Microsoft Rolls Out Windows 10 Anniversary Update

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, just days after it ceased free upgrades to its new software.

Described as the largest update to the PC operating system since its big revamp in 2015, is free to users who have already upgraded to Windows 10.

However, those who have not already upgraded to Windows 10 will now have to pay £99.99 for the privilege.

Advertisement

The Anniversary Update sees Microsoft’s virtual assistant Cortana become more central, being used as part of any search, while a new feature called Windows Ink enables users to annotate on their screens more freely, and across different apps, with a stylus.

The Microsoft Edge web browser, introduced in Windows 10 to replace Internet Explorer, is also being tweaked so it becomes more power-efficient.

“We are committed to delivering continuous innovation to you: including features that bring Windows Ink and Cortana to the mainstream; a faster, more accessible and more power-efficient Microsoft Edge browser;

advanced security features for consumers and enterprises; new gaming experiences and new tools for the modern classroom,” the technology firm said.

Advertisement

“Everyone running Windows 10 will get these new features for free.”

Facial recognition technology and Windows Hello are among the advanced security features being made available to log in to websites and apps.

According to the company, here’s how to get the Window 10 Anniversary Update:

Firstly, the upgrade only works for Windows 10, so those who are still using Windows 7 or 8 will need to the make the leap first, before installing the add-on update.

Secondly, users need to make sure that their computer is up to the job – the update requires a minimum 2GB of RAM and 16GB of hard drive capacity.

Advertisement

Computers should be backed up before the update is carried out, just in case anything goes wrong.

The mobile version of the update is available for devices measuring up to 9 inches, while on desktop, it can be applied to devices as small as 7 inches.

Those who have enabled automatic Windows 10 updates when installing the software should see a prompt to download the Anniversary Update as soon as it is available.

To turn on automatic updates, head to the Start Menu, then Settings > Update and security > turn on automatic updates.

For people who do not have automatic updates enabled, they will need to manually install the update.

To do this, they can simply head to the Start Menu, then click on Settings > Update and security > Check for updates.

Advertisement

Till date, more than 350m devices have been upgraded since Windows 10 was released in July 2015.

Leave a comment

Advertisement