Windows 10 LTSB-Worth installing and hijacking in years to come?

Hi,
For a long time Windows 10 LTSB has been floating around the Internet as the "True Windows 10" or "Windows 10 ReLive".
I began to wonder about this as well.And after reading countless posts on Reddit and god knows where,I was confident to install and use it on my main laptop.
And after countless reading(again),I abandon that idea because:
1.You have to use sinister programs to activate the license.
2.The support for drivers and software is uncertain because the OS is not regularly updated with large updates.
Nonetheless,the next version is scheduled to be released in 2019 and I wonder:Is it worth it to be installed and used on my main setup?
Thanks beforehand!

 

tbh, i keep wondering about this myself

surely @Mr. Fox has some more insights on this

 

To me I got Windows 10x64 1709 and then downloaded 1803 and used that to redo my computer but my key still works. Your best choice is to find a legit Windows 10 and use that instead of going on the internet for something you have no idea of what it's lifespan will be or if it is a legit version or some malware version camouflage as Windows 10 with stealth software.

 

Yeah, it is way better. Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB is the only version of Windows 10 that is sort of almost worth a damn. It still sucks, but it is as good as it gets. A whole lot of the UWP feces is gone without having to strip it out with third party tools. And, seems easier to keep things in a static state with older versions of Enterprise. Just be careful not to let it download update cancer on it's own or your probably gonna be screwed.

 

But what's the difference bro vs a heavily tweaked Windows 10 Pro?

 

Some things in group policy only work for Enterprise and you're using a stripped down business (no nonsense) version that Micro$lop released that way on purpose. There are no glitches, broken file associations issues that have to be corrected, etc.

 

and no issues installing drivers as you know older builds don't allow you to install new nVIDIA Drivers.

Also, can you tell me your exact build number please?

 

I can install any NVIDIA drivers that I want to. I normally only use a @j95 mod and not the newest version (because the newest usually sucks) but here's proof. I just downloaded it from NVIDIA and installed it without any complication.

 

Wow, you haven't even ran any Windows update you're at xxxxx.0

By the way, do you still need to use O&O ShutUp10 with LTSB?

 

Yeah, Windows Updates are unnecessary as far as I am concerned. The risk of them sneaking in their STDs and cancer is worse that any security risk. Zero Apps, and Cortana the digi-slut is beyond dead. She was never even conceived, so no abortion or similar acts of murder were necessary. None of the Windows Updates to improve performance actually do. Well... maybe improves the performance of their malware and telemetry, but that's about it. They don't make the computer run better, they just bog it down with a bunch of corrupted feces.



Yes, I do use O&O ShutUp10, just as extra insurance to be doubly sure that any cancer cells that may be lurking remain dormant. I apply all settings (everything green) and disable Windows Update in Services.msc.

Here is the App folder showing all of my UWP App filth that has been installed. Not even the Windows Store.



Edit: And, BTW - using O&O Disk Image Pro 12 now instead of Macrium Reflect. It's slower, but seems to make more reliable images. Seems like about 50% of the time the Reflect images had errors or corruption and had to be deleted. Finally got sick of it and decided I was done with their broken crap. It was getting way too bloated anyhow. CBT and Image Guardian crap... no thanks. Just give me images that work every time I want them to work.

 

Activation using ratiborus KMS is legit though, it's based off microsoft own tool.

 

I use that for Office, but I do not have to for Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB. I just add my product key and activate it.

 

Where did you get an ltsb product key?

 

From the Redmond Retards. But, I tried and cannot get any more. I wanted to get several more and could not.

 

I'll add my 2 cents here and say LTSB is definitely worth it. I use my laptop for work and need that stability - no Windows Feature updates. I've ran into cases in the past where new version of Windows broke some apps and cause driver issues.

At the moment, I'm happy with LTSB - been using it for about 1 year now as our workplace decided to give developers LTSB license for our host machines - then we use VMware for OS version specific development.

