Comparing Different Editions of Windows

Microsoft created different update channels for Windows. You can control which updates you get by purchasing the recommended edition of Windows 10 or Windows 11 and by configuring your PC. The table that follows shows the editions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 that Aerotech supports and recommends. These recommendations are based on the amount of control that you have over the Windows update behavior.

Table: Recommendations for Windows 10 and Windows 11 Editions

Windows Edition	Aerotech Supported	Aerotech Recommended
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB⁽¹⁾ Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2019 Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC
Windows 10 Enterprise Windows 11 Enterprise
Windows 10 Professional Windows 11 Professional
Windows 10 Home Windows 11 Home
(1) If you purchase a PC from Aerotech, it ships with Windows 10 LTSC pre-installed.

About Windows 10/11 Enterprise LTSB and LTSC Editions

The LTSB and LTSC editions are part of the long-term servicing channel of Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you purchase a Windows PC from Aerotech, it ships with an LTSB or LTSC edition. Depending on the licensing agreement and year purchased, these editions are known as "Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB", "Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC", "Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB", "Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC", or "Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC". The edition might have a calendar year (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021) in the name as well. For Windows 10, the 2016, 2019, and 2021 editions have been validated for use with Automation1.

Support

Aerotech recommends and supports this edition of Windows. Most Aerotech-supplied PCs ship with Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB or LTSC pre-installed.

Update Types

Windows downloads and installs driver and quality updates only. Windows does not download and install feature updates.

Update Configuration Options

You can control when Windows installs driver and quality updates.

Automation1 Compatibility

This edition of Windows is the most compatible with Automation1 because you can get quality updates without also having to get feature updates that can cause problems.

About Windows 10/11 Enterprise and Professional Editions

Support

Aerotech supports these editions of Windows, but does not recommend them.

Update Types

Windows downloads and installs driver, feature, and quality updates.

Update Configuration Options

You can control when Windows installs driver, feature, and quality updates. You can also defer feature updates.

Automation1 Compatibility

To use these editions of Windows with Automation1, Aerotech recommends that you do one of the configurations that follow:

Disable automatic downloads for Windows updates. Then download and install updates manually when Automation1 is not being used. For instructions about how to manually download and install the updates, see Recommended Update Settings.
Manage and control Windows automatic updates on your corporate network. To do this, you must use a Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server and configure the Domain Group Policy. Your IT department must help you complete this configuration.

If you install Windows updates and a feature update is included, it might be necessary for you to correct your Automation1 and INtime configuration. For instructions about how to do this, see Correcting Your Automation1 Configuration.

About Windows 10/11 Home Edition

Support

Aerotech does not support or recommend this edition of Windows.

Update Types

Windows downloads and installs driver, feature, and quality updates.

Update Configuration Options

Windows downloads and installs all of the updates. You have limited control over when they occur.

Automation1 Compatibility

This edition of Windows is not compatible with Automation1.

Next Topic: Recommended Update Settings