Microsoft dropped the OFFICIAL Windows "lite" (Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC)

Microsoft has officially released the De-bloated Windows 11 operating system, which is not pre-installed with the Microsoft Store or other unnecessary official Microsoft applications. Still has Microsoft Edge though.

This version is specifically designed for IT professionals. Notably, it offers a 10-year life cycle support period.

The only issue is that normal users can’t continue using it indefinitely. After a certain time limit, it automatically shuts down.

Where to download:

Warnings:

  • If you decide that you want to install Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC using one of the provided ISO files, you won’t be able to uninstall it. In addition, after you install Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC Evaluation, you won’t be able to use the recovery partition on your PC to go back to your previous version of Windows. A clean installation of your former operating system will be required, and you will need to re-install all your programs and data.
  • If you fail to activate this evaluation after installation, or if your evaluation period expires, the desktop background will turn black, you will see a persistent desktop notification indicating that the system is not genuine, and the PC will shut down every hour.

Prerequisites

Note: Carefully read the information below before you continue with the download.

  1. See the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC hardwareand processor requirements.
  2. Register, then download your 90-day evaluation
  3. Do not attempt to upgrade a previous version of Windows with this software. It is intended to be a replacement where you will reformat the hard drive during the installation.
  4. Install the full-featured software for a 90-day evaluation to a virtual machine using the ISO file or install from USB Flash
  5. Review related resources to guide you through your evaluation.

Installation Guidelines

  • Plan. Back up your files and settings before installing this evaluation.
  • Upon installation, Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC will prompt you to activate. A product key is not required for this software.
  • If you decide that you want to install Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC using one of the provided ISO files, you won’t be able to uninstall it. In addition, after you install Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC Evaluation, you won’t be able to use the recovery partition on your PC to go back to your previous version of Windows. A clean installation of your former operating system will be required, and you will need to re-install all your programs and data.
  • If you fail to activate this evaluation after installation, or if your evaluation period expires, the desktop background will turn black, you will see a persistent desktop notification indicating that the system is not genuine, and the PC will shut down every hour.

Things to Know

  • Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC is built on the Windows 10 / 11 code base so it’s natively compatible with the software and solutions you use today. Should you encounter a compatibility issue with a Microsoft application, independent software vendor (ISV) application, or custom in-house line of business (LOB) application, App Assure can help.
  • Downloading Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC could take a few hours. The exact time will depend on your provider, bandwidth, and traffic (ISP fees may apply).
  • For the latest information on Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC, see the Windows IoT Enterprise documentation
  • If you are a device maker looking to buy licenses for your devices, please contact one of our Authorized Windows IoT Distributors for assistance. They are a great resource to help you with your commercialization plans.

Verify Download

If you would like to verify the data integrity and authenticity of your download, you can follow these steps:

  1. Download the ISO file and follow the installation guidelines.
  2. Launch Windows PowerShell. If you need help finding the location of PowerShell for your operating system, you can get help here.
  3. In PowerShell, compute the hash value for the ISO file you downloaded by using Get-FileHash. For example: Get-FileHash C:\Users\user1\Downloads\Contoso8_1_ENT.iso
  4. If the SHA256 output matches the value for the product that you downloaded listed in the Windows11IOTEnterpriseLTSCHashValues.pdf, this confirms that the file has not been corrupted, tampered with, or altered from the original.

For more information on the Get-FileHash command, see Get-FileHash (Microsoft.PowerShell.Utility).

Resources

2 Likes

let’s actually clarify, first of all in the video as described this is the WIndows 11 Enterprise IoT which is to be supported until 2034
IoT operating systems are meant to be supported as long as possible and it includes scenarios such as medical devices or other devices that need this kind of long term support.
WIndows 11 Enterprise LTSC in the meanwhile is only supported until 2029
This is only 5 years from now, not really itended for educational use but it could be fine for the enterprise though for “LTSC” for it’s name, not ideal at all.
Ironically windows server will get the same kind of support and it’s more or less like Enterprise LTSC Versions:

Ironically windows 10 LTSC IoT has extended until 2032 from now, maybe something I might try getting my hands on or something but otherwise ill be stuck on windows 11 I guess.

with windows 10 enterprise LTSC to end 2 years after windows 10 home and pro

that’s like all you need to know, it isn’t necessary to watch the video and stuff lol.
and yeah these editions are essentially debloated but I would advice you just install windows 11, it wil be supported for long till mcirosoft decides to release windows 12 I guess. Debloat it and use O&O ShutUp10++ with it.
alternatively there are ways you can build ISO to say be like a tinycore 11:

whihc comes directly from ntdev and the source is viewable, also safer EULA wise since you;re getting the ISO from microsoft.
I’ve heard there is another solution outside of amelia which im not sure it’s name.

2 Likes

I’m not sure what needs to be clarified. I have the video for that, and I’ve also provided instructions on how to install it, along with the version it’s actually for. I’ve already shared the relevant reading material, but the video should be sufficient to understand the concept of this version of the operating system.

I also mentioned this in the main post:

I believe the video is excellent and he explains the concept clearly. For those who prefer visual learning and don’t want to read extensive resources, I think it serves as a valuable alternative.

1 Like

it needed clarification, otherwise some mislead coulda happen, you did catch up to me I guess.
I’ll admit the video one is harsh but still, needs to be clearer about what they’re going for.

1 Like

I suppose so. At least you provided more context. Regardless, everything you shared is beneficial for people.

Update: I just changed the main video to a better one.

There’s no need to download the evaluation version of Windows 11 LTSC. You can download the full-fledged one from here:

They provide original, untouched ISOs from Microsoft along with ways to verify the authenticity of them

You can then activate the system with MAS from the same website:

Beginning with version 3.0, MAS can also reset the evaluation period if you prefer. It uses official activation systems and doesn’t do anything shady. In fact, it was used by Microsoft’s official support staff when their official procedure failed

1 Like

that will be a way to extend by 2 years or so, lol thank you.

1 Like