Windows 10 LTSC 2021 (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is an enterprise-focused version of Windows 10 designed to provide a stable, secure operating system without the frequent feature updates seen in regular editions. It is ideal for systems requiring long-term stability, such as servers, embedded devices, and critical workstations. This guide will walk you through all the necessary steps.
Before installing Windows 10 LTSC 2021, it’s essential to verify that your system meets the required specifications. Here are the minimum and recommended system requirements:
Minimum System Requirements:
Processor: 1 GHz or faster, with 64-bit architecture (x64)
RAM: 2 GB (minimum)
Storage: 16 GB free space for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit
Graphics: DirectX 9-compatible graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Display: A monitor with at least 800 x 600 resolution
Recommended System Requirements:
Processor: 2 GHz or faster, multi-core processor
RAM: 8 GB or more
Storage: 100 GB or more (for smoother performance and updates)
Graphics: WDDM 2.0 or higher
Display: Full HD display (1920x1080) for optimal viewing experience
Make sure your hardware meets these requirements to avoid issues during the installation process.
How to Check Windows 10 LTSC 2021 Compatibility
Before proceeding with the installation, it’s crucial to ensure that your hardware is fully compatible with Windows 10 LTSC 2021. Here’s how you can check:
1. Use the Compatibility Check Tool
Microsoft provides tools to help you check your system’s compatibility with Windows 10 LTSC 2021. You can use tools like PC Health Check to identify whether your hardware supports the new version.
2. Check for Driver Availability
Visit the device manufacturer’s website and confirm that drivers for your hardware are available for Windows 10 LTSC 2021. While LTSC doesn’t receive regular feature updates, hardware drivers are still crucial for performance and stability.
3. Verify BIOS/UEFI Compatibility
Ensure your system’s firmware (BIOS/UEFI) is up-to-date. Older firmware can cause compatibility issues or prevent the system from properly recognizing Windows 10 LTSC 2021.
Check Your Processor Compatibility
Processor compatibility is critical for a successful installation. Windows 10 LTSC 2021 requires a 64-bit processor. To ensure compatibility:
1. Check the Processor’s Architecture
Windows 10 LTSC 2021 requires a 64-bit processor. To determine whether your processor supports 64-bit architecture, check your processor’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Check Processor Performance
While Windows 10 LTSC 2021 can run on processors that are 1 GHz or faster, for optimal performance, it’s recommended to use a multi-core processor with a higher clock speed (2.0 GHz or more).
3. Enable Virtualization Support
If you plan to use virtualization technologies like Hyper-V, make sure your CPU supports Intel VT-x or AMD-V (virtualization extensions). These features must be enabled in BIOS/UEFI to take full advantage of virtualization.
How to Install Windows 10 LTSC 2021: Different Methods
There are several ways to install Windows 10 LTSC 2021. Choose the method that best suits your needs.
1. Installing via Bootable USB Drive
This is the most common method for a fresh installation of Windows 10 LTSC 2021.
Create a Bootable USB Drive: Download the Windows 10 LTSC 2021 ISO from Microsoft's official website or through your Volume Licensing Service Center. Use the Media Creation Tool or a third-party tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.
Boot from USB: Insert the bootable USB drive into your PC, then restart it. Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings and set the USB drive as the first boot option.
Follow Installation Instructions: The Windows 10 LTSC 2021 installation process will start automatically. Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your language, region, and installation type.
2. Installing via Network (PXE Boot)
In enterprise environments, installing Windows 10 LTSC 2021 over the network can be efficient, especially for multiple devices.
Set Up Windows Deployment Services (WDS): This method requires a WDS server to share installation files over the network.
Configure PXE Boot: Set your target devices to boot via PXE (network boot). The installation files will be transferred over the network to the devices, and you can follow the standard installation process.
3. Installing from an Existing Installation (Upgrade)
If you already have an older version of Windows 10, you can perform an upgrade to Windows 10 LTSC 2021.
Download the ISO: Get the Windows 10 LTSC 2021 ISO from Microsoft’s website.
Mount the ISO: Right-click on the ISO file and select Mount. This will create a virtual DVD drive.
Run Setup: Open the virtual drive and run setup.exe. The upgrade process will begin, and you will follow the prompts to complete the upgrade while keeping your files and settings intact.
How to Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 10 LTSC 2021
A clean installation of Windows 10 LTSC 2021 will completely wipe your drive and install a fresh copy of the operating system. This method is recommended for users who want to start with a completely clean system.
Step-by-Step Guide for Clean Installation:
1. Prepare Installation Media
Download the Windows 10 LTSC 2021 ISO: Obtain the latest ISO from Microsoft or your organization’s Volume Licensing portal.
Create a Bootable USB Drive: Use the Media Creation Tool or Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.
2. Boot from USB
Insert the bootable USB into your PC and restart it.
Access the BIOS/UEFI settings during boot (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Esc).
Set the boot priority to USB and restart the PC.
3. Start the Installation Process
Once the PC boots from the USB, you will be presented with the Windows Setup screen.
Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, and then click Next.
Click Install Now to proceed with the installation.
4. Enter Product Key
If prompted, enter your Windows 10 LTSC 2021 product key. If you don’t have a product key, you can skip this step and activate Windows later.
5. Choose Installation Location
Choose the drive or partition where you want to install Windows. For a clean installation, delete any existing partitions, and create a new partition for the fresh installation.
6. Complete the Installation
The installation process will copy files, install updates, and restart the computer multiple times.
After the installation completes, configure basic settings, including region, language, and your user account.
7. Install Drivers and Updates
Once Windows 10 LTSC 2021 is installed, run Windows Update to download and install the latest patches.
Download and install drivers for your hardware from the manufacturer’s website.
Troubleshooting and Considerations
While installing Windows 10 LTSC 2021, you might encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
1. Installation Fails Due to Insufficient Space
Ensure that your target drive has enough free space. If necessary, delete existing partitions or use a larger hard drive.
2. No Bootable Device Found
Double-check that the USB drive is properly created and functional.
In the BIOS/UEFI, confirm that the USB drive is set as the primary boot device.
3. Driver Issues
If some hardware isn’t functioning correctly, visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers for your system.
You can also try using Device Manager to search for driver updates.
4. Activation Problems
Ensure you have a valid product key. If you skip entering the key during installation, you can activate Windows later.
If you encounter activation issues, contact Microsoft Support for assistance.
5. System Freezes or Slowness
If Windows 10 LTSC 2021 is running slowly, verify that your system meets the recommended system requirements.
Check for any hardware issues or firmware updates that may improve performance.
Free usage opportunity: Another special feature is that you can use Windows 10 LTSC 2021 for free. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience its full power.
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