Win 10 LTSC & EOL

I have taken ownership of a win 8.1 desktop which is Win 10 compatible, but NOT Win 11.

It is a good machine with no defects.

I can get a (legit) Win 10 LTSC license to use.

I would like to maximise the usefulness of the asset (patched/secure/functional).

Which variant of Win 10 LTSC should I install to do this?

I understand there will be no further feature updates for 10. All I care about is a secure/patched & safe to use machine, for more than a few years ahead.

For the Win 10 LTSC that is supported till 2027 with security updates/patches - will those updates (after Oct 2025) be free, or will they require yearly subscription for 2026 & 2027?

TLDR: Win 8.1 desktop to Win 10 LTSC. Identify which variant of 10 LTSC to install, for longest (free) patches/sec-updates past 2025?

KD

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/wi...se-information

You do not need to purchase a license since the 8.1 license will work for 10 upgrade.

bro67 said:

You do not need to purchase a license since the 8.1 license will work for 10 upgrade.

Upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 LTSC? I don't think so.

NavyLCDR said:

Upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 LTSC? I don't think so.

yup. second this

there's no "direct" upgrade path from Win8.1 to Win10 LTSC (at least not officially) as that will usually require a "clean" install (won't be able to preserve personal files & apps)

plus W10 LTSC is a "different" edition (SKU) than Win10 Home & Win10 pro and requires a separate license