Differences Between Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB and CB: Which Update Channel is Right for You
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB (Long Term Servicing Branch) and CB (Current Branch) are two different update channels for Windows 10 Enterprise edition. The key differences between the two are:
- Update frequency: CB receives feature updates and security patches regularly, typically every six months, while LTSB receives only security updates for ten years, with no feature updates during that period.
- Stability: LTSB is designed to be a stable and consistent platform for mission-critical systems and devices that cannot tolerate frequent changes, while CB is designed for users who want to stay current with the latest features and improvements.
- Compatibility: Because of its stability and limited updates, LTSB may not be compatible with the latest hardware and software, while CB is designed to be compatible with the latest hardware and software.
- Support: LTSB is supported for ten years from the date of release, while CB is only supported for a limited time, typically 18 months.
- Licensing: LTSB is only available to customers with a volume licensing agreement and cannot be purchased through retail channels, while CB is available to both volume licensing customers and retail customers.
In summary, the main differences between Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB and CB are the frequency of updates, stability, compatibility, support, and licensing. Organizations that require a stable and consistent platform may choose LTSB, while those who want to stay current with the latest features and improvements may choose CB.