Question Maybe Better Than MS Win10 ESU: Security Updates Thru 2032

[BonzaiDuck]

I started other threads arising from my impatience for the Win 10 ESU "Enroll Now" link.

But -- as initially tipped off by some Windows veterans in these threads -- I've pursued all of my other options and executed one of them.

First, you can install Windows 11 on the old hardware. Someone else wrote a blog about his experiences with some old PCs -- ArsTechnica: Andrew Cunningham -- "What I learned .. . . "

To sum up the article, you don't run into anything of serious trouble running Win 11 until it's time for a Feature Update/Upgrade. At that point, one must pursue the tedium of reinstallation again while keeping "programs and files", and this is a PITA.

Then, there's the ESU scheduled for release "before" October 24, 2025. I haven't seen my "Enroll Now" link yet, but I've done everything possible to assure that I'm eligible for it. No "Enroll Now" link? Then not even a way to complete a $30 purchase -- let alone getting it for free.

Another option is a program called "0Patch" -- [that's a zero]. The price is quoted in Euros, but I'm sure they convert your USD's from you credit card. You can use a free version, or buy a license for less than $30 -- applicable to one PC for one year renewable. I have three Win 10 Pro PCs which I would like to continue with Win 10 deployment that is secure, so that still works out to $30 per annum for each one.

As our colleagues here noted, there is a long-term business Win 10 license that provides security updates through 2032, called the "Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC" [for Long Term Servicing Channel].

After studying, researching, pondering and fretting over which approach to try first and which would be the easiest, least costly and longest lasting approach, I settled on this option. Here is the download site for Win 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, and the instructions for deploying it in an "Upgrade" to your Win 10 Pro that saves your files, apps and programs.

Once you install the upgrade, you will need to activate it, and to activate it, you need a license. License keys can be purchase at KyMaker for a little more than $10 each for 1PC. This is a one-time license, and for about $33 I was able to extend security on all three of my systems. MyChoice Software also provides downloads and licenses.

I feel good about this, and I feel confident. The machine I chose is not the most active Win 10 box I'm using, but it has a pristine Win 10 Pro installation and if anything went wrong, I could swallow the use of the system temporarily before moving on. It is a twin system to the one I use daily -- as I currently tap out this communication. I will "evaluate", but I have a good feeling about this.

I had previously worried because the IoT Enterprise LTSC was intended for business devices installed with Win 10 which had dedicated software and usage. But there is apparently no limitation that might disappoint in this way on such machines. In about a month, I'll be ready to update the other two systems with this IoT Enterprise LTSC upgrade.

And I can put off building a newer system for Windows 11 as long as I wish. Even if I built that system, these Skylake/Kaby-Lake systems are just the best, so I won't have to trash them until . . . well . . . 2032!!

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Here is an UPDATE to my previous and original thread post, having done an "AI" Google query similar to this: "What's wrong with extending Windows 10 support with IoT Enterprise LTSC version?"

"Extending Windows 10 support via the IoT Enterprise LTSC version has limitations and potential drawbacks, despite the extended support timeline. While it offers a longer lifespan for specific applications and devices, it lacks feature updates, potentially leading to software and hardware compatibility issues. It also doesn't receive the latest features, UI enhancements, or gaming optimizations available in other Windows 10 versions. Furthermore, the LTSC version is based on an older build (21H2), which may not be compatible with newer software and games that target the latest versions (like 22H2).

"Here's a more detailed breakdown:

"Limitations:
"Lack of Feature Updates:
.
"The most significant drawback is the absence of feature updates, which means you miss out on new functionalities, UI improvements, and other enhancements released for other Windows 10 versions.

"Potential Software and Hardware Incompatibility:
.
"Because LTSC is based on an older build (21H2), newer software and games may not be compatible, especially those designed for the latest versions of Windows 10 (e.g., 22H2).
Hardware Support:
.
"New hardware might not be fully supported by the older LTSC build, especially if it relies on drivers or features introduced in newer Windows versions.

"Not for General Use:
.
"Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC is not intended for general desktop use and is primarily designed for specialized embedded systems and devices with a specific purpose.

"Potential Issues:

"Software Compatibility Issues:

"Developers are more likely to target the latest Windows 10 versions for their software and games, potentially leaving LTSC users behind.