 

But why won't you update to the latest version of 2017?
Wouldn't that be more secure and no compatibility issues?
How did you stopped Windows to automatically update?
And how the Redmond Retards give you the key, because as far as I am concerned,they don't sell it to anyone who isn't working in a company?
And some people said that you shouldn't use this version because "They are designed to work in a place without internet connection and so they would be more vulnerable to hackers and viruses".Is it true?
Sorry if I ask a bit too much.Curiosity wins it all

 

I wouldn't worry too much about being vulnerable to hackers/viruses. If you don't go to shady websites + open random application files, then you most likely will not encounter any problem

Windows Defender + Malwarebytes Anti-Malware work pretty well together - and that's all I use in terms of security apps.

 

W

What about the rest of the questions?
Sorry if it bothers you.

 

I'll let Mr Fox answer those since I: 1) Keep Windows Updates ON; 2) I use my laptop for work and was able to get LTSB from there

 

I don't care about that security crap. I haven't been using Windows Updates or anti-virus software for almost 5 years, LOL. No problems. In fact, any of the problems I have ever had (which were rare) happened to systems that were fully patched with Windows Updates and current malware protection. In fact, Windows Updates have caused me far more headaches with performance loss and instability than any virus or malware ever has.

There is an entire sector of the PC technology industry built upon the concept of playing to the fears of consumers under the guise of security. The most dangerous element in PC security is the loose nut on top of the keyboard. End user behavior makes computing the most dangerous.

As far as compatibility issues go, there simply are none. Windows 7 does everything flawlessly except UWP trash apps and DX12 and neither of those technologies are relevant or desirable. Windows 7 is still the best, most stable and least troublesome OS they have ever made. Windows 7 also runs faster or the same about 80-90% of the time (varies by task, but Windows 10 seldom wins). The notion that the latest Intel CPUs and chipsets supposedly need Windows 10 to function correctly is just a crock of dung... a flat-out lie from Micro$loth. Kaby Lake and Coffee Lake works flawlessly with Windows 7.

My overclocking hobby is the only reason I use any Micro$lop OS any more. Linux is a better product, but it does have limitations and compatibility issues. It is getting better all the time, especially recently, but it probably won't be good enough replace Windows in my lifetime. For those that only need to do basic computing, web browsing and email, Linux is fully capable of replacing Windows 100% right now.

I got Enterprise through business connections, not through a retail source. The stuff you heard about it being less secure is nonsense. It's the same product without all of the worthless consumer trash bloatware that helps the Redmond Retards spy and sell cheap trashy UWP software to make extra money. If anything, it's more secure because it does not have all of the garbage. Companies that use it are connected to the internet, sometimes even without VPN. If Enterprise were less secure they would not use it.

Exactly. If you are not downloading hacks, keygens, cracks, warez and visiting nasty web sites you're safer than crossing the street at a busy intersection. If you're doing those things, it's only a matter of time until that behavior brings unfortunate consequences. I don't open/view emails that are from people I don't know and even email newsletters and advertisements from vendors that I am subscribed to get deleted en masse without reading 99% of the time.

 

But if the 2019 version arrives,do you think that they will change anything of the OS, making it less private to their privy eyes perhaps?
Do you know where I can download the latest version of LTSB without Redmond Retards intervention?And should I?
How do you disable Windows Updates?

 

There is no telling what the shifty shysters are going to do next. They are not trustworthy, so I expect only the worst from them. Who knows what kind of hellish Micro$loth nightmares 2019 holds in store for the masses. Probably Windows as a subscription service with monthly fees and permanently embedded and white-listed adware is where it will end up. For this to be what they envision, they need to kill off all of their older products or only idiotic consumers will go along with this kind of program. The smart people will stay on whatever older version of Windows they like and never pay monthly fees to use it. They'll probably have a free basic version that is broken and crippled that doesn't require monthly payments to use it.

I'm sure you can find links to download it on the web. I'd check MDL forums. I won't use the latest versions of Enterprise, only the LTSB version. Enterprise 2016 LTSB (I believe) is the newest version.

