Windows 10 has been with us for just over a year now and to celebrate this Microsoft has launched a new Anniversary update and it is available, hosting a bevy of new features which whilst not ground breaking add much needed touches of refinement to the operating system. A lot of the features included with the Anniversary update have been included in the Insider Preview since December.
So, what’s new?
With the new update Microsoft haven’t added any big name features, but instead has chosen to include some features which help refine Windows 10 and make it much easier to use. For starters Windows Ink is new and it allows users to draw all over the UI in Windows using the Surface Pen or your fingers if you have a touch screen device, it’s mostly useful for drawing on screenshots and images. Other notable small additions are UI and UX improvements to the start menu, taskbar and a more consistant dark theme across the OS.
A much requested new feature is extension support in Microsoft Edge, the replacement for Internet Explorer. IE is still included for enterprise uses where it may be needed, but it is hidden away. Extensions in Edge work much like they do Chrome and Firefox, support from today comes from 1Password, AdBlock, EverNote and LastPass with more to be added soon, they can be downloaded from the Windows Store.
Along with extensions in Edge, Microsoft is touting that its new in house browser is more frugal on battery power – even more so than Chrome in some cases.
How do I upgrade?
A lot of computers and tablets should automatically download Windows updates automatically, although if you want the new features right away you can manually download the update by following the guide below.
How to upgrade Windows 10
- Open Settings > Updates and Security > Windows Update
- Once in the update section,, click “Check for updates”
- The new Anniversary Update will appear as Windows 10 version 1607 and it will begin downloading it.
Source: Windows Blogs and The Verge
