Microsoft reveals Windows 10 anniversary update coming 2 August

29 Jun 2016

The anniversary update includes Windows Ink, enhancements to Cortana and Edge and new security updates

Microsoft says it plans to release an anniversary update to Windows 10 on 2 August, just over a year since the operating system launched.

Microsoft is hurtling towards its goal of achieving 1bn installs of Windows 10 and is currently at 350m installs worldwide.

The software giant said that there have been more than 135bn hours of use of Windows 10 since it launched.

The free upgrade offer for Windows 10 officially ends on 29 July 2016. However, existing users of Windows 10 will get the anniversary update for free on 2 August.

The anniversary update will include updates and features for consumers and enterprises, including Windows Ink, enhancements to Cortana and Edge and new security updates in the form of Windows Hello for apps and websites and Windows Defender.

“Over 90pc of people have abandoned websites instead of locating a forgotten password because security hasn’t been easy enough to use,” explained Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Windows and Devices Group.

“New Windows Hello features make it easy for you to use the same easy, yet strong, security of Windows Hello, with Windows apps and Microsoft Edge, the first and only browser to natively support biometrics with supporting sites. The anniversary update also enables companion devices to use Windows Hello to unlock your PC, giving you more choices for quick, secured sign-ins.

“Improvements to Windows Defender, our free anti-malware service, includes the option to automatically schedule periodic quick scans of your PC; as well as provide new notifications and summaries when scans are complete and threats are found.”

Microsoft also revealed new special offers in the US. Students can save $300 when they purchase a Xbox One and Surface at Microsoft stores, or get a free TV when they purchase a Dell PC over $699. Plus, consumers can get $150 off select HP devices or $100 off select Asus and Samsung devices.

Windows 10 image via Shutterstock

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com