Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC or Linux?

[Draco1962]

I discovered that you cannot upgrade to Windows 11 25H2: via in-place upgrade steps for non-supported hardware, even with registry edits to ignore TPM and CPU requirements. 

EDIT: Windows 11 25H2 Enablement Package is available from Microsoft as an alternative and appears to install 25H2. No guarantee that there will be similar for 26H2 or later.

24H2 has support only through October 13, 2026. 25H2 is only good through October 12, 2027. So if I want to stay with Windows 11, I am facing a potential fresh install for each update every year, assuming that there's nothing in the update that borks the install due to unsupported hardware.

So my options:

- Install Win 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC

- Install Linux (Bazzite, Nobara, or similar distro)

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[Draco1962]

Pros and Cons (per Copilot) for Install Win 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC:

• ✅ Pros
  • 🧘 Stability & Performance

    • LTSC is stripped of unnecessary background services and apps, which can lead to smoother performance and fewer interruptions.

    • No forced feature updates means your system stays consistent—ideal for avoiding sudden driver or compatibility issues mid-game.

  • 🚫 No Bloatware

    • No Cortana, Edge, or UWP apps by default. This lean setup reduces memory usage and startup clutter.

  • 🔒 Extended Support

    • LTSC versions receive security updates for up to 10 years, making it a solid choice for long-term setups without frequent reinstallations.

  • 🛠 Customization-Friendly

    • Advanced users can manually add components like the Microsoft Store if needed, giving you control over what’s installed.

• ⚠️ Cons

  • 🎮 Compatibility Issues

    • Some modern games and launchers (like Xbox Game Pass or certain UWP-based titles) may not run properly without added components.

    • Missing features like DirectX updates or Game Mode optimizations found in regular Windows editions could impact newer titles.

  • 🧩 Driver & Hardware Support

    • LTSC doesn’t track the latest hardware standards as aggressively as consumer editions. If you're upgrading GPUs or peripherals often, you might hit snags.

  • 🛍 Missing Microsoft Store

    • No Store means no easy access to apps like Xbox, Game Bar, or other gaming utilities—unless manually installed.

  • 📦 Limited Feature Updates

    • You won’t get newer gaming-centric features like Auto HDR or DirectStorage unless you upgrade to a newer LTSC release or switch to a mainstream edition.

• 🧠 Verdict:

  If your setup is stable, your games are mostly non-UWP, and you prefer a clean, controlled environment, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC can be a great fit. But if you're chasing cutting-edge features or rely on frequent hardware upgrades, it might feel limiting over time.

[Draco1962]

Pros and Cons (per Copilot) of using Bazzite, Nobara or other Linux distro for computer gaming:

🎮 Bazzite

Pros:

• SteamOS-like experience: Tailored for gaming, especially on handhelds like Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and MSI Claw.

• Out-of-the-box gaming tools: Comes preinstalled with Steam, Lutris, Heroic Games Launcher, and Waydroid for Android gaming.

• Update flexibility: Lets you choose between stable and beta channels for both the OS and Steam client.

• Atomic updates & rollback: Based on Fedora’s rpm-ostree model, allowing safe rollbacks if updates cause issues.

Cons:

• Frequent updates: Can be annoying if you prefer a more static system.

• Longer boot times: Compared to SteamOS, cold booting is slower.

• Occasional bugs: Audio issues and UI quirks have been reported, especially in gaming mode.

🕹️ Nobara

Pros:

• Fedora-based with gaming tweaks: Includes WINE, Proton-GE, NVIDIA drivers, and other gaming essentials out of the box.

• Made by GloriousEggroll: The same developer behind Proton-GE, ensuring excellent compatibility with Windows games.

• Plug-and-play setup: Ideal for users who want minimal configuration and fast access to gaming tools.

Cons:

• Secure Boot limitations: Some games with kernel-level anti-cheat may not run unless Secure Boot is enabled, which can be tricky to configure.

• Update reliability: Some users report issues with updates breaking the system over time.

• NTFS quirks: Running games directly off NTFS partitions can cause permission headaches.

 

🧠 Other Notable Linux Distros for Gaming

Distro	Pros	Cons
Pop!_OS	Separate ISOs for AMD/NVIDIA, great hardware support, easy Steam setup	Less gaming-focused than Bazzite or Nobara
Manjaro	Rolling release, AUR access, KDE customization	Occasional instability due to bleeding-edge updates
Garuda Linux	Zen kernel, Garuda Gamer tool, stunning visuals	Resource-heavy, not ideal for older hardware
Drauger OS	Low-latency kernel, controller support, optimized for FPS	Niche distro, less community support
Ubuntu GamePack	Steam, Lutris, Wine preinstalled, GameMode optimizations	GNOME desktop may feel bloated for some users

 

🧩 Final Thoughts:

If you're building a gaming rig and want maximum control with minimal bloat, Bazzite offers a polished SteamOS-like experience with flexibility. Nobara is great if you want Fedora’s stability with gaming enhancements baked in. But if you're chasing bleeding-edge performance or deep customization, Manjaro or Garuda might be more your style.

 

[Draco1962]

5 hours ago, Draco1962 said:

EDIT: Windows 11 25H2 Enablement Package is available from Microsoft as an alternative and appears to install 25H2. No guarantee that there will be similar for 26H2 or later.

 

[Tom Speirs]

I almost missed 25h2 until the other day. Not being offered the upgrade at this point.

[Draco1962]

Out of 5 machines, only 1 has been offered the 25H2 update via Check for Updates. 

