Windows 10 LTSB: The Ultimate Edition for Stability and Security
Windows 10 LTSB Download: What You Need to Know
If you are looking for a stable and secure version of Windows 10 that does not change over time, you might be interested in Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB). This edition of Windows 10 is designed for special-purpose devices that require minimal updates and features. In this article, we will explain what Windows 10 LTSB is, who it is for, and how to download it.
windows 10 ltsb download
What is Windows 10 LTSB?
Windows 10 LTSB is a specialized edition of Windows 10 Enterprise that promises the longest intervals between feature upgrades of any version of the operating system. Where other Windows 10 servicing models push feature upgrades to customers every six months, LTSB does so only every two or three years. That means fewer changes during a set timeline, a less-involved upgrade effort, and fewer disruptions as well as fewer possibilities for applications breaking because of a modification of the OS.
Windows 10 LTSB also has a reduced feature set compared to other editions of Windows 10. It does not include some of the core apps that other iterations of Windows 10 typically have, such as the Microsoft Store, Cortana, Microsoft Edge, and bundled apps. It focuses on security, reliability, and user experience.
Windows 10 LTSB vs LTSC
LTSB stands for Long-Term Servicing Branch, while LTSC stands for Long-Term Servicing Channel. They are essentially two different names for the same thing. Microsoft changed the name from LTSB to LTSC in 2018 to align with its new terminology for servicing channels. However, some older versions of Windows 10 are still referred to as LTSB, such as Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB and Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB. For the sake of simplicity, we will use the term LTSB throughout this article, but you can assume that it also applies to LTSC.
Windows 10 LTSB vs Enterprise
Windows 10 LTSB is a subset of Windows 10 Enterprise, which means it shares the same code base and functionality, but with some differences in features and servicing options. Windows 10 Enterprise is the most comprehensive and flexible edition of Windows 10, offering advanced security, management, and deployment capabilities for large organizations. It supports both the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) and the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) servicing models.
The main difference between Windows 10 LTSB and Enterprise is that LTSB does not receive any feature updates, only security and quality updates. This means that LTSB users will not get access to new features and enhancements that are introduced in other editions of Windows 10 over time. For example, LTSB users will not be able to use the Windows Subsystem for Linux, Windows Mixed Reality, or Timeline features. Additionally, LTSB users will not be able to upgrade to newer versions of LTSB without performing a clean installation.
Another difference between Windows 10 LTSB and Enterprise is that LTSB has a limited set of pre-installed applications and components. As mentioned earlier, LTSB does not include the Microsoft Store, Cortana, Microsoft Edge, and bundled apps. It also does not include some other features such as OneDrive, Skype, Outlook Mail, Calendar, Groove Music, Movies & TV, Paint 3D, and more. This makes LTSB more lightweight and streamlined, but also less versatile and customizable.
Because of these differences, Windows 10 LTSB is not recommended for most organizations or users. Microsoft states that LTSB is intended for devices that perform a single important task and do not need feature updates. Examples of such devices are point-of-sale systems, ATMs, medical equipment, or industrial controllers. For general-purpose devices such as PCs, laptops, tablets, or smartphones, Microsoft recommends using Windows 10 Enterprise with the Semi-Annual Channel servicing model. This way, users can benefit from the latest features and improvements while still having control over when and how to update their devices.
Who is Windows 10 LTSB for?
As we have seen, Windows 10 LTSB is a special edition of Windows 10 that is designed for specific scenarios where stability and security are paramount. It is not meant for general-purpose devices or users who want to enjoy the latest features and innovations of Windows 10. So who is Windows 10 LTSB for?
The answer is: it depends. There is no definitive list of criteria or use cases that qualify for using Windows 10 LTSB. However, there are some common characteristics that can help you decide if Windows 10 LTSB is right for you or your organization. Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
Do you have devices that perform a single critical function and cannot afford any downtime or disruption?
Do you have devices that have strict regulatory or compliance requirements that prevent them from receiving frequent updates or changes?
Do you have devices that have limited hardware resources or compatibility issues that make them unsuitable for running newer versions of Windows 10?
Do you have devices that are isolated from the internet or have limited connectivity options that make them difficult to update or manage?
Do you have devices that do not need any additional features or functionality beyond what Windows 10 LTSB offers?
If you answered yes to most or all of these questions, then you might be a good candidate for using Windows 10 LTSB. However, you should also be aware of the pros and cons of using this edition of Windows 10.
