Download Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC ISO – Complete Guide

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC ISO is publicly available. Windows 11 LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) is a specialized version of Windows specially designed for IoT devices and embedded systems.

The main reason for releasing this version of Windows 11 is to cater to devices that require long term stability and support. Microsoft offers up to 10 years of updates and support for Windows 11 LTSC, making it more reliable over time.

The down side of this is that the LTSC version will receive infrequent updates over time and not all the latest features will be available on the system. But less frequent updates means less reboots and fewer problematic issues due to Windows updates.

What is Windows 11 IoT?

Windows 11 IoT is a version of the Windows 11 operating system designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It provides a secure, scalable platform for building and managing IoT solutions, offering features like long-term support, device management, and integration with cloud services.

IoT devices are physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity to exchange data with other devices or systems over the internet. They range from everyday household items like smart thermostats and light bulbs to industrial machinery and medical equipment. These devices enable automation, remote monitoring, and data-driven decision-making.

IoT devices often use protocols like MQTT, AMQP, OPC UA, DDS or HTTP for communication and can integrate with cloud platforms for data storage and processing.

LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a version of Windows designed for stability and long-term support, minimizing feature updates while prioritizing security and reliability. LTSC is ideal for environments where consistent performance is crucial, such as in medical devices or industrial systems. It typically offers support for up to 10 years, providing regular security updates without frequent feature changes.

Download Windows 11 LTSC

To download the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC version, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Microsoft download web page.
2. Select your version (x64 or AMD64, or ARM64) and click on the appropriate link. The download will start immediately.
3. Alternatively, you can download the ISO using the following direct download links:
   Download Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 Evaluation ISO x64/AMD64 [5.06 GB]
   Download Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 Evaluation ARM64 [5.04 GB]

Pre-install notes

Some of the points that you need to consider before installing Windows 11 LTSC:

• This is a 90-day evaluation ISO. You will need to purchase a license of Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC after the evaluation to keep running the system. Otherwise, the wallpaper will turn black and the system will restart every hour.
• The system requirements of the LTSC version are almost the same as regular Windows 11
• Feature updates for LTSC version are released every two to three years, while security updates are released monthly.

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise installation is identical to how Windows 11 is installed normally. There is no difference. You can create a bootable USB from the downloaded ISO and then install the Operating System normally.

Pros and cons of running Windows 11 LTSC

Pros

1. Microsoft gives long term support for this version of Windows.
2. The version of Windows 11 is designed for low resource consumption.
3. Hardware TPM requirements are relaxed for LTSC.
4. The bloatware that comes with a regular Windows 11 installation isn’t available in LTSC.
5. Since LTSC is for embedded systems, it offers faster boot times and improved battery support.
6. Windows 11 LTSC 2024 edition will be supported until 2033.

Cons

1. Microsoft Store is not available on LTSC
2. LTSC lacks the latest Windows 11 features and innovations.
3. Since security patches are normally delayed, bug fixes are slower.
4. The cloud connection and OneDrive support will be limited.
5. Microsoft account features will be limited.

Technically you can run this version of Windows on any device like the normal Windows 11 ISO. But there are a few things that you should keep in mind. While Windows 11 IoT will be more stable than the normal Windows 11, it will get comparatively less updates. New features will also take time to become available in this version of Windows.

Another caveat of this ISO is that it is the evaluation version which can be used for up to 6 months. After that, you will need to reinstall the Operating System. There is no way to install a license on an evaluation version of the OS.

Since Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise LTSC is not available at the moment, Windows 11 IoT Enterprise can be used to test out the features as technically they will have the same feature set. Or you can try out Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise LTSC.