Each edition of Windows 10 has its own specific features, to fufill different needs, that’s why they exist.
Either Home or Pro or Enterprice work fine to their target users, but as you may have heard about that, 22H2, the final version of Windows 10, will be EOL by October 14th, 2025. Thereafter, users will no longer receive new feature updates and security patches, unless you’re using Windows 10 LTSC(Long-Term Servicing Channel).
What is Windows update channel?
Since Windows 10, Microsoft has established two update channels for the system:
- GAC(General Availability Channel)
- LTSC(Long-Term Servicing Channel)
Microsoft set different update channels for Windows 10 to provide users and organizations with flexibility in how they receive updates. These different channels allow users to choose the update cadence that best suits their needs, whether it’s receiving updates as soon as they’re available, or waiting for more stable releases.
As Windows 10 GAC is reaching the end of support, let’s draw a conclusion: Windows 10 LTSC is the best choise. For better understanding, I’ll compare both of them in 4 aspects.
Windows 10 LTSC vs GAC Editions
Features
The first thing we consider is features. Here’s a comparison chart between Windows 10 LTSC and GAC based on their features:
| Feature | Windows 10 LTSC | Windows 10 GAC |
|---|---|---|
| Release Frequency | Every 2-3 Years | Twice a Year |
| Update Cycle | 10 years of support | 18 months of support |
| New Features | Minimal | Regular updates and new features |
| Stability | High | Moderate to High |
| Target Audience | Enterprises, Critical Systems | General Consumers, Enterprises |
| Servicing Mode | Long-term | Semi-annual |
| Deployment | Infrequent | Frequent |
| System Requirements | Older Hardware Supported | Latest Hardware Supported |
As you can see, Windows 10 GAC releases much more frequently than Windows 10 LTSC, on the contrary, Windows 10 LTSC has a much longer support cycle than Windows 10 GAC’s. Windows 10 GAC gains more updates and new features, which leads to the possibility of lower stability and higher requirements on hardware.
If you feel comfortable to experience the newest features, and you are not bothered to encounter bugs, Windows 10 GAC would fits you. However, GAC editions are reaching EOL, which means there are fewer and fewer updates for them.
You can learn about Windows 10 LTSC releases here: Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC overview – What’s new in Windows | Microsoft Learn
Performance
Comparing the performance of Windows 10 LTSC and GAC can be a bit nuanced as it can depend on various factors such as hardware configuration, specific tasks being performed, and the version of the operating system itself. Here is the chart based on some general considerations:
| Performance | Windows 10 LTSC | Windows 10 GAC |
|---|---|---|
| Resource Usage | Generally lower due to fewer features and updates | Can be higher due to additional features and updates |
| Stability vs. Optimization | Prioritizes stability over the latest optimizations | Prioritizes latest optimizations over long-term stability |
| Compatibility | May have limited compatibility with newer hardware | Generally better compatibility with newer hardware |
| Specific Workloads | Consistent performance for stable workloads | Performance may vary depending on specific optimizations |
It’s obvious that Windows 10 LTSC does better in performance. This makes sense as LTSC is more light-weight. More importantly, LTSC has passed the test of time and can be more stable, which means fewer conflicts, fewer errors, results in less computing consumption. No doubt that Windows 10 LTSC is for you if you’re using old hardware.
Security
Windows 10 GAC editions are secure enough, as long as users apply the latest updates in time. Once they reach end of support, they will be exposed to threats from every direction.
Here’s a comparison chart for the security aspects of Windows 10 LTSC and GAC:
| Security | Windows 10 LTSC | Windows 10 GAC |
|---|---|---|
| Patching and Updates | Receives security updates, but less frequently | Receives more frequent security updates |
| Feature Updates | Minimal feature updates, reducing potential risks | Regular feature updates may introduce new security features |
| Vulnerability Exposure | Potentially lower due to fewer feature updates | May be exposed to more vulnerabilities due to newer features |
| Long-Term Support | 10 years of support, providing extended security coverage | Limited support period may require more frequent upgrades for continued security |
| Customization and Control | More control over updates and system configuration | Less control over updates and system configuration |
Bugs often come with new features. LTSC only has minimal feature updates at a low release frequency, so that Microsoft has much time to find out and fix bugs. That’s why Windows 10 LTSC is more secure than Windows GAC.
Price
Apart from those we have compared, price is a strong factor that we must put in consideration, because switching to Windows 10 LTSC requires extra costs if you’re using a GAC edition currently. It’s reasonable, as we have to pay for another license no matter which edition we’re going to swich to. The difference is that, Windows 10 LTSC costs more.
No one said that Windows 10 LTSC is cheap. But luckily we’ve found a trusted retailer where there are special offers for you. If you decide to stay with Windows 10, securely and efficiently, don’t miss the chart below.
Most Affordable Windows Licenses
Final Conclusion
After comparing Windows 10 LTSC to Windows 10 GAC editions in 4 aspects, we found a lot of advantages on Windows 10 LTSC. We can easily draw the conclusion, Windows 10 LTSC is the best Windows 10 edition now.
As for whether it’s worthy to pay for continuous support and security or not, the answer totally depends on you.
