How to Upgrade Windows 10 to LTSC Without Losing ANY Data

How to Upgrade Windows 10 to LTSC Without Losing ANY Data

If you’re still running Windows 10 Home or Pro and want a leaner, longer-supported, and bloat-free version of Windows, then Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is your best option. In this guide, we’ll show you how to upgrade to LTSC without losing your files or installed applications.

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🔧 Why Upgrade to Windows 10 LTSC?

• No bloatware or preinstalled apps
• Minimal updates (only security and critical updates)
• Longer support
  • LTSC 2019: Supported until 2029 (security fixes)
  • LTSC 2021: Supported until 2027 (mainstream)

Perfect for older PCs, production machines, or anyone who values stability and performance over flashy features.

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📄 Before You Start

• Backup your data (just in case!)
• Make sure your system is running Windows 10 Home or Pro
• Download the matching LTSC ISO (language must match your current install)
• This method works for:
  • Windows 10 Pro/Home ➔ LTSC 2019/2021 (same architecture)

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📁 Step 1: Check Current Version

Use the following CMD commands:

slmgr /dli

This tells you your current Windows edition.

dism /online /get-intl

This reveals your language pack (e.g. en-US).

Make sure your LTSC ISO matches this language and bit version (x64 or x86).

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🔗 Step 2: Mount the LTSC ISO

1. Right-click the ISO file and select Mount
2. Open the mounted drive
3. Do NOT run setup.exe yet

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📃 Step 3: Registry Tweak to Allow In-Place Upgrade

Normally, upgrading to LTSC from Home/Pro disables the “Keep files and apps” option. To fix that:

Option A: Manual Edit (Regedit)

Open Registry Editor:

regedit

Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

Change the following values:

Key Name	New Value
EditionID	EnterpriseS
ProductName	Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC
ReleaseId	21H2 (or 1809 for LTSC 2019)
DisplayVersion	21H2
CurrentBuild	19044
CurrentBuildNumber	19044

Option B: Apply with .reg file

Create a file named fix-ltsc.reg with this content:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion]
"EditionID"="EnterpriseS"
"ProductName"="Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC"
"ReleaseId"="21H2"
"DisplayVersion"="21H2"
"CurrentBuild"="19044"
"CurrentBuildNumber"="19044"

Double-click to apply it.

If you want you can download this reg key here : Download Windows 10 LTSC 2021 Fixer.reg

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🚀 Step 4: Extract the ISO (Optional but Recommended)

Mounting can be slow or buggy. Use 7-Zip to extract it to a folder:

1. Right-click ISO > 7-Zip > “Extract to FolderFolder“
2. Open the folder and run setup.exe

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✅ Step 5: Run Setup and Upgrade

1. Launch setup.exe from the extracted folder
2. Choose Keep files and apps
3. Follow prompts to install LTSC

If the option is still greyed out, double-check your registry values and language match.

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🚀 Optional Fix: Driver Crash (e.g. NVIDIA)

If your PC crashes during update or post-boot:

1. Use DDU – Display Driver Uninstaller
2. Uninstall NVIDIA/AMD drivers
3. Reinstall latest drivers after upgrade

🎉 You’re Done!

To verify LTSC version:

winver

You should see Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC and version 21H2 or 1809 depending on your choice.

Congrats – you now have a stable, secure, and fast Windows experience with no unnecessary features.

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🔗 Related Tools & Links:

• DDU – Display Driver Uninstaller
• Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center
• Visual Studio Subscriptions (for developers)

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This tutorial does not include, promote, or endorse any unauthorized license activation methods. It is intended purely for educational and technical purposes, and assumes that the viewer has or will obtain a valid Windows 10 LTSC license through official Microsoft channels (e.g. VLSC or Visual Studio Subscriptions).

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God bless you, and enjoy your new LTSC system!