As far as disabling Windows Updates, launch Services.msc, find it in the list and disable it. Do the same with O&O ShutUp10 and WinAero Tweaker. I do all three, even though just disabling it is Servcies.msc is probably enough. I do this before activating Windows or connecting to the internet for the first time. If you activate by phone, you don't even need to enable Windows Update for product activation.

I try to eliminate anything in Windoze OS X that reminds me of it much.


The only feature of W10 that I actually like is the Win-X menu.

Full AeroGlass transparency (which the Redmond Retards removed) actually looks excellent on Windoze OS X. Even works with UWP filth.

 

Will you kindly make a guide for purging the crap in Windows?
Or it's already on the forum?
I really don't like the idea of custom ISOs made by anons online.

 

@Phoenix and I both have guides.

 

Does the second video applied to the LTSB version?

 

Doesn't matter. Apply either video to any version of Windows 10 you want to. LTSB just has less filth to start out with.

 

Do you eliminate Windows Defender or just keep it there and not use it at all?

 

I generally remove everything there is an option to remove, leaving nothing but the OS. Depending on the version of Windows 10, you may or may not be able to remove Defender. But, you are correct that I do not use Defender. It can be disabled as well, so if there is not an option to remove it is not a big deal.

 

How do you disable it?
Even after disabling its settings,it automatcally turns on.
I used to use a Group Policy hack but not sure if it still works.
Do you know what software can activate LTSB for good or at least 90 days?

 

We cannot discuss activation workarounds, as this is against forum rules. Someone already mentioned (post #11) what they use in this thread.

It depends on the version what has to be done to disable it. In the latest versions Defender is also the Windows Firewall. Disabling Defender services in RS3 and RS4 requires launching Services.msc using NSudo as Trusted Installer and all permissions. After that, use Autoruns, search for Defender and uncheck all of the boxes for Defender.

 

Do you have a detailed guide about this,from trusted websites?
I really don't want to screw up my laptop.
Since CCleaner has gone to crap,what kind of replacement do you have or you just don't use it?
Sorry if it bothers you.

 

No bother. This is how we all learn new things. See the screen shots below for all of the services I have disabled. Depending on the version of Windows 10, you may or may not find Defender in Autoruns.

 

Example of what I meant by this statement... And, this example is a crash test dummy installation of 1803. In other words, unmodded, fully metastasized, version of 1803. With none of trash removed from the ISO prior to installation and cancer updates installed. Micro$loth is being allow to run amok and molest the crash dummy. (Yes, I test things so that when I rail on filth for being what it is I have experience backing the basis for sharing my contempt.)

 

Win10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 gets updates until 2026 - this gets supported a lot longer than the normal v1607 versions of Win10 [btw, support for Win10 v1607 education/enterprise editions ends October 2018; support for Home & Pro editions of Win10 v1607 ended April 2018]
Win10 v1709 Home/Pro get updates until April 2019 but v1709 Education/Enterprise get updates until October 2019.

Disabling Windows Update services in services.msc may not be enough. I use WUB (windows update blocker), to do the job nicely. Also used Defender Control to disable Windows Defender whenever I have any USB flash drives connected so Defender does not slow down access to these drives.

I use something else that is much cleaner but I won't discuss this any further.

 

MDL Pico?



If you don't want to be "left behind" with slow LTSB update, I recommend the latest build (1803/1804) Enterprise edition which give you better control over updates compared to Pro.



1803 / 1804 Enterprise Edition if you need it mega #!D8512YjB!KtCV-y1WW4Y6urwC16Pv7-o4oIrWXxBJIOCuZ3-b218

 

@Mr. Fox
For enterprise 1803/1804 non LTSB

 

Weird. At least you can uncheck them. So, that's good

 

Can you provide a guide?

