Comment on this article
Leave a comment to let us know what you think about this topic!
Leave a commentThe idea of introducing Windows 10 LTSC as the standard client operating system is very tempting. But what risks does it involve? What are the LTSC versions actually about? Our experts answer all the questions on this topic and explain why Windows 10 LTSC is not the solution as a standard client operating system.
To avoid confusion, let me clarify something right at the start of my article. Windows 10 LTSC is identical to Windows 10 LTSB (Windows 10 Long Term Servicing Branch); the Microsoft Marketing Team merely changed the name at some time in the past.
Over recent decades, companies have acquired a lot of experience in managing Microsoft Windows clients. Operating system release cycles of three to five years were the rule. Viewed from this perspective, it is hardly surprising that companies are keen to deploy Windows 10 LTSC as their future Windows 10 version. Microsoft introduced a new concept for Windows 10 release management with the introduction of Windows 10 – Windows as a Service (WaaS). The new normality is now a six-monthly release cycle, forcing companies to rethink. The familiar release cycles for operating systems no longer apply. But with the right approach, the new concept can cut IT costs and improve the security level in the medium to long-term.
Depending on the company, Microsoft Windows 10 LTSC is certainly a useful deal, specifically for systems that are used in business-critical areas. They may include systems used in manufacturing (machine control), laboratory systems, ATM machines or embedded systems like the ones frequently encountered at airports and in public spaces. It follows, therefore, that this version is suitable for environments that rely on functional stability and longer maintenance options. So it already seems reasonable to ask why companies would choose to deploy Windows 10 LTSC as their standard client operating system if it is actually designed for other areas of use?
When considering Windows 10 LTSC, companies frequently mention that the default version of this operating system is delivered without apps that are already included in the versions Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Enterprise. But this motivation is not enough, as – on the other hand – the Windows version comes with a whole stack of restrictions that wipe out any apparent benefits inherent to this aspect.
For instance, the Windows 10 LTSC 2016 Version does not support any Intel CPUs above Kaby Lake, which prompts me to list a few of the important drawbacks:
Quite apart from these aspects, the devil is actually in the detail. Here an example: There have been problems with .NET Version 4.6.2 when Windows LTSB 2015 was installed on a touch device, leading to a failure of all .NET applications. And although the issue has since been rectified, it does indicate the significance of what needs to be considered before rolling out the system.
Possible questions in regard to the use of Windows 10 LTSC
Some readers see Gartner studies as an important benchmark for their decisions. That’s why we would like to refer to an article by Gartner on this issue. Gartner speaks of Windows 10 LTSB in its study, but this is because the article was written before Windows 10 LTSB was renamed Windows 10 LTSC.
Leave a comment to let us know what you think about this topic!
Leave a comment