Keeping Windows 10 Alive for 6 More Years by Converting it to LTSC

Summary

In this video, the creator explores a method to avoid the impending end of Windows 10 support by converting a regular Windows 10 install to the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version. This allows users to keep security updates until 2032 without upgrading to Windows 11. The process involves registry tweaks, downloading an LTSC ISO, and installing the new version while trying to preserve personal data. Despite challenges and potential risks, the creator successfully converts the system to Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC and activates it, offering a workaround for those avoiding Windows 11's changes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Windows 10 support ends on October 14th, which means no more security updates for regular users.
• 😀 Windows 11 has introduced unwanted features like integrated AI, intrusive spyware, and worse context menus, leading some users to resist upgrading.
• 😀 Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) offers extended support for security updates until 2032, but it's not the same as regular Windows 10.
• 😀 It's possible to convert a regular Windows 10 installation to Windows 10 LTSC with some registry tweaks and an ISO file, though this is not a standard tutorial.
• 😀 The conversion process requires editing the Windows registry and applying a specific registry key to enable the LTSC update channel.
• 😀 The process also involves running the Windows 10 LTSC installation directly from an ISO file without needing to create proper install media.
• 😀 The user performs the steps on a non-critical laptop (Acer with Windows 10 Home) to test the process first, minimizing risk of major damage.
• 😀 The main goal of the conversion is to avoid unwanted features like bloatware, news, and interests in Windows 10, and to keep receiving updates for a longer time.
• 😀 While attempting to convert, there are some bumps along the way, such as failed installations and long setup times, adding a level of uncertainty.
• 😀 The final successful conversion to Windows 10 LTSC resulted in a functioning installation with six more years of security updates and no prompt to upgrade to Windows 11.
• 😀 The video emphasizes that following the process could be seen as a form of software piracy and should not be done, even though the user manages to activate Windows using non-standard methods.

Q & A

When does official support for Windows 10 end?

Official support for Windows 10 ends on October 14th, after which no security updates will be provided.

What is Windows 10 LTSC and why is it different from regular Windows 10?

Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a version of Windows that receives security updates for a longer period (up to 2032) and lacks some of the bloat and frequent feature updates present in regular Windows 10.

Can a regular Windows 10 Home installation be converted to LTSC?

Yes, according to the video, a regular Windows 10 Home installation can be converted to LTSC by editing the registry and running the LTSC setup from an ISO.

What registry change is required to switch to LTSC?

The registry key for 'Edition ID' should be changed to 'Enterprise S' to enable the LTSC update channel.

Is it possible to keep personal files when installing Windows 10 LTSC?

Yes, during the installation process, there is an option to keep personal files and data intact.

What version of LTSC was installed in the experiment, and why?

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC was installed because it has longer support, lasting until 2032.

Did the installation process work perfectly on the first attempt?

No, the first attempt failed during the initial boot phase, requiring a retry from the internal SSD for a successful installation.

What changes does converting to LTSC bring to the Windows experience?

Converting to LTSC removes features like News and Interests, disables prompts to upgrade to Windows 11, and retains the core Windows 10 experience while providing extended security updates.

What warnings did the creator give regarding activation scripts?

The creator strongly warned against using unofficial activation scripts, emphasizing that doing so is illegal and unsafe. The demonstration was for educational purposes only.

How long will security updates continue on the installed Windows 10 LTSC version?

The installed Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC version will receive security updates for approximately seven more years, up to 2032.

Why did the creator perform this experiment on a laptop instead of their main PC?

The creator chose a secondary laptop that was already unstable to minimize risk, ensuring that any errors or failures wouldn’t affect their main working system.