Hey everyone, with Windows 10’s end of support looming just a couple of months away on October 14, 2025, I’ve been diving deep into ways to keep our systems secure without jumping ship entirely. If you’re like me and not quite ready to upgrade to Windows 11—maybe because of hardware issues or just preferring the familiar interface—then switching to Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) could be a game-changer. Today, I’m excited to walk you through how to upgrade your existing Windows 10 Home or Pro setup to LTSC without losing any of your programs, files, or data. This isn’t your typical clean install; it’s an in-place upgrade that keeps everything intact.
I’ve tested this method myself, and while it’s not officially supported by Microsoft, it’s a legitimate way to extend your security updates. According to Microsoft’s lifecycle documentation, standard Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, but LTSC editions go further. Let’s break it down step by step, and I’ll sprinkle in some extra context from reliable sources to make sure you’re fully informed.
Why Upgrade to Windows 10 LTSC? The Security Imperative
When I first heard about Windows 10 reaching end-of-life, I was concerned about the risks. Without security updates, your PC becomes a prime target for vulnerabilities. A Statista report shows that malware attacks have surged to over 5.5 billion annually, and outdated software is a key entry point. Microsoft themselves emphasize that “using up-to-date software is one of the most important aspects of computer security.”
Here are your main options post-October 2025:
- Extended Security Updates (ESU): Microsoft’s program costs $30 for one year (up to October 2026), or you can get it free with some tweaks. But it’s short-term.
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021: Security updates until January 12, 2027—giving you about two extra years.
- Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021: Extends to January 13, 2032, per Microsoft’s official page. Ideal for longer-term use, though meant for specialized devices like kiosks.
The beauty of LTSC is its stability—no feature updates, just security patches. But remember, this upgrade downgrades you from version 22H2 to 21H2, which might affect software compatibility. For instance, Adobe has stopped supporting Photoshop on older Windows versions, as noted in their system requirements.
LTSC vs. Standard Windows 10: A Quick Comparison
| Edition | Support End Date | Intended Use | Feature Updates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 Home/Pro | October 14, 2025 | General consumers | Regular |
| Enterprise LTSC 2021 | January 12, 2027 | Workstations | None (security only) |
| IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 | January 13, 2032 | Specialized devices | None (security only) |
This table highlights why LTSC is appealing for those sticking with Windows 10. Recent trends show a spike in users exploring LTSC, with forums like Reddit’s r/Windows10 buzzing about it as an alternative to Windows 11 upgrades.
Before You Start: Backup and License Essentials
I can’t stress this enough—back up everything! This process involves registry edits and isn’t Microsoft-approved, so things could go sideways. Use tools like Macrium Reflect for a full system image. Also, you’ll need a valid LTSC 2021 license. This isn’t about pirating; it’s compliant with Microsoft’s terms. You can grab one from legitimate resellers—prices vary, but expect around $100-200 based on Microsoft’s enterprise pricing info.
Download the LTSC ISO from trusted archives like archive.org, ensuring it matches your language (e.g., English US). Check your current language via Command Prompt: Run dism /online /get-intl to confirm.
Step-by-Step Guide: The In-Place Upgrade
Alright, let’s get hands-on. I was surprised how straightforward this is once you trick the installer. We’re essentially fooling Windows into thinking it’s already LTSC for an upgrade.
- Verify Your Windows Version: Go to Settings > System > About. Note you’re on 22H2 Pro/Home.
- Edit the Registry: Search for “regedit” and run as admin.
- Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersion. - Change “EditionID” to “EnterpriseS”.
- Change “ProductName” to “Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC”.
- Change “ReleaseId” and “CurrentMajorVersionNumber” (if present) to “21H2”.
- Change “CurrentBuild” and “CurrentBuildNumber” to “19044”.
- Navigate to
- Mount and Run the ISO: Don’t restart yet! Mount the LTSC ISO, run setup.exe, and choose to keep files and apps. Skip updates if you want speed.
- Wait It Out: The installer might take time—be patient as it verifies.
- Install and Activate: Once done, activate with your LTSC key. Everything should remain, including apps like Chrome or Steam.
Post-upgrade, I noticed Copilot still worked, which was a nice bonus. But test your software—some might not play nice with 21H2.
Caveats and Alternatives
This method isn’t without risks. You might face compatibility issues, and upgrading to Windows 11 later could require a clean install. If you’re on unsupported hardware, check my guide on bypassing Windows 11 requirements. There’s also Windows 11 LTSC for those ready to move up, with support until 2031 as per Microsoft’s IoT page.
Wrapping Up: Is LTSC Right for You?
In summary, upgrading to Windows 10 LTSC buys you precious time with security updates while keeping your setup intact. It’s a solid workaround if Windows 11 isn’t an option yet. I was impressed by how seamless it felt, but always weigh the pros against potential software hiccups.
What do you think—will you try this upgrade? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and if this helped, subscribe for more tech tips. If you’re eyeing Windows 11 instead, check out my related guide. Stay safe out there!
