The upcoming release of Windows LTSC will be the last one based on Windows 10, and all subsequent ones will be built on Windows 11.
Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, which is due to release later this year, brings not only several interface changes. Several weeks ago, Microsoft announced new servicing policies for Windows 11. The operating system will get one major update a year with two years of support for each version. As for enterprise customers, they will be getting 36 months of mainstream support.
Microsoft has now provided more information about the Long-Term Servicing Channel for Windows 11, which will replace the recently announced Windows 10 21H2 LTSC. During the recent Ask-me-anything session about Windows 11 and Windows 10 servicing and support session, Microsoft revealed its plans to ship the next LTSC version based on Windows 11.
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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.
As a regular consumer, you probably should not care about Windows LTSC at all. Microsoft ships Windows LTSC for specific environments and devices that do not connect to the Internet and cannot install frequent updates. Long-Term Servicing Channel is for "static" devices with high requirements for stability and sustainability. For example, medical or manufacturing equipment. Microsoft used to offer ten years of support for LTSC versions of Windows for ten years, but now the company is slicing that by half. Starting with Windows 10 21H2, the latest LTSC release, Microsoft commits to five years of mainstream support for the Long-Term Servicing Channel.
It is worth mentioning that it will take at least three years before Microsoft ships another LTSC version of Windows if it does not change its plans or strategies. Here is the current Windows LTSC schedule:
- Windows 10 1809 LTSC: supported until 2029.
- Windows 10 21H2 LTSC: supported until 2026.
- Windows 11 LTSC: due to release no earlier than 2024.
Source: Microsoft.
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