What is Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 and why does it expire in 2032
and not in 2025?

Date:
Sat, 18 Oct 2025 10:23:00 +0000

Description:
Windows 10 end of life may be here, but Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 has support until 2032.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

Its been common knowledge in computing that Windows 10 reached the end of its supported life on October 14 2025.

But while thats true for most incarnations of the operating system, theres a version called Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 that will continue receiving security and stability updates all the way until January 2032 .

Thats certainly going to come as a surprise to people who have spent the past few years seeing headlines about October 2025 but what is the LTSC version, what does IoT mean and why does this particular variant get a reprieve?

If youre puzzled by the existence of this version of Windows, wondering what the name means and curious to see if you can use it on your devices, read on well answer all your questions. (Image credit: Shutterstock) What does IoT Enterprise actually mean?

Itll come as no surprise that operating systems like Windows 10 are complex bits of software that are in use across all kinds of devices and so, consequently, there are many different versions of the OS, too.

The list of Windows 10 variants includes familiar options like Windows 10
Home and Pro alongside Enterprise and Education alternatives, each with features designed to work particularly well in those specialist environments.

Explore the list of Windows 10 versions, though, and youll find something called Windows 10 IoT Enterprise.

IoT stands for Internet of Things, which is the broad term assigned to computers found inside all sorts of specialist devices. They can range from smart fridges and watches to retail point-of-sale terminals and security devices.

Internet of Things devices generally have specific use cases, locked-down software installations and operating systems, and particular methods of interaction in contrast to the general-purpose PCs and laptops that we all use with keyboards, mice, and accessible software.

In Microsofts case, Windows 10 IoT is the version of the OS that runs in embedded systems of all shapes and sizes, like self-service kiosks, ATMs, robots, medical devices, and thousands of other use cases. Its licensed for fixed-purpose devices and is generally not available on consumer devices.

Microsoft produces several different versions of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
is the full-featured version, and there are Core, Server and Mobile variants all designed to function in varying kinds of small, embedded computers. Millions of devices around the world use the Windows 10 IoT operating system, but bear in mind that Core and Mobile have already been retired.

When compared to more traditional versions of Windows, the IoT variants have locked-down designs that receive fewer updates. This is because mission-critical devices, which are more challenging to access, service, and manage, require long-term security and stability.

Windows 10 IoT operating systems have stricter security protocols than most versions of Windows. They use limited and specific control methods and remote management, and they can usually boot into a desktop or directly into a particular app, like a shopping system for use in self-service kiosks. What about LTSC?

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is the most common version of the Internet of
Things operating system, and that LTSC suffix is the next part of the name thats crucial to understand.

LTSC stands for Long Term Servicing Channel and, as the name suggests, it signifies versions of Windows 10 that are supported for far longer than conventional variants for devices where features and functionality must
remain unchanged.

A case in point: support for the standard versions of Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise and Education expired on October 14 2025 alongside the conventional version of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise.

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC the non-IoT version - runs out of support on January 12 2027. But if youre running Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC? Then youll get extended support until January 13 2032.

For many people who run Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, the LTSC makes plenty of sense. The long-term support version only includes quality, security and stability updates rather than new feature updates because delivering a
stable, consistent version of the operating system is key.

You miss out on feature updates, which are only included within mainstream support dates, and access to the Microsoft Store. Those options are probably not needed by people who require a long-term version of the operating system for mission-critical devices anyway.

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSCs long, unchanging configuration makes life easier when it comes to compliance, validation and budgeting. It makes management and maintenance predictable, reduces total cost of ownership, and works in locations where internet access can be difficult.

In short, if youve got fixed-purpose, embedded devices that need to run consistently for years without change, then Windows 10 IoT Enterprise is the operating system for you. How can you get Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC?

You might think that any devices running Windows 10 IoT Enterprise automatically switch over to the LTSC version, but thats not the case.

Moving to the LTSC version requires a new license, whether thats done individually or by using a volume licensing system. Thats because Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC is a distinct edition of Windows thats different from the non-LTSC version you cant just upgrade in place.

