Microsoft will launch Windows 11 LTSC in the second half of 2024
Microsoft announced today on TechCommunity its plans for the Windows LTSC long-term servicing channel. The latest version of Windows LTSC is Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, based on Windows 10 20H2 and released on November 16, 2021. Support will end on January 12, 2027, providing six years of security support.
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, on the other hand, will be supported until January 13, 2032, offering an impressive 11 years of security support. This is primarily due to Microsoft’s desire to strengthen its position in the Internet of Things market, where IoT devices typically do not receive significant updates after release, thus necessitating extended security support.
Today, Microsoft announces that the Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC will be available in the second half of 2024.
It is Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC, slated for release in the latter half of next year, likely based on Windows 11 23H2, which is expected to launch this autumn.
Rumors suggest that Microsoft will introduce Windows 12, meaning 23H2 may be the last iteration of Windows 11, with Windows 12 24H2 launching next year.
Microsoft will continue to offer Enterprise and IoT editions, with IoT editions receiving at least 10 years of security support. However, the support duration for Enterprise editions is uncertain, as Microsoft has previously expressed intentions to reduce the LTSC support cycle to five years.
Based on the development timeline, Windows 11 LTSC should be in development currently, with test versions potentially available by the second half of this year. Microsoft will provide at least six months of testing before releasing the official version around October of next year.
It is worth noting that Windows 11 23H2 is still in testing and has not been officially released. Microsoft advises enterprises and developers who wish to ensure compatibility with Windows 11 LTSC and commence development to plan and test on the current GA channel, which is Windows 11 22H2.
