Clean install Windows 10 LTSC in 2025

Windows 10 LTSC delivers a stable, long-term release with minimal changes and extended support.
You can install Enterprise or IoT LTSC on most devices, but availability is limited to volume licensing and evaluation downloads.
This guide walks you through hardware requirements, update behavior, and the full clean installation process.

Although the support for Windows 10 has already ended, it’s still possible to perform a clean install of Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) (mostly) in the same way as any other version of the operating system. The difference is in the experience you receive through the lifecycle of the Long-Term Servicing Channel.

What is Windows 10 LTSC?

Windows 10 LTSC is another variant of the operating system with the same characteristics as the regular version. However, this one is tailored for specialized devices that require long-term stability and minimal change.

Unlike the Home and Pro editions, which (used to) receive annual feature updates, the LTSC version is updated approximately every two to three years, focusing on security and critical fixes without introducing new features that could disrupt system stability.

Microsoft offers two variants in the Long-Term Servicing Channel, including Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC.

In addition, feature updates are optional, so you can use your original installation for as long as that release is supported. The Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC is usually supported for five years, while the IoT Enterprise edition is supported for ten years.

What is the end of support date for Windows 10 LTSC?

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 (and IoT Enterprise) was released on November 16, 2021, and the mainstream support will end on January 12, 2027.

On the other hand, the version released in 2019 will be supported until January 9, 2029, while the version released in 2016 will end its support on October 13, 2026.

Can I install Windows 10 LTSC on my PC?

Yes, you can install either variant of Windows 10 LTSC (IoT and Enterprise) on your computer, but there are a few caveats. First, Microsoft doesn’t offer the LTSC version for regular consumers. The company only makes this release available through its volume licensing program for large organizations.

Although obtaining a legitimate copy is difficult, it is not impossible since you can download the evaluation copy of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC from Microsoft servers. Alternatively, the non-evaluation edition can be found on the Archive.org page.

You can install this version of the operating system on virtually any device, but it is better suited for thin clients, medical devices, point-of-sale systems, banking devices, and similar devices.

How does Windows 10 LTSC handle security updates?

Although Windows 10 LTSC doesn’t receive feature updates as often as the regular editions, it receives regular security updates and critical fixes throughout its lifecycle, ensuring systems remain protected against emerging threats without introducing new features that could affect stability.

What are the hardware requirements for Windows 10 LTSC?

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC minimum hardware requirements:

Processor: 1GHz
Memory: 2GB
Storage: 20GB

In this guide, I will cover every step to install Windows 10 LTSC on your computer.

Clean install Windows 10 LTSC (IoT or Enterprise)
FAQs about Windows 10 LTSC clean install

Important: This process will delete everything on your device. It’s recommended that you make a full backup of your computer before proceeding. You’ve been warned.

Clean install Windows 10 LTSC (IoT or Enterprise)

The easiest and most reliable way to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 LTSC is using a USB flash drive. When using the consumer version of the operating system, you can create a bootable USB using the Media Creation Tool, Command Prompt, Rufus, or other third-party tools. However, with the LTSC version, you can only use the Command Prompt method or a third-party tool like Rufus.

You’ll also have to ensure that your computer can boot from a USB. This requires changing the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) settings. Since every computer is different, check your manufacturer’s support website for specific steps on accessing and adjusting these settings.

To clean install Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC or IoT Enterprise LTSC from a USB, follow these steps:

Start the PC with the Windows 10 LTSC USB bootable media.
Press any key to continue with the installation setup.
Click the Next button.
Click the Install now button.
If you are reinstalling, click the “I don’t have a product key” option.
Select the edition of “Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC” (or “Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC”) your license key activates (if applicable).
Check the “I accept the license terms” option.
Click the Next button.
Select the “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” option to perform a clean install.
Select each partition on the hard drive where you want to install Windows 10 and click the Delete button. (Usually, “Drive 0” is the drive that contains all the installation files.)