The 25H2 Enablement Package is from Microsoft and pushes the update when launched.

[Raitsa]

If you have not tried Linux yet, I would recommend trying out Zorin 18, it is quite close to Windows in user experience (but better in every way )

Check out this video if you want to know more:

 

[Draco1962]

28 minutes ago, Raitsa said:

If you have not tried Linux yet, I would recommend trying out Zorin 18, it is quite close to Windows in user experience (but better in every way )

Check out this video if you want to know more:

How is it for gaming?

[Raitsa]

Its all Linux so there are no major differences.

But some Linux distros like Nobara, Bazzite, CachyOS can be a bit easier to start gaming with because they have some gaming packages already installed.

https://linuxbsdos.com/2025/02/15/linux-for-gaming-in-2025/

 

[Draco1962]

As I am looking at refurbing and repurposing some older laptops for sale or give away, I am likely switching to either Mint or Zorin. Following is an MS Copilot comparison of the two:

Here's a detailed breakdown comparing Linux Mint and Zorin OS Pro, with a focus on older equipment, software suites, and cost.

---

🖥️ Performance on Older Equipment

Feature	Linux Mint	Zorin OS Pro
Base System	Ubuntu LTS / Debian	Ubuntu LTS
Desktop Environments	Cinnamon (default), MATE, XFCE	Zorin Desktop (GNOME-based), Lite (XFCE)
Resource Usage	XFCE and MATE are very lightweight	Zorin Lite is optimized for older PCs
Boot Time	Fast with XFCE/MATE	Comparable with Zorin Lite
Driver Support	Excellent for legacy hardware	Also strong, thanks to Ubuntu base

🔧 Verdict: Both are solid, but Linux Mint XFCE or Zorin OS Lite are ideal for older machines. Zorin Pro (full version) is heavier unless you choose the Lite variant.

---

✅ Pros and Cons

Linux Mint

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Multiple lightweight desktop options (XFCE, MATE)
• Strong community support
• No telemetry or proprietary lock-ins
• Excellent software manager and update tools
• Long-term support releases ensure stability

Cons:

• Cinnamon desktop can be heavier on older hardware
• Conservative updates—may lag behind in newer software versions
• Less polished UI compared to Zorin Pro

---

Zorin OS Pro

Pros:

• Polished, modern UI mimicking Windows/macOS
• Zorin Appearance tool for layout customization
• Comes with premium apps and productivity tools pre-installed
• Includes Wine and PlayOnLinux for Windows app compatibility
• Zorin Connect for Android integration

Cons:

• Costs $39 USD for the Pro version (Lifetime)
• Heavier system unless using Zorin Lite
• Smaller community than Mint
• Some proprietary elements (less open-source purity)

---

📦 Included Software Suites

Category	Linux Mint	Zorin OS Pro
Office	LibreOffice	LibreOffice + additional productivity tools
Web	Firefox, Thunderbird	Firefox, Evolution, Zorin Connect
Media	VLC, Rhythmbox	VLC, Cheese, and other media tools
Utilities	Timeshift, Update Manager	Zorin Appearance, Wine, PlayOnLinux
Graphics	GIMP	GIMP, Drawing
Software Mgmt	Mint Software Manager	GNOME Software + Snap/Flatpak support

---

💰 Cost Comparison

Edition	Linux Mint	Zorin OS Pro
Free Version	Yes	Zorin Core (free)
Paid Version	No	$39 USD

 

 

🏁 Final Recommendation

For older equipment, especially if you're optimizing for performance and minimal resource usage:

• Choose Linux Mint XFCE if you want maximum control, zero cost, and a lightweight system with strong community support.

• Choose Zorin OS Lite (free) if you prefer a Windows-like interface and a more polished out-of-the-box experience.

If you're willing to pay for extra polish and bundled software, Zorin OS Pro offers a premium experience—but it’s heavier unless you opt for the Lite variant.

[Raitsa]

You have a very good plan now. Either of those will be a good choice.

A new fresh, useful video:

 

[Raitsa]

Zorin 18 is the choice of many Windows refugees now.

[Tom Speirs]

just wanted to say that Ive not had much luck with 25h2. it was offered on one machine via windows update and that failed and rolled back. Now its no longer offered.

I tried the update tool on my laptop and that failed and roll backed too.

Both meet the requirements.

Weird.

Although my only win 10 device upgraded fine via windows update. it was just offering windows 11 from 10 but did install 25h2.

in other news, im planning to try out the arm version soon.

if you go to linux you can test GameEx cross platform me

[Draco1962]

2 hours ago, Tom Speirs said:

just wanted to say that Ive not had much luck with 25h2. it was offered on one machine via windows update and that failed and rolled back. Now its no longer offered.

I tried the update tool on my laptop and that failed and roll backed too.

Both meet the requirements.

Weird.

Although my only win 10 device upgraded fine via windows update. it was just offering windows 11 from 10 but did install 25h2.

in other news, im planning to try out the arm version soon.

if you go to linux you can test GameEx cross platform me

That is weird. Found some possible things to try if you are interested. I have not encountered any errors to put them to the test - Windows 11 25H2 Update Version not installing

[Draco1962]

I make the leap to Linux Mint on my non-Windows 11-supported gaming rig. A little less overhead and less bloat with wider community support than Zorin.

Despite getting almost everything dialed in with Windows 11 25H2 on my "Spook" rig, I am still considering Bazzite as an alternative since it is more "gaming out of the box," although it is not a certainty that it will be my go-to.