Windows 10 LTSC to enter five-year lifecycle with version 21H2

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC to change lifecycle from ten to five years with the release of version 21H2.

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By (@Pureinfotech) , Windows How-To Expert and IT Specialist with 21 years of experience.
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Windows 10 LTSC
Windows 10 LTSC
  • Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC lifecycle will change from 10 to 5 years.
  • The lifecycle change will start with Windows 10 21H2 and older releases will continue the 10-year cycle.
  • Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC lifecycle won’t be affected.

Microsoft is planning to shorten the lifecycle of its Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) for Windows 10 to five years from ten.

The announcement appeared at the Tech Community blog, where the company explained that with the release of version 21H2 during the second half of the year, the Windows 10 Client LSTC will change to a five-year lifecycle to align with the support schedule of Office LTSC.

Since the Long Term Servicing Channel is available for Windows 10 Enterprise and IoT, the company also clarifies that the change only applies to Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC and Office 2021. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC will continue to be supported with the 10-year lifecycle.

According to the announcement, after consulting with customers, the company has found that the full ten years cycle is not required most of the time for devices that cannot be upgraded every year. Since technology changes quickly, it is challenging to support a release for so many years. As a result, starting with version 21H2, the Windows 10 Client LTSC will only have a five-year support cycle.

The change will only affect version 21H2 and higher releases. Older versions will continue to be supported for the remaining time until they reach the ten-year lifecycle or Microsoft announces a change in the product cycle policy.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].