What is Windows 10 Enterprise IoT LTSC 2021?

 

What is Windows 10 Enterprise IoT LTSC 2021?

Windows 10 Enterprise IoT LTSC 2021 is a version of the operating system tailored for embedded and IoT devices with a 10-year support lifecycle. Unlike standard Windows versions such as Windows 10 Home or Pro, this edition is aimed at professional-use embedded applications. It includes features like the Long-Term Service Channel (LTSC), offering greater control over certain Windows functions and excludes non-essential components like Cortana and games to reduce disk space usage. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC is commonly used in kiosks, digital signage, factory automation, smart manufacturing, and mobile or in-vehicle edge computing, among other applications.

Why do Industrial Computers Use Windows 10 IoT? 

The main reason users use Windows 10 Enterprise IoT LTSC 2021 in their industrial computers is to have full control over the operating system. There are many cases where users use a traditional general-purpose build of Windows for their industrial application and run into malfunctions due to automatic system updates and system failures. These costly events can cause detrimental downtime in mission-critical scenarios. Windows 10 IoT allows users to gain full access to Windows update scheduling, controlled boot, and other features that benefit the stability and reliability of their industrial computers.
 

 

Image source: Reddit 
 

What does LTSC mean?

The primary reason users opt for Windows 10 Enterprise IoT LTSC 2021 in their industrial computers is to gain complete control over the operating system. Often, using a standard version of Windows for industrial applications leads to malfunctions due to automatic updates and system failures. These issues can result in costly downtime, especially in mission-critical environments. Windows 10 IoT provides users with the ability to fully manage Windows update scheduling, controlled boot processes, and other features that enhance the stability and reliability of their industrial computers.

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 Features

Device Management & Windows Updates

Windows 10 IoT allows installation on almost any device, regardless of size, with a minimum storage requirement of 16 GB through compressed file installation. For devices with small form factors, Windows 10 IoT can be installed using a micro-SD card. What sets Windows 10 IoT apart from traditional versions like Windows 10 is the enhanced control over updates. Users can schedule updates for specific times, allowing for reboots and updates only during non-critical hours, or they can choose to disable automatic updates altogether. This flexibility is crucial as it prevents industrial computers from undergoing unexpected updates that could cause slowdowns or disrupt mission-critical operations. While it is possible to completely disable Windows Update, this is generally not recommended.

Kiosk Mode

Windows 10 IoT offers a Kiosk mode tailored for fixed-purpose devices such as ATMs, digital signage, and medical equipment. Kiosk mode limits access to certain system functions and launches the designated kiosk application in fullscreen. This setup not only streamlines the user experience by presenting only essential information and functions but also enhances security. The kiosk application overlays the Windows lock screen, making it more secure against tampering.

Windows 10 IoT features two types of kiosk modes: single-app and multi-app kiosks. The single-app kiosk mode is ideal for devices dedicated to a single function, such as self-service kiosks and digital signage. In this mode, there is no start menu, and the device boots directly into the designated application in fullscreen. On the other hand, multi-app kiosk mode supports locking two or more applications onto the device. It includes a start menu and the ability to set up multiple login accounts, with each account having distinct permissions for accessing necessary apps. This mode is particularly beneficial for devices that need to be shared among employees in different roles.

Advanced Lockdown Features

Windows 10 IoT offers two significant features, WDAC (Windows Defender Application Control) and AppLocker, that enable organizations to tailor application usage on their devices. WDAC provides control over which applications and drivers can be installed, enhancing security by requiring administrative privileges and a digital signing process to verify each user's permissions. This helps prevent unauthorized tampering with the device. On the other hand, AppLocker powers the multi-app kiosk mode by limiting access to various applications based on the user’s profile and permissions. This ensures that users can only interact with applications relevant to their roles, enhancing both security and operational efficiency.

Soft Real-time

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 enhances soft real-time capabilities by introducing features such as CPU isolation and priority levels. These features allow for more efficient allocation of processing power to tasks based on their priority levels. Instead of requiring tasks to complete at an exact time, there is a flexible, short window for program completion. Users can also reserve specific CPU cores for certain real-time processes, leading to a smoother user experience and more effective prioritization of critical tasks.

Azure IoT Edge for Linux on Windows

Azure IoT Edge for Linux on Windows, or EFLOW, enables users to run Linux-based workloads on Windows 10 IoT. This feature allows access to a wide array of cloud-native analytics solutions developed on Linux, all while operating within a Windows IoT environment. EFLOW eliminates the need to choose between device operating systems by harmonizing compatibility and support specifications with Linux, simplifying the decision-making process when selecting edge devices.

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise & Core

The Windows 10 IoT operating system is available in two editions: IoT Enterprise and IoT Core. Windows 10 IoT Core is the more streamlined version, providing just the essential operating system features needed to power single-app devices with limited resources. Devices that typically run on Windows 10 IoT Core include small form factor units with ultra-low power consumption, such as single-board computers (SBCs). On the other hand, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise builds on the full capabilities of the traditional Windows 10 Enterprise, adding specific IoT features that enhance functionality for a wider range of applications.
 

Feature / Edition	Windows 10 IoT Core	Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
User Experience	One UWP app at a time	Traditional Windows Shell with Advanced Lockdown Features
App architecture supported	UWP UI only	Full Windows UI Support
Cortana	SDK Preview available	Yes
CPU Architecture support	X86, x64, and ARM	X86 and x64
Usage scenarios	Digital Signage, Wearables, IoT Gateway, Smart Home	Industrial Tablets, Retail PoS, Kiosk, Manufacturing devices

 

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 10 LTSC 2019/2021 vs Windows 11 IoT Enterprise
 

Scenario	Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2019	Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021	Windows 11 IoT Enterprise
Servicing	10 Years (mainstream end date 2024)	10 Years (mainstream end date 2027)	3 years (retirement date 2024)
Multi-App Assigned Access	Available	Available	Coming soon
Soft Real-Time	x	✔️	✔️
Unified Write Filter (UWF) Updates	x	✔️	✔️
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)	x	✔️	✔️
GPU Compute Support	x	✔️	✔️
WPA3 H2E Support	x	✔️	✔️
Wi-Fi 6E	x	x	✔️
USB 4.0	x	x	✔️
New Modern UI	x	x	✔️
ARM64	Available as GAC	Available as GAC	✔️

Windows 11 IoT currently offers only 3 years of support because there is no LTSC version available yet, though Microsoft is developing one. Meanwhile, the General Availability Channel (GAC) release for Windows 11 IoT provides annual updates to support devices that are frequently updated with new features.

For long-term reliability, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 remains a solid option, consistently performing well over the years. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, however, includes several new features that may be essential for users needing to keep pace with the latest technologies. Ultimately, the choice of IoT operating system depends on the specific requirements of the user’s applications.

 

Summary of the Importance of Windows 10 IoT

Windows 10 IoT is tailored for IoT and embedded devices, allowing users to manage features like Windows Update to avoid disruptions during critical operations. Unlike general OSs like Windows 10 Home that offer 2-3 years of support, Windows 10 IoT includes a 10-year support cycle through its Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC). It also features specialized tools such as Kiosk mode and EFLOW, enhancing its suitability for IoT applications.