What is Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 builds on Windows 10 Pro, version 1809 adding premium features designed to address the needs of large and mid-size organizations (including large academic institutions), such as:

•     • Advanced protection against modern security threats
•     • Full flexibility of OS deployment
•     • Updating and support options
•     • Comprehensive device and app management and control capabilities

The LTSC abbreviation in the name of this Windows 10 edition stands for Long-Term Servicing Channel. To understand what it means you have to understand the concept of Windows servicing channels. Microsoft uses them in the life-cycle of its OS in the Windows-as-a-Service model.

Where Can I Use Windows 10 LTSC?

In Microsoft conception, the LTSC version is not intended to be installed on general-purpose computers or on all corporate computers. It means that this edition is not for widespread use on common office workstations. LTSB is supposed to be used on business-critical computers, where security and stability are more important for the users than the changes of interface or system features. For example, self-service terminals, kiosks,  medical systems, industrial systems with controllers, ATMs, air traffic control computers, etc., are the most suitable candidates for installing Windows 10 LTSC. I. e. LTSC niche is close to the class of embedded devices.

According to Microsoft statistics, Windows 10 LTSC/LTSB edition is used by about 3% of devices running Win 10.

Advantage and Difference Between Windows 10 LTSC 2019 and Windows 10

In Windows 10 LTSC 2019, unlike Windows 10 1809 from the Semi-Annual Channel (which it is based on), there are no these features in the operation system:

•     • Edge browser;
•     • Microsoft Store;
•     • Preinstalled UWP apps (apps from Microsoft Store, both official and third-party ones). Even a Photo Viewer must be enabled manually;
•     • OneDrive;
•     • Virtual assistant Cortana;
•     • Windows Ink Workspace, a digital pen;
•     • There is no hardware support for VP9/HEVC  ( used on YouTube, encrypted video streams –Netflix, Amazon Video, etc.).

Windows 10 LTSC Start Menu is empty – you won’t see any icons of preinstalled apps. 

1.     • Due to the absence of unnecessary UWP apps, you don’t need to update them (the system downloads and installs only critical security updates), and there are less active processes number in the Task Manager. This is why Windows 10 LTSC may be installed on old models of PCs or laptops with 2 (or even 1!) GB of RAM. It also takes up less disk space.
2.     • Since Windows 10 LTSC is based on the Enterprise edition, there is a set of all necessary software and features to be used in corporate networks (Windows To Go, AppLocker, Local Group Policy Editor – gpedit.msc, you can join this Windows edition to the Active Directory domain, integrated Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) support and User Environment Virtualization (UE-V), Device Guard and Credential Guard, DirectAccess, Branch Cache, advanced telemetry management options, etc.).

The Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 release is an important release for LTSC users because it includes the cumulative enhancements provided in Windows 10 versions 1703, 1709, 1803, and 1809. Details about these enhancements are provided below.

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune supports Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 and later. This includes support for features such as Windows Autopilot. However, note that Windows Update for Business (WUfB) does not currently support any LTSC releases, therefore you should use WSUS or Configuration Manager for patching.
Security

This version of Window 10 includes security improvements for threat protection, information protection, and identity protection.