Windows 10 LTSC IOT?

[BillyCarpenter]

Correct, Win10 IoT versions are designed for use in devices that need an operating system for very specific functions like running a Kiosk display, medical devices, security systems, and others. I used it on a Raspberry Pi for a while to run an Atari/Commodore/NES emulator and it worked well. I don't think it's designed for use like a PC, but if all you do is browse the internet it would probably do OK.

Here's some cut-n-paste info on it:

Windows IoT (Internet of Things) is a family of Windows operating systems designed for embedded and IoT devices, offering enterprise-grade power, security, and manageability. It's tailored for a range of devices, from small, resource-constrained systems to larger, more complex ones used in industrial settings.

Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a specialized version of the Windows operating system designed for fixed-function, special-purpose devices and embedded systems that require a long, stable support lifecycle of 10 years, unlike standard Windows versions that receive frequent feature updates. It prioritizes stability, consistency, and security over new features, making it ideal for industries like banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail where devices perform critical business functions over extended periods.
Key characteristics and benefits of Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC:

• Long-term Support:
  Offers a 10-year support lifecycle, ensuring stability and preventing unexpected changes to the operating system over the device's lifespan, crucial for regulated environments and critical systems.
• Focus on Stability:
  Updates are released less frequently than in standard Windows versions, prioritizing security and system stability over feature upgrades.
• Customization and Control:
  Provides enhanced control over specific Windows features, allowing for the exclusion of non-essential components like the Microsoft Store and Cortana to reduce the operating system footprint and enhance security.
• Device Lockdown Features:
  Includes capabilities to "lockdown" the device experience for public-facing or employee-facing scenarios, preventing unauthorized changes or access.
• Unified Write Filter (UWF):
  Protects against data corruption from sudden power loss and unauthorized modifications by write-protecting files, folders, or partitions.
• USB, Keyboard, and Gesture Filters:
  Allows for management of allowed USB devices, keyboard shortcuts, and gestures.
• Dialogue Box & Notification Filter:
  Enables control over which notifications are seen and automatic responses to dialogue boxes.
• Removable Packages:
• Allows administrators to reduce the operating system's storage footprint by removing unnecessary features.
• Licensing:
  Distinct from Windows Enterprise, LTSC versions are typically licensed through the open volume channel for Enterprise and the IoT channel for IoT Enterprise.

I'm gonna have to disagree with one part of what you said. You said this version of windows will probably be fine if all you're doing is surfing the net. But in your summation it clearly says that some of the most critical infrastructure depends on this version of Windows. industries like banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail where devices perform critical business functions over extended periods.

I think you have it backwards.

[Aneurysm]

I'm gonna have to disagree with one part of what you said. You said this version of windows will probably be fine if all you're doing is surfing the net. But in your summation it clearly says that some of the most critical infrastructure depends on this version of Windows. industries like banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail where devices perform critical business functions over extended periods.

I think you have it backwards.

I see what you're saying. I should have been a little clearer. My comment was directed towards someone who might want to build a Win IoT box and think they're going to get a low-cost, trouble-free Win10 Pro result. In other words, it's good if you want to build one and cruise the web while you tinker, but it's not a viable OS for deployment as a family or business PC replacement.

Things it WOULD be good at:
Running nuclear enrichment centrifuge speed controllers
Running large HVAC systems
Running a Commodore VIC-20 or NES emulator
Running your MFP's embedded software

Things it WOULD NOT be good at:
Running Fallout 76 and Excel while using a VPN to get around regional blackout restrictions on MLB.TV

[BillyCarpenter]

I see what you're saying. I should have been a little clearer. My comment was directed towards someone who might want to build a Win IoT box and think they're going to get a low-cost, trouble-free Win10 Pro result. In other words, it's good if you want to build one and cruise the web while you tinker, but it's not a viable OS for deployment as a family or business PC replacement.

Things it WOULD be good at:
Running nuclear enrichment centrifuge speed controllers
Running large HVAC systems
Running a Commodore VIC-20 or NES emulator
Running your MFP's embedded software

Things it WOULD NOT be good at:
Running Fallout 76 and Excel while using a VPN to get around regional blackout restrictions on MLB.TV

I can't speak to your specific scenario on getting around blackout restrictions on MLB.TV. But what I can speak on is Excel and all the Microsoft Office Apps. Including SharePoint. There are zero issues. At the end of the day, it's still Windows 10 Pro. I say Pro because you're still able to join a domain. I think folks get the wrong idea that this version of Windows isn't good as a daily driver in an office environment. I don't believe that to be the case based on my testing of the operating system. Folks will have to do their own testing.

[BillyCarpenter]

Well, well, well, Microsoft has dropped their TPM requirement for downloading Windows 11.

• TPM 2.0 no longer mandatory:
  Microsoft has relaxed the previous requirement for a TPM 2.0 chip for Windows 11 installations.
• Upgrade possible on older systems:
  Users with older PCs that didn't meet the original TPM 2.0 requirement can now upgrade to Windows 11.
• Microsoft's warning:
  While upgrading is now possible, Microsoft still recommends users upgrade their hardware to meet the minimum requirements for optimal performance and support.
• Potential risks:
  Microsoft acknowledges that installing on unsupported hardware may result in compatibility issues and a lack of updates, including security updates.
• Official documentation:
  Microsoft has updated its official documentation to reflect the loosened requirements.

[rthonpm]

I think folks get the wrong idea that this version of Windows isn't good as a daily driver in an office environment.

It's explicitly against the licensing terms for IOT Enterprise. Any office of a good enough size that gets a Microsoft audit won't be happy, nor will any Compliance officers when they find that they're out of compliance if it's found running anything other than special purpose equipment. IOT Enterprise is for embedded system or highly regulated use: think medical equipment where any change to the operating system would require a new validation certification for the results that the instrument generates.

There's a SKU called the LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) that is fine for regular use and it's supported for another two years. It's close to IOT Enterprise except that it's essentially a frozen version of Windows 10 21H2. It's also for regulated industries or devices that are a little closer to special purpose equipment than a regular workstation.

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/ltsc-what-is-it-and-when-should-it-be-used/293181

[rthonpm]

Well, well, well, Microsoft has dropped their TPM requirement for downloading Windows 11.

• TPM 2.0 no longer mandatory:
  Microsoft has relaxed the previous requirement for a TPM 2.0 chip for Windows 11 installations.
• Upgrade possible on older systems:
  Users with older PCs that didn't meet the original TPM 2.0 requirement can now upgrade to Windows 11.
• Microsoft's warning:
  While upgrading is now possible, Microsoft still recommends users upgrade their hardware to meet the minimum requirements for optimal performance and support.
• Potential risks:
  Microsoft acknowledges that installing on unsupported hardware may result in compatibility issues and a lack of updates, including security updates.
• Official documentation:
  Microsoft has updated its official documentation to reflect the loosened requirements.

Old news, though this just allows for clean installs not upgrades. The processor and TPM requirements have not changed per Microsoft's documentation and machines that don't meet the requirements will not be able to automatically install updates for new versions (like 23H2 to 24H2) .

I have an old 6th gen Intel ThinkPad with Windows 11 installed and it runs fairly well (better than it did 10 actually), however I've needed to do workarounds when it comes to doing version upgrades.