The clock is ticking for Windows 10. The end of support for Windows 10 Professional will be October 2025 and it is crucial to plan your next steps well in advance to keep your systems secure.
Why Support is Ending for Windows 10 Home and Professional Versions
Microsoft ends support for older operating systems to channel resources into newer technologies that enhance features, security, and user experience. By October 2025, Windows 10 Professional and Home versions will reach end of support, and continued use beyond this date could expose your systems to significant security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.
Standard Upgrade Path
For most individual and business users, the answer is simple: move to Windows 11 Home and Professional. For OEMs building systems, many have opted to purchase Windows 11 Professional and utilize downgrade rights to keep installing Windows 10 Professional. However, this approach will not get you any updates past October 2025 unless Microsoft decides to offer Extended Security Updates for end-user customers. Microsoft referenced the idea in this blog post in December 2023.
The Hidden Gem: Windows 10 IoT LTSC – Available Until 2032
The last version of Windows 10 with the longest life and support is Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) 2021. You can buy and sell this product until November 2031, and it receives support till January 2032.
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC is an ideal solution for OEMs and businesses with long-term support requirements. This lesser-known edition of Windows 10 is purpose-built for appliance-like environments, offering extended support and ensuring your devices stay secure and up-to-date for years.
Benefits of using Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC over Windows Pro:
- Extended Lifecycle: Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 provides a longer support lifecycle, ideal for devices needing consistent long-term operation.
- Specialized Features: Windows IoT LTSC is designed for specific industries and includes tools and functionalities for manufacturing, retail, and other specialized applications.
- Stability: LTSC editions are updated less frequently, minimizing interruptions and providing stability for critical systems.
- Cost-Effective: Licensing costs are processor-dependent, with lower-performance processors yielding lower licensing expenses.
- Flexible Activation: With deferred activation and single-product key options, IoT LTSC is especially beneficial for offline systems.
Below is the list of the top-running Windows 10 IoT LTSC 2021 part numbers. For a detailed list of parts, please refer to our Parts List Guide.
|
EOL |
EOS |
PART# |
WINDOWS 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 (ePKEA) Single Key |
|
11/30/31 |
01/13/32 |
MUT-00075-1P |
Win 10 IoT Ent 2021 LTSC MultiLang ESD OEI High End ePKEA |
|
11/30/31 |
01/13/32 |
MUU-00028-1P |
Win 10 IoT Ent 2021 LTSC MultiLang ESD OEI Value ePKEA |
|
11/30/31 |
01/13/32 |
MUV-00028-1P |
Win 10 IoT Ent 2021 LTSC MultiLang ESD OEI Entry ePKEA |
|
11/30/31 |
01/13/32 |
UE8-00008-1P |
Win 10 IoT Ent LTSC 2021 Base Arm64 MultiLang ESD OEI EPKEA |
The Importance of Moving to a Supported Versions
Operating systems beyond end-of-support create significant security vulnerabilities due to the cessation of patch deployment. Migration ensures continued security updates and platform improvements, which are essential for modern computing environments.
Which LTSC Version is Right for My Application – Windows 11 or 10 IoT?
For industrial devices designed in 2022 and 2023, Windows 10 IoT LTSC 2021 is the ideal Microsoft OS. Built on a platform deployed in millions of devices, it’s thoroughly tested and reliable. It also benefits from extensive security updates and bug fixes, making it highly stable and easy to integrate. However, you may find that migrating to the latest LTSC version, Windows 11, is the best path forward.
|
Features by IoT edition |
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 |
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 |
|
Servicing Channel |
10 Years |
10 Years |
|
Multi-App Assigned Access |
Restricted User Experience (New Name) |
Available |
|
Reduced OS Footprint |
36 Removable Packages |
20 Removable Packages |
|
ARM64 |
Available for Qualcomm and NXP i.MX9 Family |
Available for NXP i.MX8 Family |
|
Dual Operator |
Not Available |
Available |
|
Requires TPM & Secure Boot |
Optional |
Not Required |
|
Co-Pilot AI |
Not Available |
Not Available |
|
Device Update Center (DUC) |
Available |
Available |
Table Comparing Windows 11 IoT and Windows 10 IoT Operating Systems
Preparing for a Seamless OS Transition: Key Steps for OEMs
- Evaluate Requirements: Determine whether Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC best fits your organization’s requirements.
- Verify Compatibility: Ensure your hardware and software are compatible with the new OS.
- Prepare for Deployment: Create a timeline and migration plan to transition smoothly to the new operating system and minimize operational downtime.
- Train Your Team: Provide training and resources to help your team adapt to the new features and interface.
Summary
Organizations must strategically plan their migration path as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support in October 2025. The key imperative is to transition before the end-of-support deadline to maintain system security, ensure long-term stability, and minimize disruptions in the field.
If you need any assistance or have questions about Microsoft Windows IoT, please get in touch with our team at: WindowsIoT@arrow.com.
