window 10 LTSC 2021, i already try to did like, Start - cmd - Run as Administrator, type :

+ DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition

+ DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions

+ DISM /online /Set-Edition:EnterpriseS /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula

But the step 3rd no working, pls help me to solve this problem, thanks