If you approach someone from Microsoft or the read industry guidance, ask them about the effective strategy that can be used to image Windows 10 Updates. The overarching recommendation is the use of Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) as your default channel of service for Windows 10 machines. With Semi-Annual Channel, devices get to feature updates each year. The device users benefit from the best performance, best user experience, stability, and security.
Windows 10 LTSC Use-Cases
Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) is set for Microsoft windows 10 enterprise devices. A key requirement for this is that features and their functionalities do not change regularly. Examples are medical systems (those used in CT scans and MRI), the industrial controllers, and the air traffic control devices.
These devices have a similar characteristic of embedded systems: typically, they are designed to meet specific objectives. They are developed, tested, and certified before being made useful. They are controlled as the whole system and, therefore, commonly upgraded by creating and validating a new system that turns off the old device replacing it with a newer certified device.
Microsoft designed LTSC having in mind these types of cases. It has been offering support directed to each LTSC release for a decade. Features and functionality will not change within ten years.
Difference Between The Semi-Annual Channel And LTSC
Microsoft windows 10 enterprise devices using Semi-ANNUAL Channel get feature updates twice per year, in spring and fall. Updates come with new features, services, and other tyranny of changes. Optimization, security updates, plus other minor patches or updates are provided every month after that.
To deliver commitment of no feature and functionality changed, Windows 10 LTSC does not have any components of Windows 10, which may change within the period of life after release. The components include Microsoft Edge (modern browser, constantly evolving to support current modern browser as well as the application which are regularly updated through the Microsoft store, e.g., A Camera, OneNote, Cortana, and the other modern applications which are always advancing on innovative improvements.
Internet Explorer included in Windows 10 LTSC releases has its set of features not changing despite receiving security fixes for the life of the Windows 10 LTSC.
The Informed Choice About The LTSC
Before it was released and even within the first year of Windows 10, the majority of the people predicted that the LTSC would be the most preferred channel of service to the enterprise customers. Now, this has not been the case; Sac is the most predominant choice for any enterprise today.
There are many reasons as to why LTSC can turn to be a wrong fit for Windows 10 Devices in any organization. For example, an organization deployed the use of LTSC to bring similar IT rules, image creation, and the process of management that was being used since the Windows XP. Imagine the reaction of end-users as they open the new surface devices with total excitement, only to note the feature like Camera, Pen, and Ink are not working. In that, they are missing the modern touch of friendly app versions because the machines “repaved” with the Microsoft windows 10 professional LTSC release.
Another good reason for some organizations choosing LTSC is the compatibility of the applications. In interviewing these organizations, however, the initial concerns were about application compatibility, which the environment has approved to be a non-issue.
Find more information relating to Microsoft windows 10 enterprise lts, and Microsoft windows 10 professional here.
