Windows 11 LTSC 2024 for IoT devices has very liberal hardware requirements

TL;DR: Traditional desktop and server versions of Windows 11 have surprisingly high system requirements, making it impossible to install newer versions of the operating system on older computers. However, Microsoft has released a more compact version of Windows for IoT devices, theoretically providing Windows enthusiasts with Enterprise licenses with new modding opportunities.

Microsoft recently released official ISO images of Windows 11 LTSC 2024, the latest version of the company’s operating system aimed at enterprise customers requiring longer periods of support. LTSC versions of Windows are intended for businesses that, unlike “normal” PC consumers, prefer to avoid frequent updates and new features. The “IoT Enterprise” variants offer the same consumer edition of Windows, but can theoretically be installed on older systems.

Modders recently confirmed a cool trick that involves installing the Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC operating system on unsupported computers, bypassing checking the system requirements during the installation process. According to Microsoft, the IoT Enterprise LTSC edition of Windows 11 is intended for “specialized devices and use cases” where operating system features need to remain consistent over the life of the device.

IoT devices eligible for Windows 11 LTSC installation are typically found in specific industries such as banking, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing and retail, Microsoft says. The corporation has developed the IoT Enterprise edition with these use cases in mind, offering 10 years of support with no additional consumer-grade features installed during the system lifecycle.

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 includes significant security and application improvements by making Microsoft Edge the default browser and permanently removing Internet Explorer 11. Compared to the desktop and server versions of Windows, the official system requirements for IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 are noticeably lenient and they no longer force users to install the operating system on state-of-the-art PC hardware.

The new LTSC OS can be installed on systems with less than 4GB of RAM, a primary SSD, or even a slow 16GB hard drive or hybrid drive. UEFI firmware and TPM 2.0 are not required, but API support may be limited to DirectX 10 (with DirectX 12) or none at all. The display is completely optional, with preferred requirements being a 9-inch screen with at least 720p resolution.

The operating system can essentially run on minimal hardware, bringing some of the best hidden improvements to the Windows 11 architecture to less powerful machines. Interested users will need to purchase an Enterprise license from Microsoft or check out the well-known unofficial methods to test the simplified Windows 11 IoT experience.