Youll need to go through your devices OEM manufacturer or liaise with your organizations IT department to ensure that youve switched over to the LTSC edition if you need to keep running until 2032.

It makes sense that youll need to jump through some licensing hoops when you think about the complexity and long-term lifespan of the operating system.

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise was released way back in 2015 and was slated to run out of support on October 14 2025 the same date as most other versions of Windows.

But on November 16 2021, Microsoft released the 21H2 update to Windows 10. This reduced the LTSC deadline for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC the long-term support option for conventional desktops and laptops while introducing the new January 2032 support date for Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC.

If youre running one of the more conventional versions of Windows 10, like Home or Pro, you can also move to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, but its a complicated process that we dont recommend unless youre an experienced user. Can I use Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC to skip the October 2025 deadline?

We wouldnt recommend it. While its certainly true that Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC will enjoy extended security and stability updates all the
way until 2032, its a specialist version of the operating system designed for particular situations and devices.

If you run an LTSC version of the operating system you may encounter compatibility and support issues with apps and games, and you wont be able to access most apps from the Microsoft Store. Eventually you may also experience problems with web apps, tools and protocols not working correctly in browser-based software.

Eventually, new hardware may not work with LTSC versions of the operating system, and you wont get updates that add new features. Driver compatibility could become a problem, and if regulatory requirements govern your computer use you may also fall foul of those in the coming years.

Thats all frustrating enough if youre a home user considering a move to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC to enjoy Windows 10 access over an extended period. But if youre using the operating system in a business or in an embedded, specialist machine then it could become a mission-critical point
of failure.

If youre happy enough to go without feature updates and store apps on your desktop PC or laptop and use a very basic and particular version of Windows then you could use Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC and enjoy support all the way until 2032.

But thats only going to be worthwhile for tech-savvy users who really dont want to move to Windows 11 and who are aware of the caveats. What are my options?

If you manage embedded devices that need to work stably and consistently for long periods of time, then youre in luck if youre already running Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, then its worth continuing to ensure continuity within your operations.

And if youre still using the conventional version of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, a move to LTSC should be relatively straightforward and will buy you support all the way until 2032.

But if you havent yet made the move to the LTSC, youve got more leeway. Its worth investigating whether a move to Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC would make more sense for your organization and its devices.

It has newer features, modernized software and driver support and a longer end-of-support date mainstream support is currently slated to run until
2029, with extended support all the way until October 2034.

If youre not using any of those IoT Enterprise editions of Windows, though, then the situation is trickier.

We cant recommend moving from a conventional version of Windows to the
Windows 10 or Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC version its a complicated process filled with pitfalls, and you could lose data or access.

Instead, a traditional move to Windows 11 will likely be easier . And if
youre determined to stick with Windows 10, consider Windows 10 Enterprise
LTSC rather than the IoT-specific version, or invest in a Microsoft Extended Security Updates , which enable three more years of usage at an extra cost. Its complicated but take your time

Its understandable if youve been nervous about the end of Windows 10 support given the headlines about the October 14 2025 deadline. And, equally, it
makes sense that some people will have seen the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
LTSC deadline and thought that it could be a potential option for sticking with the older operating system.

In reality, though, the situation is a little more complicated, and this specialist version of Windows isnt an effective way of extending useful
device lifespans for many users.

If youre already using Windows 10 IoT Enterprise on embedded devices and specialist computers that need long-term predictability and security, then this LTSC version makes sense and you probably already knew that.

But if you run conventional versions of Windows or youre not already wedded
to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, then this long-term version may not be the best option. For traditional computing, its time to bite the bullet and upgrade to Windows 11 or pay for Extended Security Updates. For embedded devices, switching to Windows 11 IoT Enterprise or its LTSC will give you even more stability.

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC isnt for everyone, but its certainly got its place. And if youre confused about what to do now that October 14 2025 has passed , dont panic consider your options, make a plan, and youll be fine.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/what-is-windows-10-iot-enterprise- ltsc-2021-and-why-does-it-expire-in-2032-and-not-in-2025


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