 

@MrFox,
I have installed LTSB in a virtual machine and wow,it's so clean.
Disabling Windows Update and Defender couldn't be easier.
Can you share me your setup of WinAeroTweaker?

 

1803 / 1804 Enterprise Edition if you need it mega #!D8512YjB!KtCV-y1WW4Y6urwC16Pv7-o4oIrWXxBJIOCuZ3-b218

Use autoruns as usual

 

Right-click and run Autoruns.exe as admin. In the search field type "defender" (without quotes). Uncheck everything that appears relating to Defender.

You can do the same for anything else you loathe. Examples for me are Skype and OneDrive/SkyDrive/Groove filth. I do the same for all of the useless drivers bundled with Windows that applies to hardware my computer does not have. Examples are AMD, VIA, and NVIDIA chipset stuff that have no purpose on my Intel-based system. If you know for certain the drivers are not used by your system, uncheck them as they serve no purpose. Don't uncheck anything for drivers that you are uncertain about.

Sure... glad you like how much cleaner it is. Nowhere near the butt-load of worthless crap as other versions of Windoze OS X.

Spoiler: Winaero Tweaker_2018_07_31.ini

Code:

[Format]
ProductName=Winaero Tweaker
ProductVersion=0.10.2.0
FormatVersion=1.0
[User]
pageCustomAccents=1
pageAutoChkTimeout=1
pageAeroShake=1
pageAeroSnap=1
pageDisableLookInStore=1
pageDisableSafeZoneInformation=1
pageDisableMRT=1
pageErrorReporting=1
pageRestorePointFrequency=1
pageShowBSODDetails=1
pageSafeModeWindowsInstaller=1
pageNumlockLoginState=1
pageDisableLiveTiles=1
pageQuickActionButtons=1
pageTaskbarTransparency10=1
pageWallpaperQuality=1
pageCabInstall=1
pageExplorerNewMenu=1
pageContextMenuCmdAsAdmin=1
pageContextMenuSelectionLimit=1
pageContextMenuControlPanel=1
pageMSIExtract=1
pageContextMenuNetworkLocation=1
pagePersonalizationMenu=1
pageContextMenuPowerOptions=1
pageContextMenuPSAsAdmin=1
pageRemoveDefaultContextMenu=1
pageRunAsAdministrator=1
pageContextMenuSnippingTool=1
pagePowerPlanSubmenu=1
pageContextMenuUserAccount=1
pageContextMenuWallpaperPath=1
pageWideContextMenus=1
pageControlPanelWU=1
pageDisableAutomaticFolderTypeDiscovery=1
pageDriveLetters=1
pageNavPaneDefaultItems=1
pageLinkedConnections=1
pageIPEnableRouter=1
pageDefender=1
pageDisableWindowsInk=1
pageOEMInfo=1
pagePhotoViewer=1
[pageCustomAccents]
0Theme0=-16777216
[pageAutoChkTimeout]
AutoChkTimeout=5
[pageAeroSnap]
AeroSnapDisabled=1
SnapSizingDisabled=0
DockMovingDisabled=0
DragFromMaximizeDisabled=0
[pageWallpaperQuality]
JPEGImportQuality=100
[pageExplorerNewMenu]
.bat=1
.cmd=1
.reg=1
.vbs=1
.ps1=1
[pageContextMenuCmdAsAdmin]
contextMenuTitle=Command Prompt (Administrator)
Extended=0
[pageContextMenuSelectionLimit]
MultipleInvokePromptMinimum=20
[pageContextMenuPSAsAdmin]
contextMenuTitle=Windows PowerShell (Run as Administrator)
Extended=0
[pageRemoveDefaultContextMenu]
Is3DPrintRemoved=1
IsScanWithDefenderRemoved=1
[pageRunAsAdministrator]
msi=1
vbs=1
ps1=1
[pageDriveLetters]
ShowDriveLettersFirst=1
[pageNavPaneDefaultItems]
{679F85CB-0220-4080-B29B-5540CC05AAB6}=0
{323CA680-C24D-4099-B94D-446DD2D7249E}=0
{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}=0
{031E4825-7B94-4dc3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}=1
{B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93}=1
{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}=1
{F02C1A0D-BE21-4350-88B0-7367FC96EF3C}=1
{F5FB2C77-0E2F-4A16-A381-3E560C68BC83}=1
[pageOEMInfo]
Manufacturer=
Model=
SupportHours=
SupportPhone=
SupportURL=
Logo=

 

Hi @Mr.Fox,
How did you get the theme for your installation of Windows?
Do you use WinAeroTweaker and Aero Glass for 8+?

