Our Operations Director, Guy Hocking, previously made reference to a Windows 10 ‘anniversary update’ which was announced by Microsoft during its World Partner Conference this year.

If you are like me, you will be eager to get the latest updates applied the moment they are released, although the Windows 10 Anniversary update is being rolled out gradually to users over the next two weeks, so you may have to be patient if you are waiting for it to come to you.

Alternatively, there is a faster way. If you look within the ‘Update & Security’ area under the ‘Windows Update’ sub-menu, you will see a ‘Learn more’ button. If you click this, it will take you to a web page that explains more about the Windows 10 anniversary update. On this page, you can click to Install the update – which I did. It took around 30-40 mins to complete, so be prepared! This did include the time to download the update, which was fairly large, and I am fortunate enough to have a very fast internet connection in the office.

The Windows 10 Anniversary update offers some cosmetic changes as well as some good additional functionality. The key point for me was that all of these features have been tested for months by the ‘Windows Insiders’ around the globe, so it was good to know that this software has been thoroughly evaluated.

So what’s included? Let’s dig deeper. Here are some of the key changes I feel are worthy of a mention:

Bash shell

Satya Nadella seems to have had an influence with this addition. ‘Bash shell’ technology has been added, which means a Linux-based operating system or application can now be run within Windows 10. This is a huge gesture, demonstrating Microsoft’s intention to converge Windows with other languages. I’m sure this feature alone will be enough to attract users from other platforms.

Virtual desktop pins

With people switching windows frequently and living in different remote desktops, it is now possible to pin an application to your primary desktop, so it’s always in view.

Dark theme

I was surprisingly excited with this, such a small addition that makes quite a big difference. I have always found Microsoft themes to be very bright and a long day looking at my screen does take its toll on my eyes. So I am welcoming this new dark theme with open arms.

Activation Troubleshooter

This one is a true gem and allows us to tie our Microsoft Windows operating system licence to our Microsoft accounts – rather than the physical hardware. This means when we rebuild PCs, replacing motherboards and so forth, we no longer have to sit on the phone to Microsoft to request activation. There is a limit, however, to the number of times hardware can be swapped, although the underlying message is that we can now own a copy of Windows 10 for life.

Edge

I have never enjoyed my experiences with this browser, always finding Chrome to be superior. But the integration of Cortana and the ability to install extensions (these are like apps/add-ons into Edge itself – just like Chrome) has given Edge a real boost. A few others are added around pushed content and reducing annoying Flash adverts!

Windows Hello

This fantastic authentication technology is now able not only to sign you into Windows, but also to work with a handful of apps. Microsoft says that possibilities for the integration of Hello are endless and that the surface has only been scratched. Expect Microsoft Edge to soon be Hello compatible, allowing us to log in to websites using our facial features rather than usernames and passwords.

Windows Ink

For those of us with a Microsoft Surface, this update makes the most of the Pen. The Ink tool set has been expanded with a dedicated ‘ink workspace’ and integration with Cortana. This means Cortana can now translate our scribbled notes into reminders and a digital ruler is also now available to get your scribble as straight as an arrow.

Cortana

Cortana has had a general overhaul. It has been granted access to Microsoft Office Outlook and Calendar and its general awareness of commands has been extended. We can also now get to Cortana from the lock screen, so we can see our upcoming schedule at a glance. An interesting decision from Microsoft, reflected within the Windows 10 Anniversary update, is that you can no longer disable Cortana completely should you wish to. An effort to make Cortana Android aware for our mobile phones is also apparent, with the ability to send alerts to our PC when our mobile phone battery is low being one example.

Start Menu

I noticed a change instantly with the Start Menu. It is slicker and certainly feels cleaner. Its icons are placed slightly differently but there’s nothing to be concerned about. A good overall improvement in my opinion!

Connect App

This is a feature I cannot stop playing with. The Connect App is now available to download from the App Store. This allows me to connect wirelessly to another Windows 10 device and mirror the screen. Like the original ‘Miracast’ technology, but without the ties of the hardware requirement. For presentation purposes, it’s a really handy feature.

Action Center & Task Bar

The Action Center can now be tweaked to alter alerts for different Apps and situations. So you can tell Windows what to alert on and what to ignore, setting different priorities for different events depending on what is important to you.

Remember the small Calendar you get when going to the clock at the bottom right of the screen? This is now a fully integrated Calendar with the Calendar app, so you can see your Schedule and Tasks much quicker. It is a shame this does not tie in with Microsoft Outlook, hopefully this is on the cards for the future.

Verdict

Windows 10 Anniversary update is well worth the install. It has brought some really positive changes, so when this update presents itself on your computer (or if you decide to update manually, like me) go ahead and take advantage of Microsoft efforts. Do consider the time your machine will be unavailable whilst the update loads up and schedule this procedure for a convenient time.

If you have any concerns around the update for your own PC or maybe your whole office, the Utilize support desk is on hand for our clients and will be happy to offer support. Do also read this fantastic blog from Darren Bartlett our Technical Account Director which touches on important Windows 10 compatibility issues – again, the Utilize support desk is here to help if needed.