Merge pull request #2086 from MicrosoftDocs/surface-learn-102

LTSC merge update

.openpublishing.redirection.json

@@ -379,6 +379,16 @@
             "source_path":  "surface/self-serve-warranty-service.md",
             "redirect_url": "/surface/surface-portals",
             "redirect_document_id":  false
-        }                                                      						
+        },       
+        {
+            "source_path":  "surface/ltsb-for-surface.md",
+            "redirect_url": "/surface/surface-device-compatibility-with-windows-ltsc",
+            "redirect_document_id":  false
+        },         
+        {
+            "source_path":  "surface/surface-device-compatibility-with-windows-10-ltsc.md",
+            "redirect_url": "/surface/surface-device-compatibility-with-windows-ltsc",
+            "redirect_document_id":  false
+        }                                                                        						
     ]
 }

surface/surface-accessories-driver-firmware-lifecycle-support.md

@@ -73,6 +73,6 @@ Surface Slim Pen                                     | October 1, 2019     | Sep
 ## Learn more
 
 - [Surface driver and firmware lifecycle for Windows-based devices](surface-driver-firmware-lifecycle-support.md)
-- [Surface Hub devices and accessories Driver and firmware lifecycle  ](/surface-hub/surface-hub-driver-firmware-accessories-lifecycle)
-- [Surface device compatibility with Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)](surface-device-compatibility-with-windows-10-ltsc.md)
+- [Surface Hub devices and accessories Driver and firmware lifecycle](/surface-hub/surface-hub-driver-firmware-accessories-lifecycle)
+- [Surface device compatibility with Windows Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)](surface-device-compatibility-with-windows-ltsc.md)
 - [Surface Warranty and Support Plans](https://www.microsoft.com/surface/business/warranty-protection-plans-and-support)

surface/surface-device-compatibility-with-windows-ltsc.md

@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+---
+title: Surface device compatibility with Windows Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)
+description: Learn how Surface devices align with Windows LTSC editions, offering stability for specialized systems, with guidance on transitions to Windows 11
+ms.service: surface
+author: coveminer
+ms.author: chauncel
+ms.topic: conceptual
+ms.localizationpriority: medium
+ms.date: 10/23/2024
+manager: frankbu
+---
+
+# Surface device compatibility with Windows Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)
+
+Surface devices are designed for productivity and general-purpose use, benefiting from continuous updates delivered via the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC). However, some organizations might require the **Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)** for special-purpose systems, such as manufacturing equipment or healthcare environments.
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]  
+> With **Windows 10** support ending on **October 14, 2025**, we recommend transitioning to **Windows 11**, **Windows 365**, or using **Extended Security Updates (ESU)** for legacy systems. See [End of support for Windows 10](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/end-of-support).
+
+## New LTSC for Windows 11
+
+For organizations using Surface devices in scenarios where stability is more important than frequent updates—such as **medical equipment**, **ATMs**, or **point-of-sale systems**—LTSC ensures long-term reliability. These systems benefit from fewer updates, minimizing disruptions while maintaining critical functionality.
+
+- **Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024**: Designed for specialized systems, offering long-term support with limited feature updates.  
+- **Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024**: Available through OEMs or Volume Licensing, suitable for embedded systems requiring long-term maintenance.
+
+To learn more, see [Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024](/windows/whats-new/ltsc/whats-new-windows-11-2024) and [Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024](/windows/iot/iot-enterprise/whats-new/windows-11-iot-enterprise-ltsc-2024).
+
+### LTSC availability
+
+- **Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024**: Available via Volume Licensing on a **per-user or per-device** model.  
+- **Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024**: Offered through OEMs or Microsoft’s Volume Licensing program.
+
+## Limitations of LTSC for Surface devices
+
+While LTSC provides long-term stability, it might limit certain Surface features. Key experiences that rely on **Windows Feature Updates**—such as **Direct Ink improvements**, **the Surface app for pressure sensitivity settings**, and **Windows Ink Workspace**—are unavailable.
+
+Using LTSC with Surface devices might also limit the functionality of core apps, such as **Microsoft Edge**, **OneNote**, **Camera**, and **Calendar**, which are optimized for the Semi-Annual Channel.
+
+Additionally:
+
+- **Driver and firmware updates** aren't explicitly tested against LTSC editions, potentially leading to compatibility issues.
+- **Replacement devices** might include newer hardware components that require more recent drivers, which LTSC might not support.
+
+## General-purpose Surface devices and LTSC
+
+Surface devices that run **productivity apps like Microsoft Office**, **access Microsoft Store apps**, or **browse the internet** should remain on **Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise**, using the Semi-Annual Channel to receive the latest features and security patches.
+
+> [!NOTE]  
+> Organizations using a specific LTSC version may need to upgrade to newer LTSC releases or switch to **Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise** to maintain compatibility with new Surface hardware, such as **Surface Pro 10** or **Surface Laptop 6**. For more information, see [Windows LTSC Lifecycle FAQ](/lifecycle/faq/windows#what-are-the-requirements-for-servicing-and-updating-the-windows-10-long-term-servicing-channel--ltsc--).
+
+## Recommendations for organizations using LTSC
+
+For devices that only perform **single-task functions**, such as kiosks or embedded systems, LTSC offers a stable environment with minimal updates. However, for most other cases, organizations should:
+
+- **Use SAC with Windows 11**: This solution ensures access to the latest Surface features, drivers, and firmware updates.
+- **Transition from Windows 10 LTSC**: Perform **in-place upgrades** to Windows 11 using **Endpoint Configuration Manager** to avoid compatibility issues with new hardware.

