Windows 10 - So many versions !

[discoveranother]

Hi everyone,

 

Just a quick (or few) points regarding Windows 10.

 

We are a very small couple who look after a few schools. For Windows 10 they use either Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB or Windows 10 Education. Haven't tried Windows LTSC at all. Just wondered on your thoughts ?

 

Also, I assume that with these versions (or any versions of Windows 10) Windows update automatically updates the versions through to the latest update version 1903 ? These schools don't use WSUS to update client machines. Each machine simply has automatic updates set up on them. I just want to be careful that machines don't miss updates, but see no reason why they should with Windows 10.

 

Finally, I recall reading somewhere i'm sure, that Windows 10 versions will need upgrading after a few years to the latest builds. Sorry, there are that many versions of Windows 10 and builds etc it's a bit confusing to keep track of.

 

Thanks

[free780]

LTSC is the same as LTSB. Microsoft changed the name. The education version is the SAC version (Semi Annual Channel). There is a fair amount of debate in edugeek about which is best. I think SAC as its widely tested and applications are tested/supported on it. LTSC doesn't have the feature updates but doesn't have the Store apps or Edge legacy. Some applications Adobe, Visual Studio do not support LTSC. Microsoft believe its use case is only for power stations etc. The SAC feature updates take longer that the normal Windows Updates. Righr now version 1903 is the latest with 1909 due to come out soon.

This is the complete list of SAC releases:

1507

1511

1607

1703

1709

1803

1809

1903.

 

If your just relying on Windows Updates out to Microsoft at the moment Windows 10 will go to 1903. If you have Pro/Education you can delay the feature updates if you need to.

[Zoom7000]

One of the things I've always hated about WSUS is that you can't control updates earlier than the Windows 10 version you have. E.g. I've rebuilt all of my PCs to Windows 10 x64 1903, but WSUS is littered with updates from 1507 upwards for Windows 10 x86, x64, ARM. It's such an annoyance to maintain and the cleanup wizard never seems to get rid of everything or anything at times!

[googlemad]

You need this script, costs money these days but $60.00 per year is pocket money for the headaches it'll help you resolve in terms of WSUS!

 

https://www.ajtek.ca/

[free780]

One of the things I've always hated about WSUS is that you can't control updates earlier than the Windows 10 version you have. E.g. I've rebuilt all of my PCs to Windows 10 x64 1903, but WSUS is littered with updates from 1507 upwards for Windows 10 x86, x64, ARM. It's such an annoyance to maintain and the cleanup wizard never seems to get rid of everything or anything at times!

I have a mixture of 1607 LTSC SAC 1607/1703/1709/1803/1809 I use SCCM and not had an issue. The SUP deletes and superceded and expired updates.

[Zoom7000]

I have a mixture of 1607 LTSC SAC 1607/1703/1709/1803/1809 I use SCCM and not had an issue. The SUP deletes and superceded and expired updates.

 

Yeah, we don't use SCCM. It's just worth the cost and the effort for the environment that I am maintaining.

[discoveranother]

Thanks guys for all the very useful replies here. Appreciate it.

[mavhc]

Don't bother with WSUS, use GPO and http://www.edugeek.net/forums/windows-10/207846-update-compliance.html to control updates, unless you have all laptops and a 2mbps internet connection.

 

Set it to defer feature updates for x days, say 60, so any bugs are reported by others, or until you're in to update them all.

[discoveranother]

Looking at the list of Windows builds and versions

 

https://support.lenovo.com/gb/en/solutions/ht502786

 

Any laptops on version 1507 build 10240, can these only be upgraded to version 1909 build 18363 by installing the latest OS over the top ? I'm concerned any laptops on LTSB 2015 are not secure.

[ITGuyNW]

I'm in two minds whether to go 1909 or LTSC.

 

LTSC obviously isn't aimed at Education and doesn't have the Store etc but it runs so well and the Start Menu works straight away.

 

1909 has all the bells and whistles but getting it stable is a nightmare.

 

Ideally I want to be on 1909 but is it worth the hassle?

[Jawloms]

We use LTSC and have no issue with it other than the photo viewer is disabled by default. It's a registry key to turn it back on though, doesn't even need installing. Keeps things so much simpler.

[mavhc]

Everything new MS does is App based, so you're missing all the new stuff. If you want to teach 12 year olds about how to use Windows the way it was before they were born, that's an odd choice.

[discoveranother]

Everything new MS does is App based, so you're missing all the new stuff. If you want to teach 12 year olds about how to use Windows the way it was before they were born, that's an odd choice.

 

It's a good point, probably puts many off because they make the systems slower.

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

We use LTSC and have no issue with it other than the photo viewer is disabled by default. It's a registry key to turn it back on though, doesn't even need installing. Keeps things so much simpler.

 

Yes I have used that fix.

 

I like your slogan "If you think hiring a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur!" - cool.