Alex Ruben
How to Install and Review Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC: A Step-by-Step Guide
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC is a lightweight version of Windows designed for performance and stability, ideal for users looking to minimize bloatware while enjoying long-term support. This guide will walk you through the installation process, highlight its features, and explain the system requirements, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup. By the end, you’ll have a clean version of Windows 11 that offers improved performance, especially on older hardware.
Before starting the installation, make sure you have the following preparations in place:
- System Requirements: A device with a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of storage.
- Download Links:
– Download Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC from Microsoft Evaluation Center.
– Download Rufus from Rufus for creating a bootable USB drive.
Step 1: Download Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC
Begin by visiting the official Microsoft Evaluation Center. After registering, navigate to the download page and select the x64 version of the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC ISO file. The file is approximately 4.7 GB, so it may take some time depending on your internet speed.
Step 2: Prepare a Bootable USB Drive
You will need a USB drive with at least 16 GB of storage. Insert the USB drive into your computer. Next, download Rufus, a portable application that makes creating bootable drives straightforward. Open Rufus once the download is complete.
Step 3: Create the Bootable USB with Rufus
In Rufus, select your USB drive from the device menu. Click on the ‘Select’ button and choose the Windows 11 LTSC ISO file you just downloaded. Depending on your system’s architecture, select either GPT (for newer UEFI systems) or MBR (for older BIOS systems) as the partition scheme. Once everything is set, click ‘Start’ to begin the process. Rufus will format the USB drive and copy the necessary files from the ISO. This process may take a few minutes.
Step 4: Boot from the USB Drive
With the bootable USB drive ready, restart your computer and access the boot menu, typically by pressing F12, ESC, or another key depending on your motherboard. Select the USB drive to start the installation process.
Step 5: Install Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC
Follow the on-screen prompts to choose your language and keyboard layout. Accept the license agreement, then select the installation location. For a clean install, it’s recommended to delete any existing partitions on the target drive before proceeding. Once you confirm the installation, Windows will begin copying files and installing the operating system.
Step 6: Set Up Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC
After installation, you will be prompted to connect to the internet. If you prefer to set up a local account instead of using a Microsoft account, click the link that says “I don’t have internet.” Enter your name and choose a password, and answer the security questions for account recovery.
Step 7: Explore the Features and Performance
Once installed, navigate to Settings and then to About to confirm the version of Windows you are running. Notice the streamlined start menu with minimal bloatware, allowing you to install only the applications you need. This version is optimized for performance, making it ideal for older hardware while ensuring stability without forced updates.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
To install the Microsoft Store or other applications, you can open PowerShell as an administrator and type the command wsl --install. This command will download the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and allow you to install apps from trusted sources.
Be aware that the version you installed is an evaluation copy, which is free to use for 90 days. After this period, you will need to obtain a proper license for continued use. Licensing for LTSC is primarily aimed at businesses, so check with your IT department if you work for an organization.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you have successfully installed Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC, providing you with a lightweight and efficient operating system. This version is perfect for users who prioritize performance and stability over unnecessary features. For more tips and advanced configurations, consider exploring additional guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after the 90-day trial period?
After the trial period, you will need to purchase a license to continue using Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC, as it is primarily available for businesses and organizations.
Can I use my existing Windows 10 product key?
No, Windows 11 LTSC requires a specific license, and standard Windows 10 product keys do not apply.
Will this version run Steam for gaming?
Yes, Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC can support Steam and other gaming platforms, provided you have the necessary hardware specifications.