How to Upgrade Windows 10 to LTSC Without Losing ANY Data

If you still run 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 a great option. In this guide I show you how to upgrade to LTSC without losing your files or installed apps.

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In this article

1. Why Upgrade to Windows 10 LTSC?
2. Before You Start
3. Step 1: Check Your Current Version
4. Step 2: Mount the LTSC ISO
5. Step 3: Registry Tweak to Allow the In-Place Upgrade
   1. Option A: Edit the Registry Manually
   2. Option B: Apply a .reg File
6. Step 4: Extract the ISO (Optional but Recommended)
7. Step 5: Run Setup and Upgrade
8. Optional Fix: Driver Crash (for example NVIDIA)
9. You Are Done
10. Related Tools and Links

Why Upgrade to Windows 10 LTSC?

• No bloatware or preinstalled apps.
• Minimal updates (only security and critical updates).
• Longer support:
  • LTSC 2019: security updates until January 2029.
  • LTSC 2021: supported until January 2027.

This is good for older PCs, production machines or anyone who values stability and performance over extra features.

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Before You Start

• Back up your data first, just in case.
• Make sure your PC is running Windows 10 Home or Pro.
• Download the matching LTSC ISO. The language must match your current install.
• This method works for Windows 10 Home or Pro to LTSC 2019 or 2021, on the same architecture (x64 to x64, or x86 to x86).

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Step 1: Check Your Current Version

Open Command Prompt and run:

slmgr /dli

This shows your current Windows edition. Next, check your language pack:

dism /online /get-intl

This shows your language (for example 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 the In-Place Upgrade

Normally, upgrading to LTSC from Home or Pro greys out the “Keep files and apps” option. To fix that, change a few registry values first.

Option A: Edit the Registry Manually

Open Registry Editor:

regedit

Go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

Change the following values:

Option B: Apply a .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 the file to apply it. You can also download the ready-made file here:

Download the Windows 10 LTSC 2021 Fixer (.reg)

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Step 4: Extract the ISO (Optional but Recommended)

Mounting can be slow or buggy. For a smoother upgrade, use 7-Zip to extract the ISO to a folder:

1. Right-click the ISO file, choose 7-Zip, then Extract to a folder.
2. Open that folder and run setup.exe.

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Step 5: Run Setup and Upgrade

1. Launch setup.exe from the extracted folder, while you are inside Windows (not from boot).
2. Choose Keep files and apps.
3. Follow the prompts to install LTSC.

If “Keep files and apps” is still greyed out: start setup.exe from inside Windows, not from a boot USB, because the in-place upgrade only works when it is started inside Windows 10. Also make sure your edition matches (Pro to Pro), and that the ISO language and architecture match your current install. These are the usual causes of the “it wants to erase everything” problem.

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Optional Fix: Driver Crash (for example NVIDIA)

If your PC crashes during the update or after boot:

1. Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller).
2. Uninstall your NVIDIA or AMD drivers.
3. Reinstall the latest drivers after the upgrade.

You Are Done

To verify your LTSC version, run:

winver

You should see Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC and version 21H2 or 1809, depending on your choice. You now have a stable, secure and fast Windows setup with no unnecessary features.

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Related Tools and 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 for educational and technical purposes only, and it assumes that you have or will obtain a valid Windows 10 LTSC license through official Microsoft channels (for example VLSC or Visual Studio Subscriptions).

Subscribe to Tips2Fix on YouTube for more helpful guides, fixes and walkthroughs. Enjoy your new LTSC system.