Upgradng from Windows 10 2016 LTSC to Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC

Question

Hello, according to Microsoft's AI Co-pilot, upgrading from a computer running Windows 10 2016 LTSB is free to upgrade to it's Windows 11 Counterpart, is this true? And what is the correct way to go about this?

***Move from Windows / Windows 11 / Licensing and activation***

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Based on the description, I understand your question is related to upgrade win 10 LTSC.

Yes, according to Microsoft document, upgrade from Windows LTSC to Windows General Availability Channel is available when upgrading to the same or a newer build version.

For example, Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB can be upgraded to Windows 10 Enterprise 22H2. Upgrade is supported using the in-place upgrade process using Windows setup.

The Product Key switch needs to be used if apps need to be kept. If the switch isn't used, the option Keep personal files and apps option is grayed out. The command line to perform the upgrade is:

setup.exe /pkey xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

where xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx is the Windows General Availability Channel product key.

reference link:

Windows upgrade paths | Microsoft Learn

Have a nice day. 

Best Regards,

Molly

Answer 2

If I recall properly each release of LTSB requires it's own license so I am not sure the free upgrade policy applies,

Darrell