Pros and cons of Windows 10 LTSB
Windows 10 LTSB has some advantages and disadvantages compared to other editions of Windows 10. Here are some of them:
Pros
Cons
It provides a stable and consistent user experience with minimal changes over time.
It It offers enhanced security and reliability by reducing the attack surface and the risk of bugs or vulnerabilities.
It allows for easier management and maintenance by simplifying the update process and reducing the need for testing and compatibility checks.
It lacks some of the core features and functionality that other editions of Windows 10 have, such as the Microsoft Store, Cortana, Microsoft Edge, and bundled apps.
It does not receive any feature updates or enhancements, which means it may miss out on some of the latest innovations and improvements of Windows 10.
It has a limited support lifecycle, which means it will eventually reach its end of service and stop receiving any updates or patches.
As you can see, Windows 10 LTSB has its pros and cons, and you should weigh them carefully before deciding to use it. You should also consult with your IT department, your software vendors, and your hardware manufacturers to ensure that Windows 10 LTSB is compatible and supported by your devices and applications.
How to download Windows 10 LTSB?
If you have decided that Windows 10 LTSB is the right edition of Windows 10 for you, you might be wondering how to download it. Unlike other editions of Windows 10, Windows 10 LTSB is not available through the usual channels such as Windows Update, Media Creation Tool, or ISO download. Instead, you need to meet some specific requirements and follow some special steps to download Windows 10 LTSB. Here is what you need to do:
Requirements
Before you can download Windows 10 LTSB, you need to have the following prerequisites:
A volume license agreement with Microsoft that includes Windows 10 Enterprise licenses. You cannot use Windows 10 LTSB with a retail or OEM license.
A Key Management Service (KMS) host that can activate Windows 10 LTSB devices. You cannot use a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) or a digital license to activate Windows 10 LTSB.
An account on the Microsoft Evaluation Center website that can access the Windows 10 Enterprise evaluation downloads. You need to sign in with a work or school account that is associated with your volume license agreement.
If you do not have these requirements, you will not be able to download or use Windows 10 LTSB. If you do have them, you can proceed to the next step.
Downloading the ISO file
To download the ISO file for Windows 10 LTSB, you need to visit the Microsoft Evaluation Center website and follow these steps:
Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-10-enterprise and sign in with your work or school account.
Select the edition of Windows 10 Enterprise that you want to download. You can choose from Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 (the latest version of LTSB), Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016 (the previous version of LTSB), or Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2015 (the first version of LTSB). Note that each version has a different product key and support lifecycle.
Select the language that you want to download. You can choose from multiple languages depending on the edition that you selected.
Select the architecture that you want to download. You can choose from 32-bit or 64-bit depending on your device's processor.
Click on the Download button and wait for the ISO file to be generated. This may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed and server load.
Save the ISO file to your preferred location on your device or external storage.
Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded the ISO file for Windows 10 LTSB. You can now use it to install Windows 10 LTSB on your device or create a bootable USB drive.
Installing the product key
To install the product key for Windows 10 LTSB, you need to use the slmgr command in an elevated command prompt. The slmgr command is a tool that allows you to manage the activation and licensing of Windows. You can use it to install, uninstall, activate, or deactivate product keys. Here are the steps to install the product key for Windows 10 LTSB:
Open an elevated command prompt by typing cmd in the search box, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter: slmgr /ipk . Replace with the product key that corresponds to the edition of Windows 10 LTSB that you downloaded. You can find the product keys on the Microsoft Evaluation Center website under each edition. For example, the product key for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 is M7XTQ-FN8P6-TTKYV-9D4CC-J462D.
Wait for a confirmation message that says "Installed product key successfully". This means that the product key has been installed on your device.
You have successfully installed the product key for Windows 10 LTSB. You can now proceed to activate Windows 10 LTSB.
Activating Windows 10 LTSB
To activate Windows 10 LTSB, you need to connect your device to a Key Management Service (KMS) host that can activate Windows 10 LTSB devices. A KMS host is a server that runs a service that can activate multiple devices using a single product key. You need to have a KMS host in your network that has been configured with a KMS host key for Windows 10 LTSB. Alternatively, you can use phone activation if you do not have access to a KMS host. Here are the steps to activate Windows 10 LTSB:
If you have a KMS host in your network, type the following command in an elevated command prompt and press Enter: slmgr /ato. This command will attempt to activate your device using the KMS host that is specified in your DNS settings. If the activation is successful, you will see a message that says "Product activated successfully".
