What is Windows Server LTSC? Which versions of Server OS offer LTSC? How to download and install Windows Server 2022 LTSC or Windows Server 2019 LTSC? In this post on MiniTool, you can find much information on this release channel of Microsoft.
What Is Windows Server LTSC
Starting from September 2023, Microsoft offers two main release channels for Windows Server – the LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) and the AC (Annual Channel).
Windows Server LTSC provides a longer-term option that focuses on stability by offering a traditional lifecycle of quality and security updates. While the AC focuses on more frequent releases, enabling you to make the most of innovation more quickly (paying close attention to containers and microservices).
Server LTSC is mainly tailored for companies that prefer a new major version every 2-3 years. If you get a Server LTSC, you will get 5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support from Microsoft.
The Long-Term Servicing Channel offers two installation options including Server Core and Server with Desktop Experience. Server Core doesn’t have GUI, requiring you to use some GUI tools to manage your server remotely. To know the difference between these options, refer to Microsoft’s document.
Windows Server LTSC Versions
What versions of Windows Server are LTSC? According to Microsoft, Windows Server 2022 and Windows Server 2019 (version 1809) are the LTSC versions. They both offer 2 editions – Standard and Datacenter.
Currently, the mainstream support of Windows Server 2019 LTSC has ended its life but its extended support will last until Jan 9, 2029.
Windows Server LTSC Download
How can you get Windows Server 2022 LTSC or Windows Server 2019 LTSC? Based on different versions, the download links are different.
To get Windows Server 2022 Standard and Datacenter LTSC, directly access the Windows Server 2022 download page, and click the 64-bit edition link next to the language you want to use to begin downloading an ISO file.
Related post: Download Windows Server 2022 ISO (3 Options) & Install Server
To download Windows Server 2019 LTSC (version 1809), visit the link from Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/Windows_Server_2019_LTSC_1809_17763_973_MSDN. Then, click ISO IMAGE under DOWNLOAD OPTIONS to start downloading.
Check Windows Number Version in ISO
Later, we advise you to check the Windows number version in the downloaded ISO before installing it so that you get the correct ISO. You can mount the ISO, open the Sources folder, locate the install.wim, install.swm, or install.esd file and then open Command Prompt with admin rights to execute a command: dism /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:x:\sources\install.wim /index:1. Replace x with the drive letter of the virtual DVD drive and replace install.wim with your install file.
Check Version and ServicePack Build. If it shows you 20348.xx or 17763.xx, it means you get the correct Server LTSC ISO. You can go to this link and check the Windows Server LTSC release history.
How to Install LTSC?
After the Windows Server LTSC download, you can try to install this version on your PC. Using ISO for a clean installation could erase your entire operating system including files saved to the C drive. Thus, remember to back up these files beforehand.
For file backup, run the professional Server backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker that supports Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012, etc. You can use it to backup and restore files, folders, Windows, disks, and partitions. Get it now for the backup.
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Next, follow the steps to install the LTSC:
Step 1: Connect a USB flash drive to your computer.
Step 2: Download Rufus and launch it.
Step 3: Choose the download Windows Server LTSC ISO and Rufus will automatically configure some settings.
Step 4: Click START > OK to create a bootable USB drive.
Step 5: Start up the computer from USB and follow the on-screen instructions on the Microsoft Server Operating System Setup screen to clean install Windows Server LTSC
How to Tell Whether a Server Is Running an LTSC Release
To check if you really run an LTSC version, run a PowerShell command via these steps:
Step 1: Type Windows PowerShell into the search box and click Run as administrator.
Step 2: Copy and paste the command – Get-ComputerInfo | fl WindowsProductName,OSDisplayVersion, and press Enter.
Step 3: If this computer uses an LTSC version, you say the message:
WindowsProductName : Windows Server 2022 Datacenter
OSDisplayVersion : 21H2
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Vera is an editor of the MiniTool Team since 2016 who has more than 7 years’ writing experiences in the field of technical articles. Her articles mainly focus on disk & partition management, PC data recovery, video conversion, as well as PC backup & restore, helping users to solve some errors and issues when using their computers. In her spare times, she likes shopping, playing games and reading some articles.