Warning: Deleting a partition also deletes all data on the drive. Also, it is not necessary to delete the partitions from a secondary hard drive.
Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) to install Windows 10.
Click the Next button.
Select your region setting after the installation on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE).
Click the Yes button.
Select your keyboard layout for your installation.
Click the Yes button.
Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.
The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. If you have a wireless connection, you must set up the connection manually (a Wi-Fi password may be required).
Click the “Domain join instead” option to create a local account.

Quick tip: You can always continue creating an account with your Microsoft account, but I’m assuming you’re installing this version of the operating system because you don’t like Microsoft’s direction with it and don’t want to use an online account either.
Confirm the name for the local account you want to use on Windows 10.
Click the Next button.
Create a password for the Windows 10 account.
Confirm the password one time.
Click the Next button.
Complete the three security questions in case you forget your password.
Click the Next button
Turn the toggle switch on or off for each option to confirm the privacy settings that best suit your preferences.
Click the Accept button.

Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 LTSC will apply the settings and finish the setup.

After the installation, restore your files from a previous backup. You will also need to reinstall your apps, apply your configurations, and activate the setup by providing the required product key.

You may also need to check the Task Manager to confirm whether any device drivers need to be updated. Finally, it’s recommended that you check and download any system updates manually.

FAQs about Windows 10 LTSC clean install

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about performing a clean installation of Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channel.

What is Windows 10 LTSC used for?

Windows 10 LTSC is designed for specialized devices that require long-term stability, predictable behavior, and minimal feature changes. It’s commonly used in medical equipment, point-of-sale systems, kiosks, thin clients, and other mission-critical environments.

How is Windows 10 LTSC different from Windows 10 Home or Pro?

Unlike Home and Pro editions, LTSC does not receive frequent feature updates. It focuses solely on security updates and critical fixes, keeping the system stable throughout its lifecycle.

Does Windows 10 LTSC still receive updates?

Yes. LTSC continues to receive monthly security updates and essential fixes for the duration of its support lifecycle, but it does not receive new features or major experience changes.

When does Windows 10 LTSC support end?

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 and IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 are supported until January 12, 2027. The 2019 LTSC release is supported until January 9, 2029, and the 2016 LTSC release reaches the end of support on October 13, 2026.

Can I install Windows 10 LTSC at home?

Microsoft doesn’t sell LTSC directly to consumers. It’s officially available only through volume licensing. However, anyone can download the 90-day evaluation ISO from Microsoft, and the full non-evaluation ISO is publicly archived in Archive.org.

Will Windows 10 LTSC run on my hardware?

If your device meets the standard Windows 10 minimums, it will run LTSC. The baseline requirements include a 1GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, and 20GB of storage.

Can I upgrade from a regular Windows 10 edition to LTSC?

No. Microsoft doesn’t support in-place upgrades from Home or Pro to LTSC. A clean installation is required, which wipes the drive. However, perform the upgrade to the LTSC version by modifying the Registry.

Does LTSC support the Microsoft Store?

Enterprise LTSC does not include the Microsoft Store by default. IoT LTSC can include it depending on how the image is built. You can add the Store manually via deployment packages, but Microsoft doesn’t support this.

Which LTSC edition should I pick, Enterprise or IoT?

Enterprise LTSC offers five years of support and is built for standard enterprise deployments. IoT Enterprise LTSC offers ten years of support and is intended for fixed-function devices, but it installs and operates the same on most computers.

Can I use a Microsoft account during setup?

You can, but it’s optional. The OOBE includes a “Domain join instead” option that lets you create a local account without linking to a Microsoft account.

Does LTSC support the Media Creation Tool?

No. The Media Creation Tool does not work with LTSC images. You must create bootable media using Command Prompt, Rufus, or similar tools.

Can I dual-boot LTSC with another operating system?

Yes, as long as you install LTSC on its own partition and manage the bootloader properly.

Is LTSC recommended as a daily-driver operating system?

It works reliably as a daily driver, especially for people who prefer stability over new features. However, Microsoft does not intend LTSC for general-purpose consumer use, and some modern apps or services may not work as expected.