"Gaming:
Games, in particular, might not work out of the box on LTSC, and users might need to install store and Xbox apps manually.
"
Missing Features:
Some features and optimizations available in other Windows 10 versions might be absent in LTSC.
"Security Considerations:
While LTSC receives security updates, it's crucial to be aware of the potential for vulnerabilities if using older versions of the operating system.

"In summary, while Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC offers a longer support lifespan, it comes with limitations in terms of feature updates, potential software and hardware compatibility issues, and is not suitable for general desktop use. "

This all being said, there are a handful of YouTube explanations which are more optimistic. And one has to ask: "On these dated systems intended for extended secure use, do you plan to install new software? Do you plan to install new gaming software?"

Here's a link to "Andreiy Michailovitch, Tech" on the use and installation of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC. Right away, he dismisses the "activation" issue, noting that he cannot officially "support piracy". This leaves me slightly puzzled for being able to buy one or more IoT Enterprise License keys for less than $11 each.

The [Russian] tech seems keen on the following positive features:

1) the version works fine as any Win 10 Pro installation
2) It doesn't contain the "advertisement" features of your mainstream Pro white-box or retail license.
3) The security updates continue through January 2032

The Russian's demonstration offers me more confidence, while my initial search had dampened confidence. I have two more PCs on which I can make this installation, or alternatively apply the 0Patch solution. I think my "Media PC" is the best candidate for my second iteration: I don't use it for e-mails or much in the way of internet activity. It hosts primarily a software by Cyberlink entitled PowerDVD (version 22 -- I'm being prodded to buy version 24, now). PowerDVD allows me to play all of my ISO DVD/BD rips, in addition to captures made over the years with Windows Media Center (when I had it or it was functional for DVR operations). I can play all of my music collection, and enjoy my entire complete collection of Playboy Playmates over the entire range of publication years.

So I contemplate yet some additional options pertaining to my most active Windows 10 Pro system -- the one I'm using at the moment. I could wait, hope and pray for eventual appearance of the "Enroll Now" link in Settings for the October ESU. I could install the free version of 0Patch, or the one-year paid license -- still costing less over three years than the accumulation of ESU renewals. OR -- I could install Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC.

Everybody else has the same options, but they may not be aware of them. As much as Russians have fallen out of my favor for their toleration of Putin and his Kleptocracy with the war in Ukraine, Andreiy seems to make a pretty good case for the IoT Enterprise installation.

 

[Iron Woode]

Win 10 IoT LTSC uses an older version of win 10 - 21H2 I believe.

Personally, I will just use my win 10 Pro until I decide to upgrade to 11 on my HTPC box. I have one more year of security updates thanks to MS, so I will worry about it later on.

Win 11 also has an LTSC version that also uses an old version 22H2.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Win 10 IoT LTSC uses an older version of win 10 - 21H2 I believe.

Personally, I will just use my win 10 Pro until I decide to upgrade to 11 on my HTPC box. I have one more year of security updates thanks to MS, so I will worry about it later on.

Win 11 also has an LTSC version that also uses an old version 22H2.

And of course -- the basis of 21H2 gives me pause for reasons such as this: On my test machine, my Steam app won't open and I am unable to run my racing simulator "GRID2" on that system. Not a major loss. All I need for the HTPC is for PowerDVD to run without problem. But of course -- there's a slight risk that it won't.

At least with the handful of options, I can take my time and think about which to deploy for each of the three PCs.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Since I started this thread to "inform" people about options beyond ESU, 0Patch and force-installed Win 11, I'll continue so far with my experiences and expectations about Win 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 and its 21H2 version/build.

I had my Steam app and several racing simulators installed on the test machine -- a Z170 motherboard and Kaby i7-7700K processor. So far, nothing malfunctions in installed software, except my GRID2 game and the GRID that preceded it. Assetto Corsa, Dirt Rally etc. all run just fine.

I'm at a crossroads at the moment between choosing ESU (if it comes to me), 0Patch or IoT LTSC on my Media PC system. That computer has only one basic use -- being connected to my Sony Bravia via HDMI: To run PowerDVD, now upgraded from version 22 to 24. I'm beginning to think or conclude that installing the IoT Enterprise LTSC will not interfere at all with the PowerDVD in its latest version. And since there's no interactive access to e-mail or the web with that system, I can take my freaking time getting around to the installation. I've already obtained the installation ISO and the purchased license. I should probably just go forward and "do it".

