📥 If you’re looking for a stable, secure, and streamlined version of Windows 10 Pro that avoids frequent feature updates, then Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is your ideal choice. But how do you download and install this version?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Windows 10 LTSC download, from eligibility to installation.
🔍 What is Windows 10 LTSC?
Windows 10 LTSC is a special edition of Windows 10 Enterprise that is designed to meet the needs of mission-critical applications where stability and long-term support are paramount.
Unlike regular Windows 10 versions, LTSC gets only security and quality updates, without any major feature updates or UI changes.
Key Features:
- No bloatware (no Store, Cortana, Xbox, etc.)
- 5 years of mainstream support + 5 years extended support
- Security-focused updates without the distractions of frequent new features
🚨 Important Considerations Before Downloading Windows 10 LTSC
Before diving into the download process, here are some things you need to know:
- No Retail or Direct Purchase
Windows 10 LTSC is not available through standard retail channels. You can only download it through Volume Licensing or through Microsoft’s Evaluation Center for a limited period. - Evaluation Versions
Microsoft offers a free evaluation version of Windows 10 LTSC (valid for 90 days) that you can use to assess if it fits your needs. - System Requirements
Like any version of Windows 10, LTSC has its system requirements. Make sure your hardware meets them before downloading.- Processor: 1 GHz or faster, with at least 2 cores
- RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended)
- Storage: 20 GB free space (more if you’re using 64-bit)
- Graphics: DirectX 9 or later, with a WDDM 1.0 driver
📥 How to Download Windows 10 LTSC
Step 1: Visit the Microsoft Evaluation Center
To get started, you need to visit the Microsoft Evaluation Center:
- URL: Microsoft Evaluation Center – Windows 10 LTSC
- Alternative: Windows 10 LTSC Download
Microsoft offers evaluation versions of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC for 90-day use. This is a great option for testing before committing to a full deployment.
Step 2: Sign Up or Sign In
If you haven’t already, you’ll need to sign in to your Microsoft account. Microsoft may ask for some basic information, such as:
- Your name and company name (if applicable)
- Your location
- Your email address (for communication purposes)
Step 3: Choose the Right Version
There are different versions of Windows 10 LTSC, and you’ll need to select the correct one based on your system architecture:
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 (for most users)
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 (latest LTSC release)
You’ll also be able to choose between 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Step 4: Download Windows 10 LTSC ISO
Once you’ve selected the version and architecture, Microsoft will provide you with the ISO file download link. This is the file you’ll use to create a bootable USB or burn to a DVD for installation.
- File size: Depending on the version, the ISO file can be anywhere between 4 GB and 5 GB.
Step 5: Create a Bootable USB or Burn the ISO
After downloading the ISO file, you can proceed to create a bootable USB drive or burn the ISO to a DVD.
Option 1: Create a Bootable USB
- Use a tool like Rufus or Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB.
- Make sure your USB drive is at least 8 GB in size.
- Follow the on-screen instructions in Rufus to select the ISO file and create the bootable media.
Option 2: Burn the ISO to DVD
- Use a tool like ImgBurn to burn the ISO file to a blank DVD.
- Ensure that you select the slowest burn speed to avoid errors.
💻 Installing Windows 10 LTSC
It is almost the same as regular windows 10. Now that you have your bootable USB or DVD ready, here’s how to install Windows 10 LTSC:
- Insert the USB drive or DVD into your computer.
- Restart your system and enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc).
- Select the boot device (USB or DVD) and save changes.
- Your PC will boot from the installation media. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 LTSC.
- When prompted, select the partition where you want to install Windows 10 LTSC, and click Next.
- Windows Installation Begins
- Copy files 🗂️
- Install features and updates 🔄
- Restart several times 🔁
This step can take 10–30 minutes, depending on system speed.
📝 Post-Installation: Activate Windows 10 LTSC
After installation, you’ll need to activate Windows 10 LTSC:
- If you’re using the evaluation version, activation will not be required. However, it will expire after 90 days.
- For licensed versions, make sure you enter the Product Key during installation or through the Activation section in Settings.
⚙️ Windows 10 LTSC Updates & Maintenance
Once installed, remember that Windows 10 LTSC will not receive feature updates. You will only get security and quality updates for the next 5 to 10 years, depending on your version. You can manage these updates through Windows Update.
Key Points:
- No forced feature updates (less disruption)
- Minimal background apps and services, improving performance
- Reduced OS bloat due to lack of apps like Store, Xbox, and Edge
🚀 Final Thoughts
Windows 10 LTSC is perfect for mission-critical systems that require maximum stability and long-term support. While it’s not ideal for everyday use due to the lack of modern features, it’s an excellent choice for industries that demand reliability and security.
By following the steps in this guide, you can easily download and install Windows 10 LTSC on your system — whether you are testing the evaluation version or deploying a full enterprise version.
