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The next Windows 10 Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release

Joe_Lurie's avatar
Joe_Lurie
Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
Feb 18, 2021
Windows 10 introduced Windows as a service, a method of continually providing new features and capabilities through regular feature updates. Semi-Annual Channel versions of Windows, such as version 1...
Updated Feb 02, 2023
Version 2.0
servicing and updates
Adam_Tyler's avatar
Adam_Tyler
Copper Contributor
Oct 30, 2021

Looks like we have an interesting discussion here, I'll add my thoughts and make it brief.  I work in the IT Department for the largest non-profit air ems agency in the US.  We have just under 1000 employees and about 450 Windows 10 computers.  Every single one of those Windows 10 computers runs either 1609 LTSB (end of support Oct 2026) or 1809 LTSC (end of support Sept 2029).  As a result our environment is incredibly stable.  We approve security fixes only using WSUS and have completely side stepped the feature update twice a year.  Let's be honest, these are really in place OS upgrades.  When the next build of LTSC becomes available, we will build that image and make it our standard for new deployments.  Not sure why this next release is taking so long, I thought it was supposed to be available in Q4 ?

 

I've read over and over again that LTSC is only to be used for niche implementations when it is only absolutely necessary.  At first I was concerned, I mean what if there is an app in the Windows store that is critical to our business?  Never happened.  Furthermore I have been able to watch from the sidelines as a constantly changing mainstream Windows 10 build introduces vulnerability after vulnerability.  Suggesting that everyone should perform regular OS upgrades is ludicrous in my opinion and this rebrand to the name IoT with half the support term is concerning.  The prospect of one day being forced to conform to a Microsoft on high mandate seems like a direct slap in the face.  Microsoft has proven they are incapable of producing secure products on the release cycle they've adopted and it should stop now.

 

I started with Windows very young and have maintained MCSE/MCSA through 2003, 2008, 2012, and 216.  Today I have only disdain for Microsoft products.  The second there is a viable alternative to AD and GPOs for management, I will be recommending a move to that platform.  They can only get away with this behavior because they've been the only game in town.  Linux with domainless enterprise technology from jumpcloud is looking pretty good right about now.  Never thought I would see the day when I would hope Microsoft would fail.

 

Regards,

Adam Tyler