This article explains how to choose the right servicing channel Long-term Servicing Channel (LTSC) or Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) for Windows devices

Below describes how to choose the right servicing channel Long-term Servicing Channel (LTSC) or Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) for Windows devices.

Best Use Cases   
Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)
Devices where the key requirement is that functionality and features don't change over time

• Point of sale (POS) devices
• Self-service kiosks
• Digital signage
• Medical equipment
• Other Internet of Things (IoT) appliances

Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)
Devices with a more diverse set of applications and tasks that dynamically change as the business needs shift

• Conference room system
• Warehouse inventory terminals
• Office computers
• Lab workstations
• Other general-purpose use

Notable Feature Differences in LTSC
Current Shipping Version
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2019 - Build 1809

• No Microsoft Edge
• No Windows App Store
• No Cortana
• Minimal configured start menu and taskbar
• Intune AutoPilot self-deploying mode is not supported, but the user-driven mode is supported

Coming soon
The recovery partition will also include the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 image

• Adds Microsoft Edge Kiosk Mode support
• Adds Intune AutoPilot self-deploying mode support

Microsoft Support & Software Builds
Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)
Windows 10 LTSC 2019 - Build 1809

• Rollup of features and quality updates from previous builds
• 10 years of service
• Support from 10/13/2018 to 1/29/2029
• Updates include all quality updates: monthly security fixes, reliability fixes, and bug fixes
• No new features from updates
• Fewer changes mean devices stay reliable, easy to manage, and easy to control
• Locked into the build and upgrading to a newer build requires purchasing a new product license key
• Windows 10 Enterprise IoT LTSC requires installation from OEM

Windows 10 LTSC 2021 - Build TBD

• 10 years of service
• Support from 11/13/2021 to 11/13/2031

Microsoft Support & Software Builds
Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)
Windows 10 SAC

• Rollup of features and quality updates from previous builds
• 18 months of service
• Availability
  • Build 21H1 – 5/18/2021
  • Build 21H2 – 11/16/2021
• End of service dates
  • Build 21H1 – 12/13/2022
  • Build 21H2 – 6/11/2023
    • General Availability Channel (GAC)
• Quality updates include monthly security fixes, reliability fixes, and bug fixes
• Functionality and feature updates are released twice a year
• Devices become more challenging to manage
• Free OS upgrades are included with the Enterprise license