surface/surface-driver-firmware-lifecycle-support.md

@@ -112,6 +112,6 @@ The following table lists products that have passed their end-of-servicing date
 - [Surface accessories driver and firmware lifecycle](surface-accessories-driver-firmware-lifecycle-support.md)
 - [Driver and firmware lifecycle for Surface Hub devices and accessories](/surface-hub/surface-hub-driver-firmware-accessories-lifecycle)
 - [Manage and deploy Surface driver and firmware updates](manage-surface-driver-and-firmware-updates.md)
-- [Surface device compatibility with Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)](surface-device-compatibility-with-windows-10-ltsc.md)
+- [Surface device compatibility with Windows Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)](surface-device-compatibility-with-windows-ltsc.md)
 - [Surface Warranty and Support Plans](https://www.microsoft.com/surface/business/warranty-protection-plans-and-support)
 - [Surface update history](https://support.microsoft.com/surface/surface-update-history-6036fff5-edec-c8ec-9796-a5633aac9488)

surface/surface-supported-operating-systems.md

@@ -114,4 +114,4 @@ This article lists the versions of Windows that are supported on the Business an
 ## More information
 
 Surface Pro devices are optimized for 64-bit versions of the operating system. On these devices, 32-bit versions of Windows are unsupported. If a 32-bit version of the operating system is installed, it may not start correctly. This may occur if you try to start from external media, such as an attached USB or DVD drive. This may also occur if you try to start to an image that was applied to the local disk.
-For additional information about LTSC support see [Surface device compatibility with Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)](surface-device-compatibility-with-windows-10-ltsc.md).
+For additional information about LTSC support see [Surface device compatibility with Windows Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)](surface-device-compatibility-with-windows-ltsc.md)

surface/toc.yml

@@ -65,10 +65,8 @@
           href: surface-driver-firmware-lifecycle-support.md
         - name: Surface accessories driver & firmware lifecycle
           href: surface-accessories-driver-firmware-lifecycle-support.md         
-        - name: Surface device compatibility with Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Branch
-          href: surface-device-compatibility-with-windows-10-ltsc.md
-        - name: Long-Term Servicing Branch for Surface devices
-          href: ltsb-for-surface.md
+        - name: Surface device compatibility with Windows LTSC
+          href: surface-device-compatibility-with-windows-ltsc.md
         - name: Ethernet adapters & Surface deployment
           href: ethernet-adapters-and-surface-device-deployment.md
         - name: Surface System SKU reference