And in another episode of "The food at Redmond must be rotten or something like that", Microsoft keeps adding things to Windows 11 that nobody wants. The launch of the new version on ARM platforms has interesting aspects, but it's not a magic solution that eliminates the existing problems in the operating system. The most frustrating thing is that Windows 11 already has a "free" edition of almost all the bloatware: its name is Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024, and although it's still in preview, that Windows is paradise compared to the Home and Pro environments...
Despite the constant hostility coming from Redmond, our position remains the same: we don't criticize Windows 11 because we hate it, but because we want it to improve. The company's latest decisions have been dreadful, at the very least. The integration of artificial intelligence, irrelevant services, and constant promotion have turned Windows 11 into a perverse circus from which we can barely extract a productive environment.
At this point, anyone would try to imagine a Windows 11 without the extra junk... but in reality, it's not necessary. That Windows 11 exists, and it's official. To find it, you have to enter the world of LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) editions and navigate the waters of previews. From a technical standpoint, there are no LTSC versions of Windows 11 yet, but that situation will change in the second half of 2024 when Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC materializes.
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC: Microsoft can, but doesn't want to
What makes this version special? Microsoft's own documentation explains it: First, TPM, Secure Boot, and UEFI are not mandatory but preferred/recommended. Then we have a minimum of 2 GB of RAM (although in these cases, it's better to install more), and 16 GB of disk for installation. But more interesting is its software profile: Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC eliminates the Store, OneDrive, and virtually all UWP apps. In fact, Calculator and Notepad appear in their classic versions.
Copilot? No, thanks. Widgets? They don't exist. Local accounts? A couple of clicks and that's it. After installation, we only see the search box and the task view icon. This is exactly what we want from Windows 11 90 percent of the time... but we have to work on the other ten. Microsoft Edge comes preinstalled, and it's a carnival. All privacy options must be adjusted manually (unless we use something like ShutUp10). Mandatory updates are still there, and the taskbar remains static at the bottom.
However, the experience of Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC is far superior so far. It's supposed to reach official distribution channels "in the second half of 2024" and offer ten years of support, but knowing Microsoft, it will be easier to round pi than to get a copy legally...
