Windows client roadmap updates help guide organizations with their planning processes.
In our last Windows client roadmap update blog, we announced that Windows 10, version 22H2 would be the final version of Windows 10. It will reach end of support on October 14, 2025 for all editions of that version. We also announced that there would be a Windows 11-based Long- Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release in the second half of 2024.
Here's additional information on the lifecycle updates for specific versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Windows 11, version 23H2 will be available as an enablement package
The upcoming Windows 11, version 23H2 shares the same servicing branch and code base as Windows 11, version 22H2. What does it mean for you? If you're running Windows 11, version 22H2, it will be a simple update to version 23H2 via a small enablement package (eKB). Do you remember updating from Windows 10, version 1903 to 1909? Or how you've managed recent updates beginning with Windows 10, version 20H2 through 22H2? It will be that simple. Moreover, since both versions share the same source code, you don't need to worry about application or device compatibility between the versions.
Check out our whitepaper Windows and the shared servicing model for definitions and examples of how this works!
Recommendation
Don't wait for Windows 11, version 23H2. Continue (or begin) your Windows 11 rollout with version 22H2 now. Upon release in the fourth quarter of 2023, simply deploy the 23H2 enablement package via one of the following:
- Windows Server Update Services
- Windows Update for Business
- Windows Autopatch
Stay current and reset the product lifecycle for your edition! Extend it by another three years for Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions or by two years for the Pro edition.
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Note: The eKB is not available on Volume Licensing Service Center. Media packages contain the complete Windows 11 operating system.
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Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 available through Volume Licensing
Traditionally, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC has only been available through direct licensing from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that sell IoT devices. In response to your feedback, we're pleased to be able to make the licensing more flexible. We'll be offering Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 through Volume Licensing starting August 1st.
Consider this solution if your organization meets the following criteria:
- Requires the longer 10-year lifecycle of Windows 10 for devices specifically used in IoT scenarios.
- Doesn't purchase special devices that include the IoT LTSC license through OEMs.
Recommendation
- If your organization meets the above criteria and has IoT use cases NOT related to knowledge worker scenarios, purchase the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 edition directly from Microsoft through Volume Licensing starting August. Windows IoT Enterprise is specifically designed for fixed function, industrial use scenarios in manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and more. Note: The Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 edition will continue to be supported for five years and is available as a standalone license in Volume Licensing or as part of the Windows E3/E5 subscription.
- If you're waiting for a Windows 11 LTSC release, you can begin planning and testing your applications and hardware on the current General Availability (GA) Channel release, Windows 11, version 22H2. Check out App confidence: Optimize app validation with Test Base for more tips on how to test your applications.
Stay informed
In the future, we'll add more information here and to the Windows release health page, which offers information about the GA Channel and LTSC under release information for appropriate versions.
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