The abbreviation LTSB stands for "Long Term Servicing Branch" and embodies a certain Windows 10 version. Windows 10 LTSB stands for a slimmed-down form of a Windows operating system. Without constant updates or annoying apps and features, the software is stable and fast in this version. However, there are certain restrictions on the availability of this operating system. Find out who Windows 10 LTSB is for and what else you should know about it here.
Windows as a Service
In order to understand LTSB, we first have to take a look at how Microsoft's operating systems work, much more so at their updates. Microsoft now does not produce version models for its operating systems, but releases updates for Windows 10 at regular intervals. This principle is also called Windows as a Service . However, the LTSB version is only available as part of Windows 10 Enterprise , ie specifically for companies and companies.
What does LTSB mean?
Microsoft Windows Updates are provided in the form of different models. The division of these models takes place in the form of service channels ( formerly: service branches ). Long Term Servicing Branch means something like long-term service branch . According to the change in Service Channels, the correct name is now Long Term Servicing Channel ( LTSC ). Apart from the new name, nothing has changed in terms of functionality. In the following overview we have listed the available service channels for you:
| description | target group | Windows updates |
| Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) | for private and business customers | automatic updates with new functions and features every six months |
| Long Time Servicing Channel (LTSC) | only for business customers | every 2-3 years there is a new LTSB version that includes all the new functions released during this period |
| description | target group | Windows Updates |
| Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) | für Privat- und Geschäftskunden | automatische Updates mit neuen Funktionen und Features pro Halbjahr |
| Long Time Servicing Channel (LTSC) | nur für Geschäftskunden | alle 2-3 Jahre gibt es eine neue LTSB-Version, die alle in dieser Zeit veröffentlichten neue Funktionen beinhaltet |
Note: With LTSB, companies also have the option to decline the update and wait for the next version..
Since new functions and apps can also trigger security gaps and attack surfaces for hackers, LTSB is a very secure variant. The current LTSB version for Windows 10 is version 1809 .
Install Windows 10 LTSB on your own computer
You are not acting as a company, but still want to enjoy the advantages of Windows 10 Enterprise? These do not include, for example, any unnecessary apps and features such as Cortana, Windows Store or Microsoft Edge. As the name Windows 10 Enterprise suggests, this version of the operating system is intended for companies and can therefore not be purchased by private users. However, you can try this Windows 10 version for 90 days . You can download the software under the name Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB . All you have to do is register or sign in with a Microsoft account. The installation below is very similar to setting up Windows 10..
When is Windows 10 LTSB unsuitable?
The biggest advantage of this Windows 10 version is that updates are only carried out at very long intervals. However, the restrictions that Windows 10 LTSB brings with it mean that this operating system is not suitable for all users or user-specific requirements. For example, if you often work with Microsoft Office or use your PC intensively to surf the Internet (e.g. for research or social media), Windows 10 LTSB is rather unsuitable. Users who need the Microsoft Store are also not advised to use this Windows version, as the Microsoft Store is not available.
