Tag Archives: anniversary

Windows 10 Anniversary Update Time

Microsoft Windows Client, ,

Windows

Well, I was just about to get impatient enough to click the More Info link in the Check for Windows Updates app in order to force the Anniversary Update, but then it happened – Microsoft offered it up to me. It lists as “Feature update to Windows 10, version 1607”. Hmmmm, perhaps Marketing could have helped out with that name. You know, maybe mention something there about Anniversary Update???

Well – the download and install took about 25 minutes over a very fast Fiber connection, so plan for some down time here. There will be about 2 reboots during the process. After the final reboot and log in screen entry – you will get the now classic “Getting things ready…” screen.

By the way, my platform is rather ideal for this update – it is a new maxed out Surface Book. If you are on older non-Microsoft hardware, you might want to consider holding off a bit on the update since there have been reports of issues with the update (of course).

As I write this, I just made it to the desktop. I can quickly see the update was applied as I have a Windows Ink Workspace icon in the Notification area.

One quick amusing note – my Update History is now empty as this is a new build of Windows 10 that has yet to be updated. 🙂

I will keep you posted here at the blog as I play with the new features of this Windows 10 version. Of course I will also let you know the second anything gets bad. If you have any questions for me – feel free to comment below!
Microsoft Press

The Windows 10 Anniversary Update is Aug 2, 2016

Microsoft Windows Client, , ,

windows update

The First Big Windows 10 Update

If you are like me, you just love a good (and free) Windows update. Now that I am running around town with a new Surface Book, I am more excited than ever for the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. This update is officially available on August 2, 2016. Remember, another important date to remember is July 29, 2016. This is when all of those folks that are running Windows 7 or 8.1 will have to pay for their Windows 10.

So what is in this Anniversary Update that many of us will experience? Well, as a Microsoft Insider I have been playing with the features for some time now and they vary from the dull to the pretty cool (as usual). Here is a quick recap of some of the biggest.

What’s New in your Windows

  • Better security – that’s right, better enhancements like improved biometrics. And are you ready for this? An improved Windows Defender! Really! Windows Defender is that anti-malware software that you run all the time that never seems to catch any of your malware. 😉 For enterprises, new tools such as Windows Defender Advanced Protection and Windows Information Protection show up.
  • Advanced ink features – sadly, some won’t be able to take advantage of this on devices without a touchscreen and stylus (or their finger). There is a whole new area with Windows Ink tools and productive and fun apps. Plus, your device leads you to plenty of more Ink friendly apps in the Windows Store.
  • A better Cortana – that’s right, improvements to the Microsoft version of Siri! Even allowing her to help you with certain task from the lock screen.
  • A better Edge browser – the first improvement being a browser that is more efficient with your battery.  Also, Edge supports “extensions” for sites like Amazon and Pinterest. These are available in the Windows Store.
  • Great stuff for gamers –  with the Anniversary Update and the Xbox Play Anywhere program, you can buy a game one time and then freely play it on your Windows 10 PC and Xbox One.
  • Education –  the Update also brings a new “Set up School PCs” app for Windows 10 that aims to simplify the integration of Windows into the classroom.
  • GUI enhancements – from the ho-hum things icon improvements, to the really handy like improvements to the Start Menu, you will like much of what you see new in the Graphical User Interface.

I will be sure to keep you posted and provide more information on what is coming here at the blog. Here is the official Microsoft teaser: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/upcoming-features
Microsoft Press