Windows 10 LTSC or Windows 11 LTSC for PC Gaming?

Summary

As Windows 10 Pro support ends later this year, users are faced with the decision of upgrading or switching to alternatives like Windows IoT and LTSC versions. These alternatives offer better performance, extended support, and fewer bloatware issues compared to Pro versions. The video discusses testing Windows 10 LTSC 2019, 2021, and Windows 11 LTSC IoT across various games, revealing performance discrepancies, especially with Nvidia RTX 5000 series cards. Ultimately, the video recommends opting for Windows IoT LTSC for a more streamlined and efficient experience, particularly for gamers and power users seeking long-term support.

Takeaways

• 😀 Windows 10 Pro support is ending soon, making it a vulnerable option for long-term use.
• 😀 Windows IoT Enterprise offers a stripped-down, user-friendly experience with better ongoing support than Windows 10 Pro.
• 😀 The 2019 LTSC version of Windows 10 performed better with certain Nvidia RTX 5000 series cards, especially in games like Counter Strike 2.
• 😀 Older versions of Windows, like 2019 LTSC, may lack driver optimizations that affect gaming performance on newer hardware.
• 😀 The lack of DX12 support in Windows 10 LTSC 2019 caused issues in games like Marvel Rivals, but not in other titles like Fortnite.
• 😀 Windows 10 IoT offers reduced telemetry, leading to more consistent gaming performance and fewer CPU interrupts.
• 😀 The 2021 IoT version of Windows 10 costs more than the non-IoT version but offers support until 2032, making it more future-proof.
• 😀 Windows 10 LTSC versions are cheaper than Windows 10 Pro keys and offer longer support periods, making them a better value.
• 😀 Nvidia RTX 5000 series cards show significant FPS gains in certain older Windows versions, particularly when playing competitive games like Counter Strike 2.
• 😀 For those using Ryzen X3D processors, Windows Pro might provide better performance due to special scheduling updates introduced in the OS.
• 😀 Windows IoT and LTSC Enterprise versions are recommended for users who prefer stripped-down operating systems with minimal bloat and maximum performance.

Q & A

Why is support for Windows 10 Pro coming to an end, and what does this mean for users?

Support for Windows 10 Pro is ending, which means the operating system will no longer receive critical security updates, making it more vulnerable to threats. Users will need to consider alternative options like Windows IoT Enterprise or Linux to maintain security and receive updates.

What are the advantages of using Windows 10 IoT Enterprise over Windows 10 Pro?

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise offers a more stripped-down, user-friendly experience with longer support than Windows 10 Pro. It also removes unwanted features like Cortana and the Windows Store, and has lower telemetry, providing better performance for tasks like gaming.

How does Windows 10 LTSC 2019 compare to other versions in terms of gaming performance?

Windows 10 LTSC 2019 outperformed newer versions in some gaming benchmarks, particularly when used with an Nvidia RTX 5090 card. This was mainly due to better driver optimizations and the absence of features that could affect performance in newer versions.

Why is the RTX 5090's performance improved in Counter Strike 2 when using Windows 10 LTSC 2019?

The improved performance of the RTX 5090 in Counter Strike 2 on Windows 10 LTSC 2019 is likely due to better driver optimizations, as newer Windows versions might not have optimized drivers for Nvidia's RTX 5000 series, leading to lower FPS and worse 0.1% lows.

What issues were encountered while testing Fortnite on different versions of Windows?

When testing Fortnite, the RX 970 XT delivered lower FPS on Windows 11 LTSC compared to Windows 10 LTSC versions. Additionally, the 0.1% lows were lower on Windows 11 LTSC, which may have caused stuttering in the game.

What role does DirectX 11 play in the gaming performance on Windows 10 LTSC 2019?

Windows 10 LTSC 2019 offered the best FPS performance on DirectX 11, particularly with the RX 970 XT. While DirectX 12 offers lower CPU overhead, it was not as optimized for certain games like Fortnite, leading to performance discrepancies.

Why does Windows 10 LTSC 2019 perform poorly with DX12 games like Marvel Rivals?

Windows 10 LTSC 2019 does not fully support DirectX 12, especially for native DX12 titles like Marvel Rivals. This lack of support caused the game to fail to boot on this version of Windows, making it unsuitable for testing DX12 games.

What makes Windows 10 IoT and Windows 11 IoT better options for gamers and professionals?

Windows 10 IoT and Windows 11 IoT are better options due to their stripped-down nature, with fewer background processes, reduced telemetry, and no unnecessary bloatware. These versions provide better performance and a more responsive experience, especially for competitive gaming and productivity.

How do the support dates for Windows 10 IoT and non-IoT versions compare?

Windows 10 IoT has longer support, with security updates lasting until 2032, while standard Windows 10 LTSC ends in 2027. This makes IoT versions a better choice for long-term usage, especially for those who want to keep using Windows 10 without worry of updates ending soon.

What are the main differences in performance between Windows 11 and Windows 10 IoT versions?

Windows 11 IoT versions provide a better experience for users who prefer the Windows 11 interface while minimizing bloatware. Windows 10 IoT versions are more responsive and suitable for productivity tasks. Both versions offer better performance than their Pro counterparts due to fewer background tasks and telemetry.