Windows 11 LTSC for Gaming: A Review

Introduction

• A few weeks ago, a tutorial on installing Windows 11 LTSC was shared.
• Common feedback was skepticism about using LTSC as a desktop OS, especially for gaming.
• This video tests Windows 11 LTSC for its gaming capabilities compared to standard versions.

Sponsor Segment

• Promotes a sponsor offering Windows 11 licenses at a discounted price using the code "cyber CPU".

Clarification on Windows 11 Versions

• Previous mistake corrected: The version tested is Windows 11 Enterprise IoT LTSC, not Enterprise LTSC.
• IoT stands for Internet of Things, and LTSC stands for Long-Term Servicing Channel.

Setup for Testing

• System configuration: AMD Ryzen 7600, 32GB RAM, RTX 3060.
• Installed typical gaming applications and games to compare performance with Windows 11 Home/Pro.

Performance Tests

• Counter Strike 2:

  • 1080p: LTSC showed a 5.8% improvement in average frame rates.
  • 1440p: 11.7% increase in frame rates with better frame timings.

• Cyberpunk:

  • 1080p: Minimal difference between Pro and LTSC.
  • 1440p: Slight improvement in frame rates and timings on LTSC.

• Red Dead Redemption 2:

  • 1080p: Minor differences, within margin of error.
  • 1440p: 2.8% improvement in frame rates on LTSC.

• RoboCop:

  • 1080p: Slight improvements in frame rate and timings.
  • 1440p: Results within the margin of error.

• Shadow of the Tomb Raider:

  • 1080p and 1440p: Slight improvements in frame timings on LTSC.

Conclusions

• LTSC provided marginal performance improvements, especially at 1440p.
• LTSC as a lightweight OS benefits primarily GPU rather than CPU.

Recommendations

• Using LTSC can be better than community-made de-bloated Windows versions due to its official source.
• LTSC might have some compatibility issues with certain games due to missing components like the Xbox app.
• LTSC’s long-term support can be a disadvantage as software publishers may not support older builds in long run.
• Recommendations:
  • Use LTSC if preferring de-bloated OS versions.
  • Use Windows 11 Pro for general use to avoid potential compatibility issues later.

Additional Resources

• A link to another video on setting up Windows 11 for gaming is provided for further guidance.