As for the rest of it. I've got a plan to build a desktop system, but I'm still open to the idea of choosing a Ryzen processor, chipset and motherboard. But -- beyond that -- I started looking into the laptop offerings for the latest 2025 Arrow Lake laptop chips like the 275HX. Marvelous choices, since I like the Acer line, and there's also ASUS and Alienware "Area 51". Some of these are $5,000 units! I think what I would need or merely want in a laptop would be less than a $1,500 outlay. But I have a laptop based on the Intel 11th-gen mobile chip. It has a 1TB NVME and 32GB RAM.

If I can secure these otherwise absolutely stellar SKYLAKE core systems under Windows 10, I really shouldn't need diddly for a long time. I could still break down and build that desktop system I mention so often. Honestly, a large motivator for building my desktop systems has always been the fun of it and the desire to keep up with the tech. I build these suckers with extensive storage and backup options -- each PC is a solid corner tower in my digital fortress.

I'm more at risk for losing my own memory than I am for losing my data or losing control of my money. If I lose my memory -- THEN I should worry about all the rest of it!!

 

[tcsenter]

To sum up the article, you don't run into anything of serious trouble running Win 11 until it's time for a Feature Update/Upgrade. At that point, one must pursue the tedium of reinstallation again while keeping "programs and files", and this is a PITA.

All the major feature or build updates are run like an in-place upgrade. It is just that on unsupported hardware, you may need to initiate this yourself, while on supported systems, it is offered automatically through Windows Update. It worth noting I have seen several fully supported systems that were still on a much older Feature Update or Build than had been available for many months already. No explanation for why it wasn't getting the Feature Update or build pushed down. The users were not declining or ignoring it. So I invoked it manually to bring it up to speed with the latest Feature Update or Build.

 

[Iron Woode]

And of course -- the basis of 21H2 gives me pause for reasons such as this: On my test machine, my Steam app won't open and I am unable to run my racing simulator "GRID2" on that system. Not a major loss. All I need for the HTPC is for PowerDVD to run without problem. But of course -- there's a slight risk that it won't.

At least with the handful of options, I can take my time and think about which to deploy for each of the three PCs.

for my HTPC I use Media Portal for all my media management.

It also works with my ancient but trusty MS remote control.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

for my HTPC I use Media Portal for all my media management.

It also works with my ancient but trusty MS remote control.

I had actually entertained doing that, and I'd downloaded and maybe installed it at least once as I struggled with the developing troubles I had when MS Media Center support disappeared or where I suddenly had HDCP problems with previously-configured premium channels. All that stuff happened around the same time.

Networked access to TV with my HDHomeRun tuners wasn't a rave hit with the family over those years. I chose not to make my Media PC a networked source, since all the Bravias and ROKU devices take care of subscribed streaming content. I may yet sort out a way to do that without losing the HDMI direct-connect to the living-room Bravia. [The living room is my man-cave].

 

[Iron Woode]

I had actually entertained doing that, and I'd downloaded and maybe installed it at least once as I struggled with the developing troubles I had when MS Media Center support disappeared or where I suddenly had HDCP problems with previously-configured premium channels. All that stuff happened around the same time.

Networked access to TV with my HDHomeRun tuners wasn't a rave hit with the family over those years. I chose not to make my Media PC a networked source, since all the Bravias and ROKU devices take care of subscribed streaming content. I may yet sort out a way to do that without losing the HDMI direct-connect to the living-room Bravia. [The living room is my man-cave].

I use the original Media Portal (version 1.x) not version 2. It can be tedious to setup but it works great.

My media is all stored on my linux box (24 TB) running Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. It also runs my UT99 server, too.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

All the major feature or build updates are run like an in-place upgrade. It is just that on unsupported hardware, you may need to initiate this yourself, while on supported systems, it is offered automatically through Windows Update. It worth noting I have seen several fully supported systems that were still on a much older Feature Update or Build than had been available for many months already. No explanation for why it wasn't getting the Feature Update or build pushed down. The users were not declining or ignoring it. So I invoked it manually to bring it up to speed with the latest Feature Update or Build.

Somewhere I posted a casual theory about Sky or Kaby Lake processors preceding the "eligible" Coffee Lake CPU, suggesting that if TPM 2.0 were enabled with the 14-pin plug-in module specified for a Z170 mobo, and since Secure Boot is also implemented, that there really shouldn't be a problem with updates if on used the registry hack to override the processor check by Win 11 installation. But if people who have "eligible hardware" have to manually install the feature updates, it doesn't make those of us with the earlier processor any worse off.