 

Yes, I use AeroGlass for Win8+ by BigMuscle. It's awesome. Looks great with that. No more ugly pastel-colored puke bomb. I have been using it since Windows 8 and donated numerous times to his project because the UI for Windows 8 and 10 are so atrociously ugly without it... more ugly and disgusting than I can tolerate without it.

 

How do you install and use it?
Set and forget,perhaps?

 

You download the version for your Windows version from the link I already posted. You install it. Then you make a donation and get a key for it to make the desktop watermark go away. A unique machine ID hash window will open after installing AeroGlass, giving you a code to copy and paste into the key generating page. It will only work on your system. If you change HDD/SSD or other hardware you will need to make a new key. You simply download the unique key to the AeroGlass installation folder, which is generally C:\AeroGlass, then logoff and logon and the watermark is gone.



There is also a GUI tool that you can use to tweak it aesthetically, also available on the same site.



And, there is a forum dedicated to it for Q&A. It's very easy to use.

https://msfn.org/board/forum/180-aero-glass-for-windows-8/

Note: There is not a final release version yet for 1803. That is under development, so if you are using 1803 I'd recommend waiting for it. The pre-release versions have a watermark and a command window that do not go away.

 

How did you configured yours?
Can you share?

 

@Mr. Fox ,
Here I thought you were going to post you used Stardock's Windowblinds, (and Start10) like I do. But then you go an find a nice free alternative. Bravo!

@Mr.K-1994 ,
RE: Windows 10 1607 LTSB
You can look up the what's new in each version.

whats-new-windows-10-version-1703 Microsoft Docs
whats-new-windows-10-version-1709 Microsoft Docs
whats-new-windows-10-version-1803 Microsoft Docs


See, Microsoft likes to keep us in a state of, or shall I dare say the Age of Disinformation! What we need to do is go back to the Age of Information. If we read the change logs, what of value was really added between 1607 and 1803? most of the changes are things for corporations or large companies. Much of that is support or fixes for Azure or AD via Azure, which is one of Microsoft's key cloud and revenue initiatives! So these so-called enhancements are really revenue enhancements for Microsoft.

Now, to be fair, half of the enhancements in 1703, 1709, 1nd 1803 are for Microsoft Defender. Which might be use if you use and rely on Defender. @Mr. Fox posts he does not. Now unless he or you is interested in the VR support added to 1709, then what have you gained over 1607 LTSB? I rest my case.

Also consider, that one of the game changers for Windows 10 -- Windows subsystem for Linux (aka bash for Windows) -- was added in 1607. So right there, one of the main selling points for Windows 10 for Mac or Linux switchers is right there in 1607 LTSB!

We're being fed a bunch of lies and mis-information in order to accept (or promote!) what are really revenue enhancements for a large corporation masquerading as important updates that we are missing out on (FOMO).

 

Best thing to do is play with the easy-to-use tools and find out what you like best. If you are not able to get the look you want after playing with the tools, then we can go from there.

I use StartIsBack for the Start Menu. Start10 and ClassicShell works fine as well. I just prefer StartIsBack.

 

though StartIsBack has a free demo but keep on using StartIsBack long term, pay for it

Win10 LTSB 2016 (based on v1607) worked great for older hardware that may not be supported in newer builds of Win10; I still use this version though LTSC 2019 (based of v1809) is available but I'm not upgrading to that one