Post No. 3

 

Windows 10 is DEAD. Or is it???

By Wes — 10/14/25

Late last night and early this morning, I was up desperately trying to get a VM to start that randomly stopped working for NO reason, so that I could stream the “death” of Windows 10. Needless to say, we didn't stream last night. But it’s the same day, and it’s not over yet. Once I leave from my 3rd and final class period, I will be streaming installing the earliest — and maybe even the latest — version of Windows 10. I will be doing it in 32-bit, as this is the last version of Windows to support that architecture.

What is 64 vs 32 bit?

  • 64-bit systems can handle way more memory and larger chunks of data than a 32-bit system, making them overall run faster.

  • <2010 = most likely 32-bit

As a result, Microsoft cut support for 32-bit architectures with the release of Windows 11. Along with that, they also cut off support for a large percentage of computers around us. This is because of the strict requirement for Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, which both add to security but also cut support for older computers currently running Windows 10. Using Canalys’s estimate of ~240 million PCs that can’t meet Windows 11’s requirements and Tom’s Guide’s estimate of 400–550 million PCs still on Windows 10, we see that roughly half of the computers running Windows 10 are not compatible with Windows 11 — which is absolutely absurd. I mean, who thought this was a good idea?

Along with the fact that Windows 11 requires a Microsoft account to even set up your computer, Windows as we knew it was slowly being changed into a locked, paywall ecosystem. This is the reason many people (including me) are sticking with Windows 10. But as of today, we will not be seeing any updates at all, including security updates. Just like back in 2019–2020, many will continue using plain old Windows 10 with NO updates for years to come.

Even to this day I still see posts of people clinging to Windows 7, which hasn't had any security updates on normal releases since January 14, 2020, and many developers have stopped supporting Windows 7 as well. Windows 7 fully “died” with its last update for the Windows 7 “LTSC-equivalent” on October 10, 2023.

LTSC — what is it?

And that word, “LTSC.” What does that mean and how does it differ from a normal release of Windows?

Windows “LTSC” editions are pretty much the same idea as “LTS” releases of Linux. For Windows, LTSC stands for Long-Term Servicing Channel. This is a version of Windows with reduced telemetry and fewer pre-installed apps. Microsoft accounts are still an option but are completely optional. Windows 10 and 11 both have LTSC releases, with Windows 10 having releases going back years. Even the Microsoft Store isn't installed by default.

Long-term support: between the two main LTSC types, you can get anywhere from 5 to 10 years of security and other updates. You’ll also be bothered less often by feature updates you don’t need (like Copilot, in my opinion); mostly you’ll see security patches and occasional small feature updates.

So how much does it cost? A lot of money, for a business or a person who likes to do the right thing. We’re not them — **** Microsoft, let's continue with the safe (maybe not so legal) and free method.

You may also be concerned about me spreading viruses to your computer. Don’t be — I promise when I get into your system I won’t do anything bad. In all seriousness, I have been downloading ISOs and experimenting for years. No viruses — just people like you and me who want control over their Windows install without handing everything over to Microsoft.

 

Downloading LTSC and choosing a version

  • ESU (Extended Security Updates)

  • Running ESU activation on normal Windows can give about 1–3 years of extra support.

  • Where to find downloads

  • Navigate to massgrave.dev

  • Go to “Download Windows / Office” — there are links for almost every Windows and Office release.

  • The author clicks the 3rd download under “Download Windows”: Windows 10 / 11 Enterprise LTSC.

  • Which build to use

  • Recommended: Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 (strong preference for the IoT edition).

  • Why choose IoT LTSC 2021

  • Covers the same needs as normal Enterprise for the author’s purposes.

  • 10 years of support (Windows 10 support until 2032).

  • Lower system requirements than regular Enterprise.

  • Avoids Windows 11 hardware requirement issues — TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, UEFI, and 4 GB RAM are optional for Windows 11 IoT per the author.

  • Download details for LTSC 2021

  • Under “Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021” you’ll find a Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 download.

  • This package contains both IoT and non-IoT builds, but is English-only and 64-bit only.

Install decision: upgrade vs fresh install

You have two broad choices after downloading an ISO:

  1. Upgrade from your current Windows install — preserves apps/settings but can be flaky.

  2. Fresh install — recommended for a clean, predictable system.
         I recommend a fresh install and backing up your data first.

Creating a bootable USB (general guidance)

  • Use a reliable tool to write the ISO to a USB stick. Do not enable bypass or requirement-skipping options.

  • Make sure you select the correct USB device before writing.

  • Boot the target machine and start the installer.

Installing Windows (high level)

  • Choose Custom (fresh install) to see drive/partition options.

  • If the installer can’t find drives, you may need to load appropriate drivers (SATA/NVMe/VirtIO) from a USB driver disk — check your VM or host docs.

  • Delete/format partitions only if you are sure — back up first.

  • Follow the installer prompts: region, keyboard, network (or “I don’t have internet” / limited setup), user creation, and privacy settings.

  • Once the desktop is up, check Settings to confirm activation status, which it shouldn’t be activated.

Activation

  • Return to massgrave.dev

  • Copy the Powershell command under the “For Windows 8, 10, 11:” section

  • Run Powershell as Admin and paste the command.

  • Follow the steps shown in the Command Prompt window that pops up (the green text options for activation are the ones that are compatible.

And that’s it — pretty simple in my opinion considering the reward you get for doing so. You can have 10 years of extended security and a stripped-down Windows install that doesn’t come with all the corporate bloat. For Windows 11 people who can use LTSC-style builds, you get fewer requirements and less forced telemetry.

Windows 10 may be dead for most of the public, but not for us. Oh, and screw you and your harsh system requirements Microsoft — we escaped from those as well. Who knows what’s to come next entry, because I sure don't. See you then.

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