If you do not have a KMS host in your network, or if the previous step fails, type the following command in an elevated command prompt and press Enter: slui 4. This command will launch the phone activation wizard that will guide you through the steps to activate your device by calling a toll-free number and providing an installation ID. Follow the instructions on the screen and enter the confirmation ID that you receive from the automated system.
You have successfully activated Windows 10 LTSB. You can now enjoy using this edition of Windows 10 on your device.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained what Windows 10 LTSB is, who it is for, and how to download it. We have also provided some pros and cons of using this edition of Windows 10, and some tips and best practices for using it. Here are some key points to remember:
Windows 10 LTSB is a specialized edition of Windows 10 Enterprise that offers long-term stability and security with minimal updates and features.
Windows 10 LTSB is intended for devices that perform a single critical function and do not need feature updates. Examples of such devices are point-of-sale systems, ATMs, medical equipment, or industrial controllers.
Windows 10 LTSB is not recommended for general-purpose devices or users who want to enjoy the latest features and innovations of Windows 10.
To download Windows 10 LTSB, you need to have a volume license agreement with Microsoft, a KMS host that can activate Windows 10 LTSB devices, and an account on the Microsoft Evaluation Center website.
To install and activate Windows 10 LTSB, you need to use the slmgr command in an elevated command prompt and connect your device to a KMS host or use phone activation.
We hope this article has helped you understand more about Windows 10 LTSB and how to download it. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Windows 10 LTSB:
How often is Windows 10 LTSB updated?
Windows 10 LTSB does not receive any feature updates, only security and quality updates. These updates are released on the second Tuesday of every month, also known as Patch Tuesday. Additionally, Windows 10 LTSB receives a new version every two or three years, which includes the latest security and quality updates. The current version of Windows 10 LTSB is Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019, which was released in November 2018.
How long is Windows 10 LTSB supported?
Windows 10 LTSB has a support lifecycle of 10 years, which consists of five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support. Mainstream support means that Microsoft provides regular security and quality updates, as well as technical support and warranty claims. Extended support means that Microsoft only provides security updates, and no longer offers technical support or warranty claims. The end of support dates for each version of Windows 10 LTSB are as follows:
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019: January 9, 2024 (mainstream support) and January 9, 2029 (extended support)
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016: October 12, 2021 (mainstream support) and October 13, 2026 (extended support)
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2015: October 13, 2020 (mainstream support) and October 14, 2025 (extended support)
After the end of support date, Windows 10 LTSB will no longer receive any updates or patches from Microsoft, which may expose your device to security risks and performance issues. Therefore, it is recommended that you upgrade to a newer version of Windows 10 LTSB before the end of support date.
What are the alternatives to Windows 10 LTSB?
If you are looking for an alternative to Windows 10 LTSB that offers more features and functionality, you have several options to choose from. Here are some of them:
Windows 10 Enterprise with the Semi-Annual Channel servicing model. This is the default edition of Windows 10 Enterprise that receives feature updates twice a year, in March and September. It offers the most comprehensive and flexible features and capabilities for large organizations. It also allows you to defer or pause feature updates for up to 18 months using Group Policy or Windows Update for Business.
Windows 10 Enterprise with the Long-Term Servicing Channel servicing model. This is similar to Windows 10 LTSB, but with some differences in features and servicing options. It receives feature updates every two or three years, but it also includes some core apps and components that Windows 10 LTSB does not have, such as the Microsoft Store, Cortana, Microsoft Edge, and bundled apps. It also allows you to upgrade to newer versions of LTSC without performing a clean installation.
Windows 10 Pro with the Semi-Annual Channel servicing model. This is the edition of Windows 10 that is designed for small and medium businesses, professionals, and power users. It receives feature updates twice a year, in March and September. It offers some advanced features and capabilities that are not available in Windows 10 Home, such as BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Hyper-V, and Group Policy. It also allows you to defer or pause feature updates for up to 35 days using the Settings app or Windows Update for Business.
These are some of the alternatives to Windows 10 LTSB that you can consider if you want to have more features and functionality in your Windows 10 device. However, you should also be aware of the trade-offs and challenges that come with these alternatives, such as more frequent updates, more compatibility issues, more management overhead, and more licensing costs.
We hope this article has answered some of your questions about Windows 10 LTSB and its alternatives. If you have any other questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.
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