Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC in Volume License

Applies to:

  • Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021

Note

As of August 1, 2023, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 is now available for purchase through the following programs: Select Plus, Microsoft Product and Services Agreement (MPSA), and Cloud Solution Provider (CSP). Currently, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 is not available through the Enterprise Agreement program.
For more information, see Windows Desktop Operating System Program Terms.

Introduction

Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC is now available through Volume Licensing in addition to original equipment manufacturer preinstallation on a specialized device. Volume licensing is available to customers who purchase software under various volume programs (such as Open and Select). Licenses for Windows IoT Enterprise provided through volume licensing cover upgrades only.

Volume activation provides two ways to complete volume activations. Customers may use either key types to activate systems in their organization:

For more information, see Plan for Volume Activation.

Note

Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC is intended for use for fixed-function specialized devices only and cannot be used as a replacement of Windows desktop for general purpose computing.

Prerequisites

To deploy Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 with volume activation you need the following assets from your Volume License Administrator, typically associated with the procurement process.

  • Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 (x64) installation media or ISO
  • Multiple Activation Key (MAK) if you are not using an on-prem Key Management Service (KMS)

Getting Started

In this section, you install Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 then transform it into Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 using a 5-by-5 volume activation key associated with the activation model that best suits your needs.

  1. Install Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021
    Using the media for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 acquired through your Volume License Service Center or Visual Studio Subscription

  2. Install Latest Cumulative Updates
    The activation keys for Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 require the installation of 2023-05 Cumulative update (10.0.19044.2905) or a more recent successor.

    • Select Start
    • Select Settings
    • Select Windows Update
    • Select Check for Updates
    • Install all available updates

    Alternatively, you can install the update and its prerequisites manually using the 2023-05 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 21H2 or a more recent successor. For more information about this update, see KB5026361.

  3. Start PowerShell with Administrator privileges.
    You use this instance of PowerShell to verify the target operating system meets requirements then perform the transformation.

    • Select Start
    • Type PowerShell
    • Right-click Windows PowerShell
    • Select Run as administrator
  4. Verify the Windows version and edition
    Run the following command from the PowerShell prompt to retrieve the version and edition information.

    Dism /Online /Get-CurrentEdition
    

    The following properties are required to continue to the next step:

    • ImageVersion : 10.0.19044.2905 or later
    • Current Edition : EnterpriseS
  5. Install a product key
    In this step you use the command line utility slmgr.vbs /ipk to install a product key associated with your desired activation model.

    1. KMS Client
      Install the Generic Volume License Key (GVLK) for Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC if you plan to activate using an on-premises key management service.
      GVLK: KBN8V-HFGQ4-MGXVD-347P6-PDQGT

      slmgr /ipk KBN8V-HFGQ4-MGXVD-347P6-PDQGT
      
    2. Multiple Activation Key (MAK)
      Install the Multiple Activation Key that you acquired through the Volume License Service Center.

      slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
      

      Where XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX is your Multiple Activation Key (MAK)

  6. Verify transformation
    Upon successfully installing the product key associated with your volume license activation model, the operating system edition changes to IoTEnterpriseS. Run the following command at the PowerShell prompt to confirm.

    Dism /Online /Get-CurrentEdition
    

    You should now see the same ImageVersion but the Current Edition has changed to IoTEnterpriseS as follows:

    • ImageVersion : 10.0.19044.2905 or later
    • Current Edition : IoTEnterpriseS
  7. Confirm activation expiry Run the following command at the PowerShell command prompt to verify the expiry of your volume license activation.

    slmgr /xpr
    

    If you're using MAK activation, a message indicating that the machine is permanently activated appears.

    If you're using KMS client activation, a message appears with a date that your current volume activation expires. Your device attempts to sync with the on-premises Key Management Service and renew its activation periodically.

Deployment

Licensing & Procurement

For organizations purchasing IoT Enterprise LTSC through a via volume license agreement, consult your Volume License Administrator for assistance. The software download and volume license keys are found in the Downloads and Keys section of Volume Licensing Service Center or Microsoft 365 admin center.